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Cardinal Creek Café opens for business

  • Published
  • By Monte Miller
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  What was once just a golf course snack bar has now become a café.

After almost two months of renovation, the snack bar in the Cardinal Creek golf course reopened March 28th with a new look and some new menu items.

"It was a success," Michael Denny, Cardinal Creek food and beverage manager said. "It went really well. People are excited about the changes. At one point, we had people lined up out the door."

The $166,000 renovation began on Feb. 4 and features new kitchen equipment, lighting, flooring and electrical system upgrades.

Mr. Denny said the renovations were needed to accommodate the flow of customers on a daily basis.

"Our business was expanding and we couldn't handle the volume," Mr. Denny said. "We serve 100 to 150 customers a day. We would like that to increase. We're tucked away on this side of base and a lot of people don't know we serve food."

Mr. Denny added he hopes the expansion of the north side of the base will help with business and he feels it will quickly help the expansion pay for itself.

In addition to the new surroundings, the menu at Cardinal Creek Café will also see some renovations.

"We have a lot of things we're working on," Mr. Denny said. "All of our food is made from scratch. Our uniqueness is our daily specials and burgers. It's the best burger in town and we're hoping to build on that."

Other new menu items include a Tex-Mex grilled chicken sandwich and a taco salad. A burger of the month is also in development as well as cod nuggets.

"Our daily specials are what we're known for," Mr. Denny said. "Our specials feature freshness and a bit of ethnicity. We do have some quick grab items, but we do all kinds of things."

The most recognizable addition to the menu will be the introduction of Starbucks drip coffees and Tazo-teas. Although the Starbucks menu will be limited, a Starbucks with the full line of coffees, espresso and cappuccino will be opening in the future in Pronto Pizza.

The new menu will also help extend to Cardinal Creek's catering capabilities both on and off base including retirements, special events and large events at the golf course.

"Last year we hosted 60 tournaments," Mr. Denny said. "We also catered a luncheon for Gen. Mosley and the civic leaders."