Laughlin Airmen excited about new restaurant

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sara Csurilla
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Jack's Place, a new sports bar and restaurant named after the base's namesake will kick-off business Super Bowl weekend.

In spring of 2007, the dining facility, located next to the enlisted dormitories was closed, leaving enlisted dorm residents to make their own meal arrangements with the several kitchens that were installed for their convenience.

"Since the chow hall closed it's been a lot easier than I thought it would be to prepare my own meals," said Senior Airman Lindy Leggett, dorm resident. "Now with a new restaurant opening I think it should be a lot more convenient to get food when I don't feel like making it myself."

Jack's Place got its name from 2nd Lt. Jack Laughlin, a Del Rio native killed over Java in the South Pacific during the beginning of World War II.

The grand opening of the restaurant is 10:30 a.m. Jan. 29 and will continue to be open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to Angelo "Marty" Martinez, Jack's Place general manager.

"Everyone at Laughlin will be welcomed to the club," said Mr. Martinez. "Although, club members will receive a member's discount."

Some dorm residents have seen nothing but a vacant building since they got here, now that the word is out about Jack's Place some Airman can't wait for it to open.

"I'm really excited about Jack's Place," said Airman 1st Class Carley Bolitho, enlisted dorm resident. "I have been waiting for more than a year for a good place to eat that I could walk to. Now that it's only weeks away, I just can't wait to see what they did to the old chow hall."

Mr. Martinez said although there will not be a bar at Jack's Place; the theme most resembles a sport bar.

"We have purchased eight televisions to show sporting events, two televisions for a gaming counsel, and wireless internet capability with a small lounge area," he explained. "We even bought an NFL package to kick off Super Bowl Sunday."

Along with plenty of entertainment Jack's will also be offering a wide variety of food including pizzas, sandwich wraps, salads and much more.

"I have a really good feeling about Jack's Place," said Airman Bolitho. "So I'm going to be the first Airman at their doors when they open them up."