Iowa City VA Health Care System

Dozens of veterans and employees filled the hallway as the Iowa City VA Health Care System (VA HCS) canteen opened its remodeled Patriot Café August 26.

Barry Sharp, director of Iowa City VAHCS, described the renovation as “quite a transformation,” and as “a canteen you can be proud of each and every day.”

Steve Hale, canteen chief, explained the goal of the project. “We wanted to give a better place for you to sit down and eat, better food quality and overall a better ambiance.”

Three ceremonial red, white and blue ribbons were cut: one by canteen employees, another by Iowa City VA HCS leadership and the final one by a group of seven veterans representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Then the throngs filed past the flayed ribbons and into the food line, and shortly after, the dining room to enjoy their lunch – as well as some complimentary cake.

“I love it,” Tom Schubert, a Marine Corp Veteran from Galesburg, said. “It’s a modern, clean and very healthy environment.”

While he conceded that the canteen facelift was a welcome sight, Schubert said the food quality is a big part of what makes the canteen worth visiting. “The food was always excellent; it’s always been top-notch – as good as what you could get outside at a restaurant.”

The fresh-faced facility boasts new flooring, lighting, and a more traffic-conscious layout.

“It’s quite nice,” LeMoine Smith, a Navy veteran from Cedar Rapids said. “Having (the serving counters) all on one side makes traffic flow through a little better. Then you can come right off and get your utensils.”

The renovation removed a wall that had previously separated the tables. That room now opens-up invitingly for diners as they come off of the cashier station. And now, more guests can be accommodated as well with the seating capacity increased to 66.

The expanded seating includes a new counter seating area with fixed padded stools that provides an alternative to the predominantly table and chair furnished dining room.

“This is a handy little bar,” Pat Becker an Air Force Veteran from Galesburg said, noting its convenience to pull up to rather than navigating between the tables for a seat.

The hanging yellow lamps above the bar also contribute to a cozier ambiance for diners.

“I like the lighting over the bar,” VAHCS employee Janet Clark said of the yellow hanging lamps, also commenting on the new wood floors, “I think it looks warm and homey.”

Kevin de la Bruere, an Iowa City VA HCS employee, agreed, saying that the previous lighting had given the area a cool, clinical feel.

“I like the hard wood floor, the open space in the dining area and the lighting; the aesthetics are just great,” he said.

For veterans and Iowa City VA HCS employees alike, the rejuvenated Patriot Café promises to be a comfortable place to take meals and relax.