AAFES adds flair to McChord base exchange

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  People can expect to see a lot of changes in the coming weeks at the base exchange.

Army and Air Force Exchange Service officials and base leadership teamed up to add a variety of amenities, new stores and services and hints of decorative flair in order to breathe new life into the BX and food court.

"In collaboration with base leadership, we're thinking outside the box in order to make the BX a more friendly and inviting place to shop," said Patrick McGhee, AAFES general manager. "What's neat is the speed we're doing this at."

Recent changes to the food court include bold shades of color painted on interior walls and ceiling, leather couches and chairs in the Wi-Fi lounge area and a new Popeye's Chicken restaurant.

"With hamburgers and chicken being the top two sellers in AAFES food courts, we wanted to get chicken into the McChord food court," Mr. McGhee said. "We wanted to get the free Wi-Fi in here for the Airmen and give them a comfortable place to surf the Web or do their work."

AAFES also added a fresh sushi restaurant across from Starbucks to give Airmen and their families more meal choices, Mr. McGhee said.

The changes haven't been lost on customers.

First Lt. Patrick Knight, 4th Airlift Squadron, and his wife, Jennifer, were lounging on a couch Oct. 15 in the Wi-Fi lounge area surfing the Web. The couple was recently transferred here from Vance Air Force Base, Okla., and immediately took a liking to the BX.

"We walked in here and we were pleasantly surprised ... it's nice," Lieutenant Knight said. "The Wi-Fi has been convenient so far because we don't have our phone or Internet hooked up at home yet."

More changes are planned for the food court and mall area, as work on a children's game room is set to be completed Nov. 1, Mr. McGhee said.

"Parents can let their children play in a safe environment and surf the Web in the meantime," he said.

Recent changes inside the main store also include a new Coach store and the expansion of the Power Zone inside the electronics section.

"The continuous improvement and addition of services at the BX and food court are quality of life improvements our Airmen and their families deserve," said Chief Master Sgt. Cary Hatzinger, 62nd Airlift Wing command chief. "This directly reflects on AAFES' responsiveness and desire to meet the needs of this community."