ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Thanks in part to the efforts of Lani Stewart, Army and Air Force Exchange Service services business manager, and her team at the Base Exchange main office, Team Andrews members will soon be seeing top-name concessions and shops on base.
"We are very pleased at the changes that have been made so far, such as the new Quickie Kabob that is doing great business here, but we're especially excited at the food concessions that we have planned in the next year or two," said Ms. Stewart.
With the construction of the new Base Realignment and Closure/National Capital Region Relocation Administration Facility in front of the 316th Wing Headquarters, Bldg. 1535, new dining options will be available for Team Andrews members and their families, Ms. Stewart said.
Currently, the construction plans for the new facility have half of the fifth floor dedicated to shops and eateries, Ms. Stewart explained. "We're currently working to get really great food venues for the space; it's exciting because we have people coming to us saying they want to serve Andrews. We're looking at some great dining options, such as Coldstone Creamery, Chic-Fil-A and Five Guys to name a few."
Ms. Stewart explained that the fifth floor concessions should be available in two years.
As for the more immediate future, dining options such as Subway on the East side of base is scheduled to be available Aug. 1, and a Dunkin Donuts and pizza delivery is in the works, as well.
Mrs. Stewart said that one of the more successful ventures at Andrews has been the new GameStop located at the BX mall.
"The GameStop has really been welcomed by the Andrews community," Mrs. Stewart explained. "We were really amazed by the business that GameStop is doing in a short period of time."
Mrs. Stewart said one of the biggest misperceptions for getting new concessions on base is the length of time it can take to get them established.
"We are looking at least 180 days to get a new vendor or concessions here," Mrs. Stewart explained. "It's not a quick process at all, and I think that is the biggest surprise to a lot of folks - both the vendors and the people on base who make requests that we get new contracts on base."
As a military wife of Air Force Maj. (ret.) Keith Stewart, Ms. Stewart says she understands the necessity of having an attractive base with appetizing dining options that appeal to the populace.
"This helps the installation mission as well as the AAFES mission - we're dedicated to improving the morale and welfare for Team Andrews and having dining options here that people want helps everyone - both military members and their families."