ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The Aberdeen Proving Ground community celebrated the grand opening of UFood Grill Aug. 16. UFood Grill, located in the APG North (Aberdeen) Main Exchange, provides nutritious on-the-go favorites like salads, paninis, wraps, soups, lean burgers, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and more. UFood Grill offers vegetarian, reduced sodium and fat, gluten free, low calorie and low carbohydrate options to health conscious customers.

The grand opening featured remarks from Army and Air Force Exchange Service General Manager Jonathan Bright, UFood Grill President Charles Cocotas and APG Garrison Commander Col. Gregory McClinton.

"What makes this very special is that here at APG UFood Grill is the first on a military installation," Bright said.

Cocotas commented that this fall, UFood Grill will open in two other locations, in building 6010 in the C4ISR campus and in the ATEC Headquarters, building 2202.

"I give you our pledge that we will deliver to the APG community the highest quality service, and top quality, healthy food," Cocotas said.

McClinton thanked attendees and asked them to show their support by generating sales and providing feedback to UFood Grill management and the APG command team.

"We will not be successful if you do not support the changes on the installation," McClinton said.

"The bottom line is you will make UFood Grill successful here at Aberdeen Proving Ground."

Remarks were followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony by Vice President of Food & Theater Division AAFES Thomas Branning; AAFES General Manager Jonathan Bright; APG and CECOM Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Ferrell; President and Chief Operating Officer of UFood Grill Charles Cocotas; APG Garrison Commander Col. Gregory McClinton; and Vice President of Eastern Region AAFES Maurice Joiner.

Afterwards, customers were treated to free samples of baked unfries and frozen yogurt. During the event, a mobile van selling UFood Grill items was also available.

Customer Valarie Jefferson, an ATEC employee, said that she was excited to see UFood Grill come to APG.

"This has been a long time coming," she said. "I want to get away from traditional fast food and eat healthier, set a better example."

Sgt. 1st Class George Cummings from the 20th Support Command said that he was glad to see new healthy food options at APG.

"I have been patiently waiting for the opening of UFood Grill," Cummings said. "I hope people support it."

Lisa White, a PEO C3T employee, said that UFood Grill promotes a healthy lifestyle.

"The Army promotes a healthy lifestyle, this restaurant is in line with the mission," White said.

UFood Grill hours of operation are Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast items are sold throughout the day. For more information about UFood Grill, visit www.ufoodgrill.com/.