Fort Carson officials called the grand opening Wednesday of a new dining facility a significant step in the ongoing effort to enhance the quality of life for its soldiers.

The Stack House Bistro, a renovated venue formerly named the Stack Ivy Warrior Restaurant, is the Army’s second campus-style dining venue, designed to provide soldiers with an eating experience similar to those found on many college campuses, officials said.

The first campus-style facility, the 42 Bistro, opened at Fort Hood, Texas, in February.

The campus-style concept is the result of a partnership between Army Materiel Command and Compass Group USA, a national food service company. In addition to Forts Hood and Carson, campus-style eating venues will be installed at Fort Bragg (N.C.), Fort Drum (N.Y.), and Fort Stewart (Ga.).

According to Peter Fetherston, Compass Group USA’s business and industry CEO, 42 Bistro has been “a huge hit” so far, averaging more than 2,000 meals each day.

The primary goal, officials said, is to give soldiers — particularly those living on post — more convenient, affordable and healthy dining options.

“Today is more than just a ribbon cutting,” said Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, commanding general of Army Materiel Command. “It represents another important step in our commitment to taking care of our most important asset, which is our soldiers.”

The dining venues are designed to supplement, rather than replace, traditional dining facilities, which should help ease the burden on Army culinary specialists, officials said.

Providing soldiers with healthy food options, in a venue with a relaxed ambience, translates into increased readiness, Mohan said.

“When we improve our quality of life, we strengthen our Army,” he said. “A well-fed, well-cared for soldier is more focused, resilient and lethal.”

Sgt. Major Waylon Petty, Fort Carson and 4^th Infantry Division’s Command Sergeant Major, said the Stack House Bistro’s menu options, atmosphere and expanded hours correspond with the Army’s holistic approach to soldiers’ well-being.

“This is a game changer,” Petty said. “Soldiers are going to love it. They’ll love the different options they get. They’ll be less inclined to go out and spend their money on fast food. The options here are all fresh, and they’re all good for you.”

The new facility features a full salad bar, smoothies, a specialty coffee bar and multiple meal choices, including a pizza station, “grab-and-go” options and made-to-order meals.

“My wife and I have tried the food here, and she loves it, too,” Petty said.

A ping-pong table, comfortable seating and television sets add to the campus-like atmosphere.

Soldiers living in the barracks are allotted $39 dollars a day to spend on dining facilities. It may not sound like much, but it goes a long way with the discounted prices at the Bistro, Petty said.

“It’s not just for soldiers,” he said. “It’s for families, veterans, retirees  — anyone with a CAC (Common Access Card) can eat here.”

Mohan said he looks forward to hearing from Fort Carson soldiers about the new facility — what they like about it, and where improvements can be made.

“To our soldiers, this is for you,” Mohan said. “Use your benefit. Press us to do better, challenge us to do better, and tell your friends and teammates to come have chow with us at the Stack House Bistro.”