• FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) Main Exchange here celebrated the grand reopening of its expanded food court on Jan. 15 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the building’s entrance.
FOOD COURT EXPANSION
Contractors finalized work on the multimillion-dollar expansion, which includes numerous upgrades, such as the replacement of the existing space seating; installation of two drink-station counters with drink dispensers/ice machines; installation of the exterior signage; new LED lighting; and installation of automatic doors to the main entrance.
Customers can also use a new side door nearest the covered walkway to and from the commissary for more convenient access to the expanded seating and food court.
Previously during the expansion project, the only way into the facility for patrons had been the side entrance near Starbucks.
The food court now features more than double the previous seating capacity.
“We’ve gone from 122 to a 272-seat capacity,” said Exchange General Manager (GM) Lajima Marshall-Pierce. “I am excited that we completed this project, and I know the community is really happy.”
The Exchange listens to the community and makes appropriate changes, Marshall-Pierce said.
“We want to accomplish those wants and needs that our military community needs and should get,” she noted. “That’s why we’re here to provide the service to the entire Gregg-Adams community.”
RESTAURANT ROSTER
The Exchange is currently engaged in discussions with several franchises to select a vendor replacement for the food court space formerly occupied by Arby’s.
Also, the former freestanding Burger King on Sustainment Avenue is being renovated into a Panera Bread, scheduled to open later this year.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Expanding the food court is tremendously important to quality of life for the increasing population of both the Fort Gregg-Adams’ student community and permanent personnel, said Command Sgt. Maj. Sheila Parrish.
“The expansion will allow young people to have an immersive dining experience while enjoying the luxury of an on-base community hub,” Parrish said. “It’s also designed as a community gathering place to sit and stay — perhaps to share a meal with friends — rather than just a gulp-and-go convenience stop.”
Before the expansion, the food court had been getting especially overcrowded on weekends when service member usage spiked as their families and people from neighboring communities came in, said Exchange Food Court Manager Chad Mullins.
“You’ll have all the seats filled and probably at least 100-to-200 Soldiers trying to eat,” Mullins said.
The expansion will cut down on the need for Soldiers to eat outside, and permanent personnel will not feel they have to avoid the food court due to overcrowding, Mullins said.
Source: U.S. Army Public Affairs via DVIDs
Edited by Larry Lapka
