Marines, sailors, civilians and their families wait in line during the Crossroads Food Court's grand opening at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 16, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes)
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan — Some favorite fast-food brands have surfaced with the opening of a refurbished food court at this outpost of American culture near Hiroshima.
Around 100 Marines, sailors and their families gathered Monday for Crossroads Food Court’s grand opening. The facility offers Subway, Charleys Philly Steak, Pizza Hut, Popeyes and Taco Bell. Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robins will open later.
“The question I’ve been asked most of the last 2 ½ years in command is when is the food court going to open, and we’re finally here today,” base commander Col. Richard Rusnok said at the ceremony.
The food court closed for renovations on July 1, 2021, Iwakuni Marine Corps Community Services spokesman Ronald Netemeyer said by email Monday.
“The renovations were needed to modernize the facility and provide new franchise options to MCAS Iwakuni,” he said.
“The renovation inside is phenomenal — 17,000 square feet, renovated, brand new updated kitchen and brand-new equipment,” Master Gunnery Sgt. Christof Coleman, chief of business operations, said at Monday’s opening. “The staff has been working diligently across the board, day and night for the last few weeks to make sure we’re ready for today.”
Marines, sailors, civilians and their families enter the Crossroads Food Court on its opening day at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Dec. 16, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes)
Rusnok thanked the Army Corps of Engineers, the Navy International Programs Office and the planners involved in the project.
“It went through a lot of challenges, no doubt, but what you’re going to see when you go in there today is a modern facility that’s going to last us a long time,” he said.
Netemeyer said he had no further details available about the project, including construction costs, which took nearly 3 ½ years to complete.
“With the reopening of the Crossroads Food Court and the relocation of the concepts, there will be additional new food concepts filling the vacant spaces,” he said.
Navy spouse Shanna Hatchcock arrived early for the grand opening ceremony excited to try out the new food options and get a taste of home, she told Stars and Stripes at the event.
“It’s going to bring a lot of joy to the community, and I think, frankly, it’s going to be a hub of activity,” Rusnok said. “It’s going to provide us that opportunity to get together and to build those relationships, not just in our workspaces, but also, in our leisure time.”
