Sailors line up for lunch on Wednesday at Yokosuka Naval Base's latest eatery option. Long John Silver's opened on Wednesday night and is drawing long lines at the "Main Street" food court. (Joseph Giordono / S&S)
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Got a fever for fried fish?
The latest eatery on Yokosuka probably will satisfy your craving for fish and chips, but it has some wondering about the need for another fast-food option.
On Wednesday night, Capt. Mike Siefert, base commander, cut the ribbon at the grand opening of a Long John Silver’s franchise in the Main Street food court. And so far, the store has seen long lunch lines.
Many sailors say they are happy to have one more choice at mealtimes. But a vocal minority is questioning the need for another fast-food joint, especially considering that stands in the same building already offer pizza, fried chicken, Chinese food and burgers. Just up the street are a Taco Bell and a McDonald’s.
“I’m happy that they’re giving us more choices, but what about more healthy choices?” asked Yolanda Givens, a civilian employee with the Navy Exchange command. “The only thing here that’s remotely healthy is the sandwich shop. I just don’t see the need for this.”
But others disagreed.
“I know how to eat healthy, and I do it most of the time. But sometimes I want something quick and I want something tasty. That’s what this is to me,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Eduardo Ruiz. “I’m not going to eat here every day, but it’s nice to know that I have another choice.”
His sentiments were echoed by the store’s long lines in its first week of operations. Several sailors walked away with huge bags of multiple orders to bring back to other people on their ships or in their offices.
Long John Silver’s is America’s largest fast-food seafood chain, with more than 1,200 units worldwide, according to its Web site. Its menu offers fried fish, chicken, shrimp and clams, with side dishes of cole slaw, fries, corn and hush puppies.
