Location: Gulfport, MS
Scope of Work: Foodservice Design, Equipment Specification & Installation
A New Vision for Navy Dining
When the U.S. Navy sought to pilot an innovative dining concept at Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, the goal was to expand beyond traditional dining facility offerings and introduce healthier, more diverse meal options for service personnel. The initiative was designed to enhance the dining experience while supporting wellness objectives and creating a scalable model that could be replicated across future Navy installations.
Designing for Flexibility and Performance
Boelter's Citisco government team partnered with the Navy to deliver a fully coordinated design-build solution featuring new International, Vegan, Smoothie, and Mongolian food stations. Working within the existing dining facility footprint, the team developed a customized layout that seamlessly integrated the new concepts while maintaining operational efficiency.
Collaboration That Kept the Project Moving
Because of the project's high visibility and compressed schedule, collaboration was critical from the outset. Boelter worked closely with Public Works, Navy Command Southeast, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), engineers, manufacturers, and installation partners through weekly planning meetings and multiple on-site evaluations to accelerate decision-making and keep the project moving forward.
Strategic coordination of procurement, logistics, and installation allowed the team to complete a project that would typically require more than 12 weeks in just four.
Built to Adapt
One of the project's most innovative features is its flexible service counter design. Unlike traditional serving lines, the counters allow staff to easily adapt menu offerings as dining preferences evolve—without requiring physical modifications to the space. This flexibility improves operational efficiency while enabling the Navy to continually refresh the dining experience for service members.
A Model for Future Installations
The completed facility demonstrates how thoughtful design, close collaboration, and disciplined project execution can transform an existing dining facility into a modern, adaptable foodservice operation. Beyond creating a more engaging dining experience, the project establishes a scalable model for future Navy dining facilities focused on flexibility, wellness, and operational excellence.
