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Thus, in early May, the Major told his customers at the Triangle Globe & Laurel, “We are not closing. We are deploying south to a new objective. The new place is going to be a destination and will become a local landmark … and will be open in 30 days.”

Thirty days! The Stafford County EDA shook their heads, not sure if they had heard correctly. The Privates’ Mess blanched over their iced tea and coffee. Regular customers respectfully dropped hints that even Rick’s positive, nothing-is-impos­sible Marine attitude may not be enough to compact everything into this 30-day field transport pack.

One of the members of the Privates’ Mess, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Ed Stallknecht, 95, said: “I’ll move with him.” Another said, “I’ll help him move.” Another: “I’ll get the word out.” Others: “I can help with some of the contract work.” Most others: “Just tell us what you need from us, Rick, and we are ready.”

Although their offers were appreciated, professionals who could work quickly under deadlines would do the renovation. And those hired workers who didn’t already know Maj Spooner soon respected his honest work ethic. The doors to the new Globe & Laurel opened in 36 days.

Moving and rebuilding was a monumental undertaking even for a Marine the likes of Maj Spooner. The new site originally had been called “The Keep” because of its fortress-like appearance. It dwarfs the old Globe & Laurel, which was about 1,700 square feet and seated 62.

According to reports, the new Globe & Laurel is 7,000 square feet and seats 150 in five dining rooms. It includes a banquet hall, stone fireplaces, waterfall, commercially large kitchen, outdoor patio, outdoor deck and that large parking lot that Maj Spooner’s loyal customers always wanted.

Initially conceding there was too much space, Spooner also began seeing possibilities and potential. He made the bar area resemble the old Globe & Laurel. He brought the Glasgow-made Scottish tartan carpet from the old place. In came the highly lacquered ships’ hatch covers that had served for years as tables and up went the displays and memorabilia and the police patches on the overhead. Most importantly, he set aside reserved seating and tables for card-carrying members of the loyal Privates’ Mess.

“We’re going to have everything from the old place displayed here, and now that we have the room, we will display some pieces of history the customers have never seen.” He cautioned, “That doesn’t mean it will all be up overnight. It’s going to take months.”

They’ve kept the same lunch menu, including customer favorites such as liver and onions and Marine bean soup. Even­ing specialties include French onion soup, filet mignon, prime rib and duck a l’orange.

Maj Spooner always wanted a place with room for Marine Corps Birthday celebrations and various military celebratory events such as promotions, hail and farewells, mess nights and dining-ins. Perhaps a lounge area with stuffed chairs, and dare we mention it: a patio with ashtrays for stogies?

Bigger digs and more customers meant hiring more staff. The Major went from a squad of cooks, waiters and busboys to a platoon, which includes bartenders, duty managers and various functionaries. From June to July, the place went through its shakedown cruise: working out the kinks, gremlins and potential problems and check­ing to see if every newly installed item was working as promised. Teaching new employees the important business of providing outstanding customer service and that unique Globe & Laurel “touch of class” has been a perfect assignment for Gloria Spooner.

The ubiquitous Maj Spooner is everywhere, consulting with staff members, inspecting and signing for deliveries. He moves with the easy effort of a corporal in fresh khaki posting his morning watch. He is a visibly happy man with a new lease on life.

“We’re starting a new campaign from this day forward,” he told guests at the June 6 grand opening fundraiser and golf tournament sponsored by the Quantico Government Contractors Association. “The Globe and Laurel is not Rick Spooner. It is a separate entity; it has a life of its own,” he said.

Privates’ Mess member Don Cahill, who has been the Spooners’ friend for three decades, disagrees somewhat: “Even though the Major is 82, I knew he would find a way to start over. Everyone expects him to be here, and it isn’t the same without him.”

The dining hours are basically the same: Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. They’ve added “Happy Hour” from 4 to 6 p.m. And, they even kept their old phone number for reservations: (703) 221-5763.

So, if you plan to visit Quantico, the “Crossroads of the Corps,” or the new National Museum of the Marine Corps in nearby Triangle, the new place for an old “touch of tradition” stands ready to serve.

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