In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the Exchange completed several major projects to further improve the shopping experience through image upgrades, restaurant conversions and store renovations.
“Every project represents a significant reinvestment back into the communities we serve,” said Senior Vice President of Real Estate Mike Smietana. “By modernizing stores and restaurants while converting spaces into high-demand concepts, the Exchange keeps its real estate portfolio aligned with current and future mission requirements.”
The projects below highlight how the Exchange’s Real Estate team is enhancing the shopping and dining experience for authorized personnel.
Fort Irwin, RUBA Troop Store
Scope: The 25-year-old Fort Irwin RUBA (Rotational Unit Bivouac Area) Troop Store, last renovated in 2008, received the Express 2.0 treatment, updating signage, graphics, lighting and fixtures. An Express Kitchen and expanded Snack Avenue were also added.
Impact: Direct investment in the Quality of Life for rotational units training at Fort Irwin—one of the Army’s most remote and isolated installation in the heart of the Mojave Desert; hot meals, snacks, cold drinks and other necessities are readily available in a challenging environment.
Malmstrom Air Force Base, Chopz
Scope: A former Subway was converted into Chopz.
Impact: Expanded breakfast choices, including burritos and tacos; grab-and-go options available in dedicated Snack Avenue case.
Fort Knox, Burger King
Scope: Burger King was remodeled to refresh the dining space, customer service area and restrooms. Branding elements, including signage and furniture, were updated. The kitchen was upgraded with new equipment, including a freezer cooler, deep fryers and drink stations. Exterior work updated signage on the building and drive-thru.
Impact: Modern, comfortable dining with faster, more efficient service.
Vance Air Force Base, Troop Store
Scope: The 30,481-square-foot troop store (last updated in 1992) was remodeled to current Exchange standards. Upgrades include an expanded Military Clothing department; Chopz, Hunt Brothers Pizza and Express Kitchen; customer lounge; and walk-in cooler; as well as new fixtures and décor.
Impact: Modernizes the shopping experience, delivering better-for-you dining choices while improving services within a single location on base.
Eglin Air Force Base, West Gate fuel
Scope: A fuel site near the East Gate Express was demolished and pumps were moved closer to the West Gate Express. A lightning suppression system was also installed on the fuel island and the roof of the Express to minimize lightning strike impacts.
Impact: Provides military shoppers, including those living in base housing near the west gate, easier access to fuel.
Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Langley Express 2.0
Scope: The Langley Express received a full upgrade from fixtures to the floors. The project expanded the Snack Avenue and coffee bar. The store also now includes a Chopz and Hunt Brothers Pizza.
Impact: Expanded dining options for service members and their families on the go. Shoppers can access better-for-you meals, such as salads and sandwiches. The Langley Express was built in 2007 and last received an upgrade in 2015.
Fort Lee, Panera Bread
Scope: A former stand-alone Burger King was transformed into a Panera Bread with a drive-thru, indoor dining with more than 130 seats and a patio.
Impact: Sustaining the community with better-for-you dining choices, such as soups, salads and sandwiches. Large indoor dining area and patio provide ample space for service members and families to dine together.
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