Pope Club introduces Sunday brunch Published Sept. 26, 2008 By Emily Smith 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Pope Club now offers sun day brunch every Sunday starting at 11 a.m. This component of Pope Club services is designed to give families a chance to get out on the weekends and enjoy a nice meal together. Beth Tuulaupua, Pope Club Manager, has worked tirelessly along with the cooks and her staff to make sun day brunch a success. "We have developed many 'regular' customers at lunch," Ms. Tuulaupua said. "It is really nice to see them joining us on Sunday for brunch. This is the really fun part of the job - to see our customers come to the club and have a great time with their family and friends." Planning efforts have changed from week to week in order to perfect the program. "Our first Sunday Brunch was a complete success," said Ms. Tuulaupua. "We tested the water by asking for reservations. We only received reservations for 12 people, but we had an additional 70 people walk in within 15 minutes of opening. "It was hectic at first, but we did manage to get everyone seated and fed. We will always accept reservations, but our planning will be geared toward walk-in customers." The feedback the club has received has been very positive. "Our customers are thrilled with the amount and quality of the food, as well as the price per person," Ms. Tuulaupua said. "We are the only place in the immediate area that offers a Sunday brunch and our customers are excited to have an opportunity to participate. They really want the program to succeed as much as we do." Nadine Ecklund agrees. She and her daughter Sheree McGavran have attended brunch both times it has been available. "I can't give enough praise," Mrs. Ecklund said. "The food, presentation and service are excellent. It is very elegant. We plan to come back every week. "We'll do our part," she said. "We want this to roll!" "We want brunch to be a total hit," Ms. Tuulaupua agreed. "The first month or two of brunch will be a learning experience for our entire staff. We've added a larger selection of food items, mostly in response to our customer comments and requests." There is a wide variety of food offered. Chef Rob Gibson mans the made-to-order omelette station, while chaffing dishes filled with grits, potatoes, bacon, sausage and eggs are available. There are also pastries, fruit and salad. Lunch items are also offered, like steamed vegetables, fried chicken and ham. Top it all off with ice cream and a variety of different cakes and you've got a veritable feast. The cost for adults is $12.95, $14.95 for non-members. Children aged 5-12 cost $5.95 and everyone under 4 eats free. "We definitely encourage anyone to make reservations to ensure we have a table for them when they arrive," Ms. Tuulaupua said. To make reservations, call the Pope Club Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 394-2779/4238.