By Scott Prater
Mountaineer staff
Soldiers’ newest dining option opened for business in the heart of Fort Carson’s barracks area Sept. 7, 2016. The new facility in building 2061, near the intersection of MaGrath Avenue and Yano Street, is known as “Carson Café” and offers convenience items from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Designed on the grab-and-go concept, Carson Café features a cafeteria-style setting and is for meal-card holders only.
Upon entering the café in the morning, Soldiers will find fruits, milk, juices, cereal and bagels. Lunch items include sandwiches, wraps, burritos, chips, pre-made salads and healthy choice items as well as assorted beverages.
“One of the great things about this concept is that Soldiers can obtain all of these items at the café by using their meal card,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Henry Thomas, 4th Infantry Division food adviser.
Guidance for the new facility came from a Department of the Army execution order, which was issued roughly eight months ago. Since quality service was a major consideration, food service personnel provided by the 4th Inf. Div. will continue to manage the facility.
The café’s designers added to the grab-and-go concept by installing large-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs, billiard tables and dart boards.
Spc. Dustin Jackson and Pfc. Brandon Escocio, both with 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, walked into the Carson Café Monday morning and picked up more than a handful of items, including fresh fruit and beverages. At checkout, they simply showed their meal cards to the facility attendant.
“This is really convenient for us,” Escocio said. “We live next door and it saves us from having to walk all the way to the dining facility.”
Jackson agreed: “It’s perfect for those of us who live close by.”
Thomas said Soldiers should keep in mind that they are still held to three meals per day on their meal cards, as authorized under the Army food program.
Gregory Joelle, Fort Carson food program manager, said the café’s visitor numbers have increased noticeably during its first week.
“I think our advertising and the fact that commanders are getting the word out to Soldiers has helped raise awareness,” he said. “The lunch hours are showing to be our peak usage times so far, and Soldiers are giving us positive feedback about the café’s convenience.”