Banner Thunderbird in Glendale serves a different dose of comfort

GLENDALE, AZ - Banner Thunderbird Medical Center will open its new $10 million state-of-the-art kitchen and dinning facility in Glendale on Tuesday.

The new kitchen is 3700 sq.ft., about the size of a house.

The new kitchen will also offer room service for patients.

“Banner has a philosophy that they're going to try a take a lot of their hospitals to room service because it's a patient satisfier. They only thing they have control over is their food so this will help them a lot to be happier with what they can get to eat.” said Julie Spelman, Director of culinary and nutrition services.

There are a variety of healthy eating options. The kitchen boasts a Mongolian Grill, pasta station and salad bar.

“Adding more fat doesn't mean it's going to give it a better flavor or adding more sugar or more sodium you work with the spices and different items like that to make it better for you.” said Executive Chef Jaime Palpnque.

Much of the hospital’s fruits and vegetables come from a Community Supported Agriculture program from local farmers and suppliers.