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FRONT BURNER

Washington Navy Yard The Washington Navy Yard food court has re-
opened with two of its four food outlets operating
Welcomes Food Court’s Return while work to complete the others is expected
to conclude in January 2018.
ervice members and civilians are (NAVFAC) and Civilian Morale, Welfare couple years now and the food court
Senjoying the Washington Navy and Recreation (CMWR). used to be a prime gathering area. It
Yard (WNY) food court, which reopened “NEXCOM is renovating the actual hasn’t been for a long time, due to all
recently after being closed more than food concept spaces,” said Jennifer the work that’s been done. After the
a year for renovation. Sullivan, NEXCOM branch exchange re-opening, I saw big lines that were
The food court reopened July 24, manager. “NAVFAC is involved as an moving quickly and happy people sit-
2017, ending the third and final phase overseeing entity to make sure every- ting at the tables. I think it’s a much
of renovations to the Navy Yard Town thing is meeting base requirements. more inviting atmosphere than we’ve
Center, which began in May 2016. The CMWR takes care of the seating area. had in at least a year, and people will
Town Center has become home to a new They deep-cleaned the floor, there’s all enjoy the changes.”
Navy Exchange Express and barber shop. new seating and they installed 70-inch Liddle hopes that the newly reno-
The food court has a newly opened televisions.” vated food court will serve as a central
Panda Express and Au Bon Pain, while Angie Banks, director of CMWR, gathering area in the WNY Town Center.
Wayback Burgers and White Lotus Sushi added that the food court was due for “There’s new furniture, we’ve
are expected to open in January 2018. some much needed upgrade. cleaned up the floors and everything
“It’s been a complicated process to “We wanted a seating concept that is bigger and brighter,” said Liddle. “It’s
get everything completed,” said Lt. would accommodate everybody,” said all going to continue to get better as
Cmdr. John Liddle, executive officer Banks. “We thought having high tops we continue to deliver quality service
of Naval Support Activity Washington. and booths with electric hook-ups to our tenant commands.”
“A lot of painstaking effort went into would provide a more cozy and com-
this, but we’re glad to see these things fortable seating experience.” Washington Navy Yard Food Court
finally coming to fruition.” WNY hosted several food trucks Reopened: July 24, 2017
According to Liddle, before the reno- around the base to compensate for the Closed: May 2016
vation, the food court wasn’t work- loss of the food court during renova-
ing well because four restaurants were tion. Liddle said, due to popular de- Restaurants Open: Panda Express,
sharing the same kitchen. As a result mand, the base has decided to move Au Bon Pain.
they created four individual concepts forward with the most popular one or Restaurants Expected to Open in
so in the future if one goes out, they two trucks to keep everyone as happy January 2018: Wayback Burgers and
can bring a new one in much faster as as possible. White Lotus Sushi.
opposed to the year-long renovation Despite the popularity of the food
that’s just now getting finished. trucks, Liddle feels there was a social Renovation Partners: Washington
The renovation has been a com- void left by the absence of the food Navy Yard; Navy Exchange Service
bined effort between WNY, the Navy Ex- court. Command; Navy Facilities Engineer-
change Service Command (NEXCOM), “It’s an intangible thing, but it mat- ing Command and Civilian Morale,
Navy Facilities Engineering Command ters,” said Liddle. “I’ve been here for a Welfare and Recreation.
6 GOVERNMENT FOOD SERVICE • NOVEMBER 2017