Fast food may return to bases in Afghanistan - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Fast food may return to bases in Afghanistan

Burger King, Pizza Hut and Subway may be coming back to Afghanistan.

Army Gen. David Petraeus, the new top U.S. commander there, is “seriously considering” rescinding the order that booted out 57 individual eateries and shops on U.S. bases, according to a military source in Afghanistan.

On Feb. 3, former Afghanistan commander Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal ordered 50 Army and Air Force Exchange Service concessionaires to close within 90 days following a review of morale, welfare and recreation activities.

Before McChrystal’s order, AAFES operated 141 eateries and shops in Afghanistan, according to exchange service spokesman Judd Anstey. Now there are 84.

Petraeus’ spokesman confirmed that the general is reconsidering the order.

“General Petraeus is considering a number of different issues, and this is one of them. He has not made a decision. However, all options are on the table,” Army Col. Erik Gunhus said.

When asked how feasible it would be to reopen the facilities, Anstey said AAFES is “ready to support the commander’s decision on concession operations. We are ready to execute any orders the commander gives us.”

McChrystal’s February order stated that the command puts a high priority on MWR programs that are important to stress relief and mission readiness, and he exempted from his closure order fitness centers, MWR Internet, the Stars and Stripes newspaper, unit-operated AAFES stores, barber and beauty shops, recreation equipment, and USO package and education services.

Officials in Afghanistan also said logistical issues were a factor in the decision to close the facilities.

Not all facilities were closed as a result of the McChrystal order, because the order doesn’t apply to restaurant concessions owned by companies from other countries. For example, a TGI Friday’s restaurant, Tim Horton’s doughnut shop and several smaller pizza shops have remained open on a boardwalk at Kandahar Airfield.

A small Pizza Hut outlet also has remained in operation at the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command’s base at Kabul International Airport.

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Staff writer Dan Lamothe contributed to this report.