Changes coming to Patrick BX Published June 12, 2009 By Chris Calkins 45th SW Public Affairs PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Patrick Air Force Base Burger King, closed last year when mold was discovered during a facility upgrade, is scheduled to reopen again this fall, according to David Crain, new AAFES general manager. "The (contracting) bidding process is currently underway and we expect to be back and open better than ever in just a few months," said Mr. Crain, who has 24 years of AAFES management under his belt. Mr. Crain also said the new store will be built "using the latest Burger King standards." "We know having a Burger King on base is something many of our folks look forward to, and we value the partnership AAFES has with Burger King, both here and around the world," said Mr. Crain. "But neither of us wanted to open until we know we have everything just right ... and that's what we aim to do. What we will do. And we are both excited about the upcoming changes and look forward to serving the best customers in the world real soon," he said. The Burger King announcement isn't the only change AAFES customers will see in the not-so-distant future. Based on a business review and customer feedback, Class Six merchandise will be moving from the main store back to the shoppette. The move, currently scheduled for late-July, will take place mostly during non-duty hours to minimize customer inconvenience, according to Mr. Crain. "Not only does this move make sense from a business and customer-satisfaction point of view, it will also allow us to expand some departments within the main store," Mr. Crain said. He also said hours of operation at the shoppette have also been changed. The new hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shoppette is also undergoing changes, where the sales floor is being increased to almost double the size of the current operation. "Part of the expansion will be the addition of a "Snack Avenue," which is an AAFES "Heat and Eat" area. We know our customers will enjoy the changes we are making in this facility," Mr. Crain said. Completion for this project is slated for late July or early August, he said. Mr. Crain wanted to remind shoppers that AAFES stores - both here at the 45th Space Wing and around the world - are true mission partners with the military community. "Roughly 67% of AAFES earnings are paid to Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Programs," he said. "Over the past decade, several billion dollars have been contributed by AAFES to the Army and Air Force to spend on quality of life improvements for Soldiers, Airmen and their families - on things like libraries, sports programs, swimming pools, youth activities, tickets and tour services, bowling centers, hobby shops, music programs, outdoor facilities and unit functions. "So when you shop your local AAFES, you are really helping yourself," he said.