Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Last Friday morning marked the official opening of the newly renovated cafeteria at LBJ Tropical Medical Center. The project included a comprehensive overhaul and expansion of the existing facility, along with the installation of state-of-the-art equipment designed to meet U.S. hospital cafeteria standards.

The $3.4 million project, which took 12 months to complete, was designed by Joe Weilemen and carried out by JP Corporation, owned by Satele Iupeli Kava.

The opening ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, including Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, LBJ Board member Afamasaga Dr. Talifa, former LBJ Board Chairman Mualeava Dr. Aifili Tufa, hospital CEO Dr. Scott Anesi, and senior staff, all gathered to celebrate this milestone for the medical center.

The newly renovated cafeteria was blessed by LBJ Hospital Chaplain Rev. Tumau Petaia, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr.

Board member Faipule Faimealelei Anthony Allen, who served as the master of ceremonies, stated that the hospital had been repeatedly cited by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services due to the old cafeteria’s failure to meet CMS compliance standards.

According to Dietary Manager Ianeta Ah Ping, the cafeteria project has been in pipeline for seven years. It was initially approved during the tenure of CEO Faumuina John Faumuina, later bid out under CEO Moefaauo Bill Emmsley, and secured funding under former CEO Dr. Akapusi Ledua. In 2024, CEO Scott Anesi propelled the project forward, ensuring its successful completion and bringing the long-awaited vision to life.

Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. and Senate President Tuaolo applauded the hospital management and board for the successful completion of the new facility, which will serve both patients and the public with improved services and amenities.

The Lt. Governor emphasized that major improvement projects like this are made possible through collaboration and teamwork. He also highlighted the vital role of the employees who will be working in the new cafeteria, ensuring that it operates efficiently and continues to provide high-quality service to the community.

Senate President Tuaolo emphasized that the Fono fully supports funding for projects such as this, welcoming initiatives that enhance healthcare infrastructure. He also underscored the importance of continued maintenance to ensure the facility serves the community effectively for years to come.

CEO Dr. Scott Anesi expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Fono, the Board of Directors, and the prayers of the LBJ Chaplain, acknowledging their contributions to making the project a reality.

"I’m proud to stand before you today to open a facility that will play a vital role in advancing healthcare for the people of American Samoa," Dr. Anesi stated. "On behalf of the LBJ staff, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. This momentous achievement has been made possible through consistent individual support and dedication.

"He further affirmed that this project is just one of many that the Board of Directors, administration, and staff aim to accomplish in their ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare quality in American Samoa, ensuring that residents receive the high-quality medical services they deserve."

The contractor, PJ Corporation owner Satele Iupeli Kava assured that all materials used in the construction of the cafeteria meet U.S. specifications, and a leading U.S. company was retained to provide state-of-the-art kitchen equipment.

On May 6, 2025, the LBJ Tropical Medical Center opened its newly renovated cafeteria, showcasing significant upgrades, including a modernized design and a state of the art and efficient work environment. While the facility is primarily designed to serve in-house patients, it will soon expand access to the broader community, offering an indoor dining area for caregivers and visitors, as well as a welcoming space for the public to enjoy a meal. [Courtesy photo]

He explained that the newly acquired state-of-the-art equipment is designed to meet the highest standards of efficiency and durability. Additionally, all LBJ kitchen staff have undergone thorough training in its operation and maintenance, ensuring top-notch performance and longevity.

For instance, he commented on the professional-grade range ovens with a ventilation hood, featuring multiple burners and an integrated hood system. This advanced kitchen setup includes capture and containment ventilation systems, which help redirect heat away from the cook and efficiently funnel it out of the kitchen.

The high-end state-of-the-art automatic dishwasher can wash up to 1,440 dishes per hour in high-productivity mode. The kitchen also boasts one walk-in freezer and two walk-in coolers.

According to Kava, the newly renovated LBJ Cafeteria is the only structure on the island featuring epoxy flooring. This specialized flooring system, composed of epoxy resin and a hardener, creates a robust, seamless, and glossy surface.

At the LBJ Cafeteria, this high-performance flooring is installed in the front dining area, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal to enhance the customer experience. In the kitchen area, the flooring features a slip-resistant design, incorporated to enhance safety and minimize the risk of falls, ensuring a secure environment for staff.

He stated that the LBJ Cafeteria has the capacity to serve up to 5,000 people daily, offering nutritious, well-cooked, and professionally prepared meals. This far exceeds the number of patients and staff at the hospital, highlighting its ability to accommodate large-scale dining while maintaining high-quality meals in compliance with CMS standards.

"We hired a company from the States called Food Service Equipment (FSE), one of the top companies in the U.S. I brought them down here four times to install the equipment and train our kitchen staff, and they just returned last night," Satele explained.

Following the ceremony, guests toured the newly renovated facility and enjoyed a hot meal expertly prepared and served by the kitchen staff, showcasing the cafeteria’s upgraded capabilities.