Club improvements, programs to address consumer poll

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  An unscientific poll a few weeks ago at Sheppard told the plight of many base officer and enlisted clubs at Air Force bases located within the United States - people aren't going.

Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux's weekly "Question of the Week" explored the thoughts on how Team Sheppard perceives the 82nd Services Division's offerings at the combined club. Just 6 percent of the 1,086 military and civil service participants in the poll said "the club provides outstanding entertainment, services and food and requires no change." Another 24 percent said the club needs to improve events and food, while a stunning 55 percent said they don't participate in club activities at all.

Sheppard Club Manager Terry Lowry said the club is not sitting back and accepting the status quo.

"We're going to keep talking with our patrons and continue offering new programs based on their inputs," he said.

An example of such a program is the upcoming "Hip-Hop" night scheduled for every Friday starting March 7. The program originated from patrons that stated they would stay on base if there was a "hip-hop" place for hanging out and dancing. The patrons said they weren't satisfied with what Wichita Falls had to offer, but there wasn't an alternative on base.

Other events already programmed for the March timeframe is Retiree Nite March 29, Mongolian Barbecue March 13, Family Night March 20, 2-for-1 Steak Night March 27, Super Social Hour March 28, and an all new Bonanza Bingo, which can be played whenever the club is open.

Mr. Lowry said clubs tried to provide something for everyone in the past, regardless of the program's success. But he said times have changed and clubs have been mandated to absorb financial costs of operations. Air Force clubs received appropriated funds in the past to finance various events.

"The challenge of every club is to offer quality programming, both in food and entertainment, which appeals to their customer base," he said, adding that family schedules and other conflicts force club members and potential members to choose. "It's a tremendous challenge trying to meet or exceed the requests of the majority of your membership however the club staff is highly motivated and ready to meet these challenges."

According to some who participated in the poll, descriptions of the food included "bland" and "pricey." That, too, is something that is on the "to-do" list for club management.

The club's menu, currently pending approval, has been revamped, streamlining the overall food operation while continuing to offer popular items, and deleting about 25 percent of slow-selling foods, Mr. Lowry said. While the menu can be amended, he said the club has tried to keep costs as competitive as possible.

The overall operations, labor, utilities and supplies costs play a role in the cost to consumers, much like the cost of operation for private sector businesses, he said.

"The club is slowly improving overall programming and quality in service, Mr. Lowry said. "It's a slow process, however we're headed in the right direction," Mr. Lowry said.

He said he would like feedback from customers once the menu and programs are in place.

To learn more about new programs at the Sheppard Club or the upcoming menu, call 676-6460 or visit the Services Website.