Minot Air Force Base marked a major milestone on July 30th with the grand opening of its newly remodeled Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Express, commonly known as the “Shopette.” Although the Express remained operational throughout the renovation, the celebration marked the official debut of the fully upgraded facility, a space now better equipped to serve the evolving needs of Minot’s Airmen and their families.
Store Manager Mrs. Elena Kilpatrick, who oversaw the transformation from start to finish, spoke about the project’s purpose and the commitment behind it. “The decision to upgrade the Minot AFB Express was due to our commitment to serving those who serve,” Kilpatrick said. “We’re evolving alongside the needs of our shoppers and always striving to enhance their quality of life.”
One of the biggest benefits of the Minot Express is its 24/7 service, a critical resource for Airmen working late shifts. “Being open around the clock allows us to provide consistent support to those who might not have access to food or essentials during traditional hours,” Kilpatrick explained.
The newly renovated Express offers hot, ready-to-go food, a revamped coffee station featuring Nitro Brew, and customer service focused on convenience and care, all delivered tax-free.
Another thing that you might notice about the grand opening is the separation of the facility from the Trusted Tires and Auto. The two locations, which were once connected, are now divided by a wall and have separate entrances, giving each business its own identity and improving the customer experience.
The updated Shopette aligns with broader quality-of-life initiatives across Minot AFB, which aim to improve everyday experiences for the military community. “We want to make sure our Airmen and families have what they need, when they need it, especially with competitive pricing and quality service that they can count on,” said Kilpatrick.
Despite supply chain setbacks, weather-related construction delays, and staffing shortages, the team’s dedication to remaining open never wavered. “The hardest part was continuing to serve our customers while renovating,” Kilpatrick said. “But we leaned into our core value of serving those who serve, and I’m proud of how the team handled it.”
The remodeled Express now includes an expanded food service, highlighted by a newly dedicated space for Hunt Brothers Pizza, a crowd favorite that has already surpassed expectations.
“We thought we were ready, but we ran out of supplies within the first week,” Kilpatrick laughed. “It was a good learning experience, and we’re now adjusting inventory to keep up with demand.”
Mrs. Kilpatrick is also actively working with distributors to bring new products to Minot AFB, expanding the variety and convenience available to customers in the months ahead.
To mark the occasion, Kilpatrick and her team hosted a community celebration with a host of giveaways and vendor support. Prizes included free Hunt Brothers pizzas, a 55” Amazon Fire TV, a Blackstone grill, an outdoor basketball hoop, and gift bags filled with snacks and samples.
“I feel like Oprah with all the stuff we gave away!” Kilpatrick joked. “It’s our way of saying thank you to the Minot AFB community.”
The grand opening of the Minot AFB Express is more than just a fresh coat of paint, it’s a symbol of ongoing investment in the well-being of the base’s Airmen and families. With upgraded amenities, extended hours, and a renewed spirit of service, the Express stands ready to meet the mission any hour, any day.
