DEARBORN, Michigan – With the opening of Oakwood Common’s new Bistro café in 2011, residents welcomed the addition of hearth baked pizzas, specialty salads and in between meal snacks. Now, with the recent introduction of a “Resident Choice” plan, Oakwood Common residents can apply all their food choices in the Bistro and community’s Acorn Dining Room to a monthly spending allowance.
Oakwood Common resident Shirley Balger views menu options in the Bistro café.
According to Mary Granata, Oakwood Common’s director of sales, the new program works much like a debit card with a monthly allowance. Residents may spend their account for any of the menu items available for snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each time a purchase is made; the resident receives a receipt and knows immediately what their balance is for the month.
“It’s ideal for residents who have busy lifestyles,” said Granata. “They can choose to skip a meal or use the plan to treat guests. It offers much more flexibility, choice and transparency. They only pay for what they order, and our residents are realizing that the monthly allowance is more than adequate to cover meal costs.”
Previously, residents received a daily meal credit that included a fixed array of menu items in the dining room only.
Server Maricruz Garcia prepares table service in Oakwood Common’s Acorn Dining Room as Mattie Edwards, from left, Irene Brown, Margaret Schultz and Louise Eason visit before dinner is served.
With the new program, menus have also expanded to include such items as shrimp cocktail, filet mignon, bourbon pork chops, salmon with basil sauce, vegetarian dishes and desserts, along with specialty salads and plenty of healthy choices.
“I especially like having more flexibility that this new program offers,” said Lillian Darbe. “You can use it throughout the day—not just during one mealtime.”
About Oakwood Common
Oakwood Common offers one and two bedroom apartments located at 16351 Rotunda Drive, within a beautiful 29-acre retirement community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the historic Rouge River Gateway in Dearborn. Oakwood Common apartments, available with flexible payment options, offer exceptional amenities for independent living and can be readily customized. Assisted living and a comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing center are also available for those with additional needs. For more information and to arrange tours, call 800-642-4663 or visit www.OakwoodCommon.org.