Renovations, new restaurants coming to food court

Changes are coming soon to the food court at the Maxwell base exchange, pictured here Tuesday at lunchtime, including the addition of Popeyes and Taco Bell Express, and overall modernization. The renovations will take several months.(U.S. Air Force Photo/ Jamie Pitcher)

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Renovations, new restaurants coming to food court

Published April 15, 2010
By Kimberly L. Wright
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Fast-food aficionados can soon expect some changes to the food court at the Maxwell base exchange. Renovations will bring popular fast food eateries Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Taco Bell Express to the food court, with Popeyes replacing Manchu Wok, said Patricia Austen, general manager of the Maxwell/Gunter/Fort Rucker Consolidated Exchange.

Renovations are tentatively scheduled to begin this week and be completed by July 15, said Rachel Longoria, store manager of the Maxwell main store. Since Popeyes' inclusion was recently approved, the timeline for its opening is not yet available.

Anthony's Pizza and Robin Hood will combine in the location currently assigned to Anthony's Pizza. It will be the first area scheduled for renovations, said Ms. Austin. Construction will then begin on the Taco Bell Express at the current location of Robin Hood. Charley's Grilled Subs is expected to remain at its current location, but will be renovated.

During renovation of the food court, one food restaurant at a time will be temporarily closed to accommodate construction, said Ms. Austin. She estimates each eatery will be closed about a month for renovations.

Work will also be done to improve the overall appearance of the food court, with flooring, walls, ceilings, lights, tables and chairs replaced with more modern materials. The glass brick at the food court entrance will be replaced with glass windows. The drink station will be moved to the wall opposite the current location of Manchu Wok, and restrooms will be installed at the food court so diners don't have to walk down to the other end of the mall to use the facilities there.