The Exchange at 125: PX, BX Cafeterias Were No Flashes in the Pan

For generations, before Whoppers, Frappuccinos and sub sandwiches, the Exchange’s cafeterias, soda fountains and snack bars filled up doughboys, GIs and their families dating back to before World War I. (Pictured above, the cafeteria at Fort Bliss, Texas, 1944).

Brand names joined the Exchange family, starting in 1977 with the opening of Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlor at Edwards AFB. In 1984, Burger King became the first burger restaurant to join the Exchange family.

The demand for well-known restaurants soon meant the cafeterias, soda fountains and snack bars became just fond memories.

Dining room, Fort Carson, Colo., circa 1961