Sub Shop offers alternative dining option

Photo By Lance Cpl. Garry Welch | Cpl. Taylor A. Pollard serves Lance Cpl. Brandon D. Browning a sub in the new Sub Shop located in barracks 473's second floor lounge Aug. 10.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.20.2010

Story by Pfc. Garry Welch 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

The Sub Shop, located in barracks 473's second floor lounge, opened Aug. 9 to provide healthy meal choices close to home, said Master Sgt. Charles L. James, the mess hall manager, Marine Corps Bases Camp Foster.

Marines have a choice of tuna, turkey, roast beef or ham sub or sandwiches, a soda, juice or water, chips and a cookie instead of going to the chow hall. Marines may utilize this service for both lunch and dinner.

"The idea was brought to my attention by our food service officer, so we came up with a plan and sent out e-mails to all staff [non-commissioned officers] to see if their Marines would use it," said James. "We got lots of positive feedback, so we came up with a menu."

It took one week for the sub shop to go from an idea to being operational, said James.
"Our personal goal when we opened the shop was to get at least 50 Marines per meal to utilize it, and we had over 50 Marines per meal coming in just the first day," said James.

"The food they have is very good," said Pfc. George J. Alvarez, transportation management specialist, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler. "It's very convenient since it is right in the barracks."

Interest was so great, the amount of food being prepared has doubled to ensure the Sub Shop does not run out, said James.

"This shop is unique," James said. "In the 21 years I have been in the Marine Corps, I have never seen one like this open. In the past we have made other arrangements, but since [barracks 473] had a kitchenette, we used that."

James said they plan to increase the selection of available options from just subs and sandwiches to include hot to-go foods.

As long as it is necessary, and as long as Marines continue to utilize it, the sub shop will remain open and continue to be enhanced to improve the selection of foods available for Marines, said James.

The sub shop is open for lunch between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and dinner from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

• Date Taken: 08.20.2010
• Date Posted: 08.19.2010 22:42
• Story ID: 54869
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP