• JB SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas

Port San Antonio is a busy hub, and the Army & Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has made it slightly more engaging — at least food-wise — by providing catering options from two popular nationally branded food outlets.

THE PROBLEM

Port San Antonio serves more than 3,000 Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center staff and visitors daily. Personnel are responsible for policy integration, governance management and many other duties.

However, it has limited dining options. It is home to a coffee shop, a self-serve 24/7 store and two food trucks that frequent the installation daily, but demand for additional food options increased because of visitor traffic and patronage during peak hours.

THE SOLUTION

With the limited dining options and increased patronage, Port San Antonio Deputy Director of Staff Meredith A. Costey knew something needed to be done, so she reached out to JBSA Lackland General Manager (GM) Mikel Hunter and Services Business Manager Maggie Colon for help.

“The Exchange’s role is to serve those who serve to ensure they are equipped to fight for our freedoms,” Hunter said. “Improving dining operations to include local chain caterers is the least we could do for our heroes.”

The solution? Catering from Jimmy John’s and Panda Express.

THE RESULT

Within the first two hours of operation beginning in July, Jimmy John’s and Panda Express averaged nearly $4,250 in sales.

Staffed by Panda Express and Jimmy John’s employees, the catering service is available weekly, serving more than 200 visitors at each catering event, with Panda Express serving on Tuesdays and Jimmy John’s on Thursdays.

“It’s another way we continue thinking beyond the horizon,” Colon said. “We’re all about finding innovative ways to support the military community while highlighting the Exchange’s capabilities and continued relevance.”

Source: AAFES

Edited by Larry Lapka