100 and Counting: Exchange Celebrates Hunt Brothers Pizza Milestone

The Exchange celebrated the upgrade of the Tyndall Air Force Base Express with a little extra pizza-zz for a special reason: The Express is home to the Exchange’s 100^th Hunt Brothers Pizza restaurant.

While the Hunt Brothers Pizza soft-opened in December, the Express officially celebrated its $1.8 million in renovations—which, in addition to the Hunt Brothers Pizza, include a Chopz restaurant, new layout, renovated restrooms, upgraded coffee machines, new freezers, updated graphics and more—on April 17.

Base leadership and Hunt Brothers Pizza reps were on-hand to cut the ribbon and note the major milestone.

“Partnering with the Exchange has allowed Hunt Brothers Pizza the opportunity to serve those protecting our freedom,” said Todd Verhoven, Hunt Brothers Pizza vice president of sales. “This is not something we take lightly. It is an honor to serve Hunt Brothers Pizza at 100 military installations worldwide. We cannot thank the Exchange and the military community enough for allowing Hunt Brothers Pizza to be a part of their family.”

At the upgraded Tyndall Express, Airmen and members of the base community have two new dining options, including the Exchange’s 100th Hunt Brothers Pizza location as well as a Chopz . (U.S. Air Force photo by Venessa Armenta)

Military shoppers are clearly fans. Last year, the Fort Cavazos III Corps Express location—the very first Hunt Brothers Pizza in the Exchange portfolio—was the first location among the 9,700-plus Hunt Brothers Pizza U.S. stores to top $1 million in sales locations.

“The program has elevated to being the anchor of our Snack Avenue program with the biggest market share, but above all, it has provided a taste of home to troops and families all over the world,” said Exchange President Jason Rosenberg. “Our customers throughout the U.S., as well as in Europe, Asia and even the Middle East, have taken to the brand in a way nobody expected.”

About one-third of the Exchange Hunt Brothers Pizzas are in OCONUS, including three in Kuwait, bringing a much-appreciated American comfort staple to service members far from home.

“The success the Exchange has seen with Hunt Brothers Pizza is due to the amazing relationships and the commitment of the brand and our merchandising team to serving the best customers in the world,” Rosenberg said. “From the Hunt family down through their entire company, the Hunt Brothers Pizza team is all in and truly loves serving our troops.”

With quick-serve restaurants (QSRs) continuing to be a major strategic focus for the Exchange, more military communities will be able to enjoy fresh, hot pizza on the go with the opening of more than 25 additional Hunt Brothers Pizza locations planned for 2024. Other Exchange QSRs include Chopz, Eddie Peppers and Hot Stuff Kitchen.

The Tyndall Express is a perfect example of the power of QSRs, with year-to-date sales 194% above last year, including a 26% increase in retail sales.

“QSRs are a win-win-win for military shoppers, the Exchange and our partner brands,” Rosenberg said. “The Exchange is looking forward to bringing the speed and convenience of QSRs to more military communities.”

Cutting the ribbon on the upgraded Tyndall Express are, from left: 325th Maintenance Group Commander Col. Robert Kongaika, Tyndall Exchange General Manager Sheila Clark, Express Manager Amanda DeVecchio, 325th Mission Support Group Commander Col. Scott Standford, and Shift Manager Dwayne Pennyman.