Hacker Deli opens for business

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The Silver Sage Golf Course opened its newly renovated Hacker Deli April 1 after three and a half months of self-help improvements.

Renovations include a newly designed interior for the golf course club house, which offers a bistro-style deli and golf shop, a larger selection of food to include healthier meals and new hours of operation.

The 2007 Commander-in-Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence money provided some funds for the project, but didn't provide enough to complete everything the 366th Services Squadron wanted to do.

"We wanted to take it further, so it became a self-help project," said David Hymer, 366th SVS community support flight chief. "We gutted the facility from the ceiling tiles to the carpet. There are all new walls, floor coverings, tiles and art work. We really dressed up the décor to create a café effect."

A limited breakfast of pancakes and sausage will now be offered and new additions to the lunch and dinner time menu include wraps, bagels, fresh salads and other health-conscious items.

"After reading surveys from our customers, we noticed many wanted healthier foods, which is why we have the new menu, but we're still going to have hamburgers and steak sandwiches," said Mr. Hymer.

Another big change is the hours the deli is open.

"We were only open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.," said Mr. Hymer. "Now we're open to match the golf course hours. It's our ultimate goal to keep it open year round instead of closing when the golf season ends."

When the golf course hours change to maximize daylight, the bistro's hours will also change.

"I've been here 20 years and this is the first major change to the clubhouse," said Ray Newman, 366th SVS facility manager. "The building was built in 1974, and this is the biggest improvement for the interior."

Customers will have the option of dining indoors or out on the patio. To let people know that their food is ready, pagers will be handed out upon ordering food and will alert customers when their order is ready. A sound system was also installed to play relaxing music to improve the mood.

"It's a much different atmosphere," said Stephen Vedder, junior resident professional golfer and course superintendent. "There's more camaraderie. It's a one-stop shop for golf supplies, outings and great food. We offer custom fittings from top manufacturers along with brand name golf apparel. If we don't have what you need, we can get it."

But without the help from others, the project would have taken much longer.

"Dozens of people helped," said Mr. Newman. "We had a lot of support from the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron, the self-help store, the electric shop and many others."

With the new deli up and running, the golf course is looking to the future, thinking about what they can improve next.

"We now have a major renovation for the putting greens tentatively scheduled for 2009," said Mr. Newman.