Just over half a year after the look and menu of Bruce Hall got an overhaul, Quantico’s Food Services Branch has seen a noticeable increase in business at the facility.

“Right now, the feedback we’ve been getting is great,” said Master Sgt. Eric Joseph, base food technician, noting that the uptick in numbers has been accompanied by an increase in positive feedback from surveys, customer comment cards and remarks through the online Interactive Customer Evaluation system. “We know we’re going in the right direction.”

Between June and September of 2013, Bruce Hall, the primary mess hall for the main side of Quantico, served 18,945 meals. That’s up from 17,398 for the same four-month time period last year. Totals were up for three of those four months this year.

The dining facility rolled out its new look and menu on April 22, with a “market” theme and a fusion bar that rotates weekly between different ethnic food themes. The sub shop that serves as the hall’s to-go food source now operates only between meals and is replaced by a fast-food counter during lunch and dinner, serving food such as pizza, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs.

Before the change, mealtime at Bruce Hall only consisted of the main food line and the sub shop, said Erik Buehrle, area general manager for Sodexo, the company that manages the base food halls. “We’re giving the Marines and sailors more of a variety in the options they have.”

“We’re trying to draw those meal card holders to the mess hall instead of having them going out and spending their money,” Joseph said, “and they can’t beat the deal.”

Buehrle noted that the food is also generally healthier than off-base options, as many of the fattier foods have been discarded for grilled chicken and other healthier options.

The changes are part of an effort Sodexo is making across the many Marine Corps mess halls it manages. In the last year and a half, Buehrle said, just about every mess hall aboard Quantico has undergone major menu changes.

Joseph encouraged diners to continue to offer feedback, adding that he would like those who comment through the ICE system to include their contact information so Food Services can follow up and find specific ways to continue improving service.

— Writer: mdicicco@quanticosentryonline.com