Press release

Asheville, N.C. (October 2, 2012) Mission Hospital has opened its newly renovated Café 509. Changes include a completely renovated cafeteria, an expanded salad bar, a live-action hot foods demonstration station and a completely revamped menu. Many of the offerings showcase locally produced foods.

“We are excited about being able to offer healthy, delicious menu items,” said Chef Chris Aquilino, system executive chef at Mission Health. “We enjoy making people realize that ‘hospital food’ isn’t what they think it is. Our team is very proud to use fresh ingredients in creative ways.”

Much of that food has a local connection. For example, all fruits and vegetables that need to be cut and frozen are done so in conjunction with Green Opportunities and GO Kitchen-Ready programs that provide training opportunities in the culinary arts for low income adults. All greens, tomatoes and other produce are sourced from producers within 100 miles of Café 509. A certified Appalachian Grown handler, Café 509 identifies locally grown foods on its menu.

“This new concept has been several months in the making,” said Jonathan Bailey, vice president, Mission Health. “Being able to offer our patients, visitors and caregivers the highest quality food in a wonderful setting is part of our BIG(GER) Aim – to offer an exceptional experience each and every time.”

Café 509 serves more than 2,500 people a day and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

About Mission Hospital

Mission Hospital, the flagship hospital of Mission Health, is a not-for-profit hospital that serves as the regional referral center for tertiary and quaternary care in western North Carolina and the adjoining region. Mission Hospital is the busiest surgical hospital in North Carolina and houses the region’s only dedicated Level II trauma center. It also includes Mission Children’s Hospital– the regions only children’s hospital. Mission Hospital has seven Centers of Excellence: Cancer, Heart, Mission Children’s Hospital, Neurosciences, Orthopedics, Trauma and Women’s Health. In 2012 Thomson Reuters named Mission Hospital as a Top 100 Hospital for the fourth consecutive year, and Professional Research Consultants ranked Mission Hospital in the top 15% nationally in patient satisfaction. Mission Hospital is licensed for 730 beds and employs more than 6,500 people, including over 1,800 RNs. Mission Hospital is committed to serving its community and improving the health and wellness of the people of western North Carolina.
Its medical staff consists of more than 1,000 physicians and is certified in over 50 medical specialties and sub-specialties. Centers of Excellence include cardiology, neurology, trauma and pediatrics. For more information, visit Mission-Health.org