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Marine Corps Community Services Announces 2026 Food & Hospitality Excellence Awards Recipients

HQMC (MR) QUANTICO, VA – Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) has announced the recipients of the 2026 MCCS Food & Hospitality Excellence Awards, celebrating outstanding performance across clubs, restaurants, snack bars, and lodging operations throughout the Marine Corps. Established in 1999, the program recognizes activities that exceed the highest level of standards of operational excellence and service to Marines and their families, measuring results across customer service, financial performance, human resources development, and operational excellence. 

“Each year, the Food and Hospitality Excellence Awards remind us of what extraordinary service looks like across our Marine Corps installations. Our 2026 honorees set the benchmark for operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and the unwavering commitment that defines MCCS,” said Ed Cutshall, Director/Chief Executive Officer, MCCS Business & Support Services Division (MR). “Their work strengthens the readiness and resilience of Marines and families by creating welcoming spaces where community thrives. I am deeply proud of every team recognized this year, and grateful for the passion they bring to serving those who serve our nation.” 

This year, 34 MCCS activities across eight Marine Corps installations earned recognition for their exceptional performance in 2025. Their leadership and staff have excelled beyond the values, principles, and core competencies of MCCS, demonstrating best‑in‑class operating practices and a deep commitment to the Marines, Sailors, and families they serve. 

The 2026 MCCS Food & Hospitality Excellence Award recipients are: 

Hospitality Manager of the Year: 

  • Ms. Sonia Sargeant, French Creek Snack Bar Manager, MCB Camp Lejeune, NC 

Hospitality Associate of the Year: 

  • Ms. Blanca Padilla, Shift Leader, Ocean Breeze Club – Camp Foster, MCB Camp Butler, JP 

Club of the Year: 

  • Warrior Club, MCAGCC Twentynine Palms, CA 

Restaurant of the Year: 

  • Sakura Auditorium Snack Bar, MCAS Iwakuni, JP 

Lodge of the Year: 

  • Onslow Beach Resort, MCB Camp Lejeune, NC 

MCB Camp Butler: 

  • Life Juice Café (Schwab, Futenma, Foster, Hansen, Kinser) 

  • Thirsty’s Enlisted Club 

  • Surfside Consolidated Club 

  • Beach Head Consolidated Club 

  • The Palms Consolidated Club 

  • Ocean Breeze Consolidated Club 

  • Tengan Castle Restaurant 

  • Sumo Burrito Camp Foster 

  • Habu Pit Restaurant 

  • Butler Officers’ Club

    Butler Officer's Club

     

MCAS Iwakuni: 

  • Sakura Auditorium Snack Bar 

  • Mobile Canteens 

  • Torii Pines Café 

MCAGCC Twentynine Palms: 

  • Warrior Club 

  • Mobile Canteens 

MCCS Lejeune–New River: 

  • Warrior Command Post Snack Bar 

  • Spare Time Sports Grill 

  • Onslow Beach Resort 

  • French Creek Snack Bar 

  • Raider Grill 

  • Duffer’s Retreat Snack Bar

    French Creek Snack Bar

     

MCB Quantico: 

  • Russell Knox Food Court 

  • Bulldogs Burgers 

  • Quigley’s Restaurant 

  • Leatherneck Lanes Snack Bar 

MCB Camp Pendleton: 

  • Del Mar Beach Rec Lodging 

  • San Onofre Beach Rec Lodging 

  • Lake O’Neill RV Park 

MCCS South Carolina: 

  • Java Café (MCRDPI Visitors’ Center) 

MCAS Miramar: 

  • Miramar Officers’ Club 

“The programs included in the 2026 Excellence Awards Program represent the best of MCCS in clubs, restaurants, and lodging,” said Ric Pomeroy, Deputy Director for MWR & Hospitality, MCCS MR. “They earn the title every day, demonstrating proactive hospitality in their guest interactions and through a keen focus on Marines and families in defining operating procedures.”  

Pomeroy highlighted the exceptional achievement of Camp Wilson’s Warrior Club, noting its record third win as Club of the Year and commending Director Candice Coward and her team for serving Marines in the austere desert environment of MCAGCC Twentynine Palms. 

MCCS has enhanced the Excellence Awards with special recognition for the best of its hospitality operations, highlighting the individuals and teams who set the standard for the entire enterprise. 

“Congratulations to the winners of 2026 Annual Excellence Awards program, which celebrates the outstanding efforts of employees and teams who go above and beyond in supporting our Marines, Sailors, and their families,” said Paul Williamson, Branch Head for MWR Programs, MCCS MR.  

Williamson, emphasized the program’s mission‑driven impact and spotlighted MCAS Iwakuni’s Sakura Auditorium Snack Bar, calling it “one shining example” of excellence for enhancing every theater visit with great food and friendly service. 

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About MCCS Business and Support Services Division (MR) and Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) 

MCCS Business and Support Services Division (MR) is the revenue-generating and operational backbone of Marine Corps Community Services. With a workforce that includes Marine veterans and spouses, MR oversees retail, hospitality, and support services that directly fund programs enhancing the lives of Marines and their families. The Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) has been serving Marines and their families since 1897. Its mission is to support the Marine Corps’ warfighting capability and provide retail services across the Marine Corps, reinvesting earnings directly into Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. 

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