Commenting on the opening, Mr Staines said: “I think everybody can see the transformation from what was a somewhat tired facility to the contemporary JB’s.  We now have an excellent venue, which offers the defence community good quality food and drinks at an affordable price in pleasant surroundings.  I think the military chefs and NAAFI staff have done an excellent job, and I look forward to JB’s restaurant and coffee shop becoming an integral part of Station life here at JHQ.”

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Lt Col Adam reflecting on the successful opening said “I think the investment here sends a very clear message that, notwithstanding the implications of BORONA for Rheindahlen, we will continue to invest in facilities here to ensure that they are appropriate to the needs of the defence community.  The immediate result of that is a JB’s facility that is much improved and more widely accessible - I for one have certainly been impressed with the transformation that has taken place and feel certain that NAAFI and the military caterers will trade successfully here”.

RCWO Jon Lakin, who oversaw the caterers preparing for opening, said:  “It has been a massive challenge to prepare for operating in the new PAYD culture.  The days when soldiers are charged for meals they do not take are gone.  To their credit, the chefs have risen to it - quickly adapting to a new system where the customer can be anyone in the defence community – and if they do not like the food that is on offer, there are plenty of other places for them to go.  If you take today as an example, we have had military customers from Private soldiers to a retired four star General and the feedback from them has been very positive.  We have had civilians and LECs in and they have been very positive too.  It really is very different but very rewarding for the caterers.”

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