JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The Robert D. Gaylor Dining Facility opened for service Feb. 1, 2019, after being closed for renovations.
The dining facility was closed since March 2017 for construction and repairs to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Later, additional construction projects were added to the design with the goal of improving food quality, variety and availability for Airmen and eligible patrons.
The Food 2.0 program has been implemented to gear food service management to a more centralized single management team model. Formerly called the Air Force Food Transformation Initiative, Food 2.0 is designed to provide improved culinary training and give JBC community members a campus-style dining experience to enhance food quality and provide Airmen with more nutritious meals.
The new renovations are expected to help dining facility personnel adjust to changing lifestyles, needs and preferences, as well as to improve efficiency, reduce costs and restore a sense of community, all while maintaining mission feeding capabilities.
“With the new Food 2.0 concept, at other bases which have already implemented this dining format, they’ve realized an increase in utilization from 39% to 58% Air Force-wide,” said Lt. Col. William Parker, 628th Force Support Squadron commander. “We’ve found that our customers love it—from the faster service to healthier menus and healthier food preparation. You will find more food variety available daily and increased average weekly DFAC availability from 55 hours to 98 hours per week! There was a lot put into this concept to enhance quality of life for all and I hope you enjoy it.”
Additionally, Food 2.0 will also make the dining facility open to all JBC members, including service members, dependents, civilians, contractors and retirees.
Parker also said Airmen who are on meal cards—who would typically be limited to exercising their benefit at the dining facility—will now have the option of going to any of the FSS dining options on the Air Base to eat, greatly broadening their dining opportunities.
The new dining facility open food service area will feature options such as a salad bar, hot meal line, ramen and fresh smoothies. Prepackaged products will also be available for Airmen on the go or that don’t have time to sit down and eat.
The facility is named after Robert D. Gaylor, who was the fifth chief master sergeant of the Air Force.