• FORT SILL, Okla.

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) demonstrated its commitment to improving the shopping experience of its patrons here, showcasing on Dec. 4 its freshly renovated North Express, which now includes two new dining options.

Building on the success of Express quick-serve restaurants (QSR), Hot Stuff Kitchen and Paavos Pizza were part of a $2 million upgrade to the 5,325-square-foot Express, funded entirely by the Exchange and the first since it was built in 2012.

Upgrades include new, patriotic-themed décor and murals; LED lighting; new registers and self-checkout; updated coolers and freezers; and an expanded Snack Avenue, including BE FIT-approved items, which shoppers can easily identify with the “Healthier Choices, Healthier Lifestyle” shelf tag.

VALUE, CONVENIENCE

The North Express is a convenient stop for goods, food and fuel, including diesel, for service members, their families and retirees living north of Henry Post AA on Fort Sill.

“The Exchange is honored to deliver ‘a taste of home’ to the Fort Sill military community,” said Exchange General Manager (GM) Hollie Heft-Morales. “Hot Stuff Kitchen and Paavos Pizza bring value and convenience for busy shoppers looking to grab a meal on the go.”

Hot Stuff Kitchen menu items include breakfast bowls, chicken sandwiches, tenders and many other options, while Paavos Pizza offers thin-crust, artisan style pizzas, including a build-your-own option, allowing diners to choose sauces, cheeses, meats and vegetables.

Heft-Morales said the upgrades and restaurants were well-received by the community.

“Our shoppers have been very happy with the new look and offering; it’s a lot brighter and more welcoming,” she said. “It was rough for the few months without food, but now we’ve expanded those choices. We get a lot of trainees who walk, and the store is right on their path, so the options are very helpful.”

Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka