JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The Wilderness Inn hasn’t had a remodel since it opened in 2005. In November 2016, the dining facility decided to repaint the walls, bring in new tables and chairs, and replace the dishwasher and conveyor belt because the old equipment was outdated.
During the planning stages, the staff put in a lot of consideration to make sure Airmen and Soldiers can enjoy a relaxed environment.
“The renovation is done around the operating hours, so we don’t cause any interruption of service with the [Airmen and Soldiers] coming here to eat,” said Kevin Moore, 673d Force Support Squadron food service specialist and contracting officer representative. “Everyone is thrilled and pleased by what they are seeing. It was a project long overdue and we are glad to see it coming together.”
The new seating arrangement and furniture can now serve more than 300 customers at a time, increasing the dining capacity to 42 percent.
“We only had tables and chairs before; the booths are more comfortable. The high-top tables with bar stools also give you an off-base restaurant feel,” said Sgt. 1st Class William Blankenship, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) 25th Infantry Division senior culinary management noncommissioned officer, who has been part of the Wilderness Inn since October 2014. “If you haven’t come down to check out the new renovations and try the wonderful meals we have, you have to check it out.”
With the renovation almost done, the staff hopes JBER members will appreciate the efforts.
In addition, Moore said they’re looking for bigger and better things from this facility; the goal now is to be one of the top dining facilities throughout Pacific Air Forces and the U.S. Army Pacific.