Remodeled Banners Café at Oak Crest Offers Blend of the Traditional & "Made for You"

PARKVILLE, MD---Brick oven pizza.  Teriyaki shrimp stir fry.  Grab and go salads.  Digital menu boards and hi-def television.
A lunch time scene at a busy college campus restaurant?
Think again.  It's the newly remodeled Banners Café at Oak Crest, the Erickson Living retirement community in Parkville, Maryland.
David Colacicco is the Director of Dining Services at Oak Crest.  "We are excited about the new look of the Banners Café, but we will ultimately be judged by quality, variety and healthy menu choices.  Those are the key satisfiers for the residents whom we serve," he said.
And serve they will.  Banners Café is expected to prepare between 350 to 400 meals per day, from breakfast through dinner, to residents, employees, family members and visitors.  It is one of five restaurants at Oak Crest.
"From Baby Boomers to octogenarians and beyond, the age diversity of our customers means adapting to a broad range of tastes and dining experiences," stated Mr. Colacicco.  "Along with the traditional, Banners Café will offer 'a made for you' station where we will build an entrée to the specification of each guest and prepare it fresh in front of them.  It could be a fish taco, an omelet or a healthy stir fry."
The remodeled café includes spacious booths, smoothie machines and eye-appealing signage, featuring the first digital menu boards at Oak Crest.  An expanded salad bar showcases a cranberry wheat berry salad and healthier dressing options such as extra virgin olive oil.  
A second cashier location was also added near the pizzeria to offer a "grab and go" option for employees on the run.  The rotisserie grill and pizza station will remain open later in the day for employees who want to take ready-made dinner home to the family.
In partnership with the Oak Crest General Services Department, Baltimore-based Shade Construction Company was the general contractor for the six-month project.  Oak Crest also utilized Arris, a Design Studio, Inc., and A.J. Adam Engineering.

PHOTO CAPTION: The new look of Banners Cafe features an enhanced salad bar, digital menu boards and entrée stations.
About Oak Crest: Oak Crest, managed and developed by Erickson Living, is a retirement community that provides worry-free living for America's seniors-the country's fastest growing population segment.  Erickson Living's financial value and predictable monthly service fees provide residents across the country financial peace of mind.  Comprehensive health and wellness services, integrated into our continuum of care, lead to demonstrated resident benefits.  A robust complement of resident programs and facilities promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle that is reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average.  For more information, please visit www.ericksonliving.com.

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