Fort Hood Unveils New 42 Bistro Dining Facility for Soldiers

The Army partners with Compass Group to modernize on-post dining options.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Fort Hood is opening a new dining facility called 42 Bistro that offers a more flexible and modern dining experience for soldiers. The bistro features a kiosk-style ordering system, expanded food options, and the ability to use meal cards throughout the day, unlike traditional dining halls with set meal times. Compass Group, a food service provider, is working with local suppliers to offer fresh, sustainable ingredients. Soldiers have welcomed the new dining option, which they say is more convenient when they miss the original meal times.

Why it matters

The new 42 Bistro is part of Fort Hood's efforts to transform the dining experience for soldiers and provide more flexibility and accessibility. This aligns with the Army's goal of modernizing how it feeds and fuels its personnel, moving away from the rigid traditional dining hall model.

The details

42 Bistro, named after the year Camp Hood was founded, offers a kiosk-style ordering system, a wider variety of food options, and the ability to use meal cards throughout the day, unlike the set breakfast, lunch, and dinner times at traditional dining facilities. Compass Group, the food service provider, is working with local and regional suppliers to source fresh, sustainable ingredients. Soldiers have praised the new bistro for its convenience, especially when they miss the original meal times.

  • 42 Bistro had its soft opening this week and will have its grand opening next week.
  • Next week, 42 Bistro will launch a mobile app that will allow soldiers to order food ahead of time or have it delivered.

The players

SGT. MAJ. Kresassidy McKinney

The III Corp Chief Culinary Management Sergeant Major at Fort Hood.

Donna Turner

The VP of Government Engagement and Sales for Compass Group, the food service provider partnering with Fort Hood.

Private First Class Matthew Avalos

A soldier who has been trying out the new 42 Bistro and found the process easy to use.

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What they’re saying

“Our 42 Bistro is happening because we're modernizing and transforming the way we feed and fuel our soldiers.”

— SGT. MAJ. Kresassidy McKinney, III Corp Chief Culinary Management Sergeant Major (kwtx.com)

“One of our core tenants, is all about sustainability and using fresh farm to market, local, and regional partners. So, that adds to the quality because it doesn't have to travel as far.”

— Donna Turner, VP of Government Engagement and Sales for Compass Group (kwtx.com)

“Sometimes soldiers have to rotate through lunch. So, some of us have to miss that originally set meal. So, let's say I miss lunch, that original time is from 11:30-1:00, let's say I miss it and I'm at 1:30, I'm able to come here and grab myself a meal.”

— Private First Class Matthew Avalos (kwtx.com)

“They show you how to use the kiosk as well. Get your ticket, they call out your order, super simple. Pay right here, scan your meal card, and just budget those $39 for the day.”

— Private First Class Matthew Avalos (kwtx.com)

What’s next

Next week, 42 Bistro will launch a mobile app that will allow soldiers to order food ahead of time or have it delivered.

The takeaway

The new 42 Bistro dining facility at Fort Hood represents the Army's efforts to modernize and transform the way it feeds its soldiers, providing more flexibility, convenience, and access to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients through its partnership with Compass Group.