By RICARDO WELLS

DOCTORS Hospital has completed the renovation and rebranding of its cafeteria and has invited the public to come and see what the new Meyer’s Cafe has to offer.

Meyer’s celebrated its new name and digs with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week, inviting a few of its loyal customers and a couple of new faces to celebrate the moment.

Deserea Walkine, dietary co-ordinator at Doctor’s Hospital, said that although the initial plan was to simply renovate the cafe, the opportunity to rebrand and expand its services was an opportunity that the hospital could not pass up.

“The cafeteria needed a renovation so we took this opportunity to not only improve our physical look, but to also improve our image and services,” she said. “We wanted to let the public to know that we were open to the public. They knew we existed, but we wanted to give them the idea that we are open to everyone.”

The cafeteria has been around for as long as the hospital so it carried the stigma of being strictly for the staff and visitors. That stigma is what the new Meyer’s Cafe aims to change. “Our name and logo is new, our staff have new uniforms and we are ready to show the public what we have to offer,” said Ms Walkine.

Tony Zervos, a customer at the cafe for the past 20 years said: “The staff is what keeps me coming back. They are very friendly, nice and customer-oriented. It was a shock to be a part of the ribbon cutting, I did not expect it. I have been coming here since 1994 for breakfast and lunch and the food has always been healthy and tasty.”

Ms Walkine said that the cafe will feature the same healthy foods, but now with the introduction of a new salad bar and catering services.

Mrs Laura Roberts, another long time customer, who, with Mr Zervos, is a staff member of the nearby Tribune, added: ”It was a pleasure to be involved with the event, I have been a regular here for quite some time. The food is always tasty and healthy. It was a surprise that they saw fit to allow us to cut the ribbon. The cafeteria itself, the look, it is amazing. I know the new menu will be too, because it has always been good food.”

Ms Walkine added: “We want to be the cafe of choice, that is Meyer’s goal.”

The cafeteria is named in honour of the hospital’s founders, Dr Meyer Rassin, an orthopaedic surgeon, and his wife, Rosetta, a registered nurse.