Budget cuts equal changes in food services on MacDill

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Ellis
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  "We're streamlining processes and becoming more efficient in order to show that we're being good stewards of taxpayers' dollars," said Master Sgt. Marcus Watson, Diner's Reef Dining Facility manager.

Commencing June 17, customers will note changes in operational hours.

While hours are being slightly reduced, the quality of service will remain intact, according to Senior Master Sgt. Deb Parsons, 6th Force Support Squadron food service superintendent.

"The facility remains open to all base personnel and guests, and our customers do not pay a surcharge or tax on their meal purchase," Parsons said.

Diner's Reef recently expanded its menu options and seating capacity. The approximately 350-seat facility currently serves more than 277,000 meals annually.

Grab-n-Go options such as sandwiches and salads are available between the daytime meals for anybody who cannot dine during the established breakfast, lunch and dinner hours.

In addition to a change in hours, Air-Force wide facilities will no longer have a bus staff to clear tables after customers dine.

Watson added, referencing the necessary changes considering funding constraints, Overall, we want to minimize waste and the impact to customers."

New hours of operation will be:
Monday - Friday
Breakfast: 6 - 9 a.m.
Grab-n-Go: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Lunch: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Grab-n-Go: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Grab-n-Go: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Midnight meal: 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Weekends/Holidays/Wing down days
Breakfast: 6 - 8:30 a.m.
Grab-n-Go: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Lunch: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Grab-n-Go: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Midnight meal: 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.