Renovated Dyess dining facility offers delicious dishes to all

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kylsee Wisseman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The improved Longhorn Dining Facility opened for business July 23, 2014, to all patrons of Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

The facility was closed for nine months to upgrade to the Food Transformation Initiative, an Air Force-wide initiative to improve food options provided to Airmen.

"The Food Transformation Initiative helps focus on Airmen's changing needs, lifestyles and food preferences," said 1st Lt. Elizabeth Clark, 7th Force Support Squadron sustainment flight chief. "With the new menu items, Airmen have the choice to eat healthier and be fit to fight."

The dining facility offers expanded dining choices to include a Mongolian grill, UFood, pizza bar, deli and fruit smoothies. There is also a 'Simply-to-Go' section with sandwiches and other snacks prepared ahead of time for faster service.

"Although the food will be more expensive than a traditional dining facility, the quality reflects the expense due to higher quality food and fresh ingredients for our patrons," Clark said.

At the Mongolian grill, Airmen create their own bowl with meat, vegetables, starches and sauces. The pizza bar includes a deli and Panini's. UFood is designed for freshness and nutrition, and fruit smoothies are available in a variety of flavors.

The dining facility will be open:
Monday-Friday:
--6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
--10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
--4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Weekends and Holidays:
--6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
--10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
--4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Airmen who want a snack between meals can use the 'Simply-to-Go' option.

The flight kitchen, now called "The Lift," has been moved to the three-bay hangar, building 5110, and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

An additional success of FTI is enhancing a sense of Air Force community by allowing civilians, families and retirees to eat in the dining facility.

"Allowing the installation community to eat at FTI food operations will bring in more customers per meal," Clark said.

Additionally, Airmen who have access to the meal card program will be able to eat at the dining facility, bowling center and Legend's Café, but will no longer receive full Basic Allowance for Subsistence.


"I am excited about the healthy food choices that are offered to us now," said Airman 1st Class Michael Merrell, 7th Contracting Squadron contract administrator. "It's nice to see a lot more variety, as well as having options for snacks between meals with the 'Simply-to-Go'."

For hours of operation, weekly menus and nutritional information, logon to https://flyafb-dyess.catertrax.com.