Commissary officials are looking for ways to fill the void at 22 stores in nine states after delis and bakeries were temporarily closed because of performance-related issues with the contractor, a spokesman said.
Sixteen of the stores have sushi bars that are also temporarily closed.
One of the issues was in-store product shortages, said Defense Commissary Agency spokesman Kevin Robinson. “DeCA requested and received a proposed timeline from [Nayyarsons Corp.] for correcting the deficiencies. However, the deli operator’s performance in support of the patrons at the affected stores continued to deteriorate, and the measures the company took to correct these deficiencies did not resolve the recurring shortcomings.”
Nayyarsons officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Officials are using an expedited contracting process, and expect to have a new contract in place by mid-May, Robinson said. They’re also working on an interim solution using eligible temporary employees to deliver limited deli services until a new contractor begins work.
Commissary customers can purchase cold cuts, potato and macaroni salad, fruit and vegetable trays and similar items in their commissary’s grocery and produce aisles, he said. The affected stores will also get more products to help in the short term.
“Our goal is to offer our customers high-quality products and services in every aisle of the commissary,” said DeCA Director Joseph Jeu, in a statement. “The difficult decision to not renew the contract option year with one of our current deli and bakery contractors was made in the best interest of our customers.”
The stores affected are:
Colorado: Buckley Air Force Base, Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force Academy
Kansas: Fort Leavenworth, Fort Riley, McConnell Air Force Base
Nebraska: Offutt Air Force Base
New Mexico: Cannon Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, Kirtland Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range
North Dakota: Grand Forks Air Force Base, Minot Air Force Base
Oklahoma: Altus Air Force Base, Fort Sill, Tinker Air Force Base, Vance Air Force Base
South Dakota: Ellsworth Air Force Base
Texas: Sheppard Air Force Base, Fort Bliss
Wyoming: F.E. Warren Air Force Base
