Fort Sill Exchange Unveils New Upgrades at the North Express

The Fort Sill Exchange demonstrated its commitment to improving the shopping experience, showcasing its freshly renovated North Express, which now includes two new dining options.

Hot Stuff Kitchen and Paavos Pizza build on the success of Express quick-serve restaurants.

The North Express is a convenient stop for goods, food and fuel, including diesel, for service members, their families and retirees living north of Henry Post Army Airfield on Fort Sill.

“The Exchange is honored to deliver a taste of home to the Fort Sill military community,” Exchange General Manager Hollie Heft-Morales said. “Hot Stuff Kitchen and Paavo’s Pizza bring value and convenience for busy shoppers looking to grab a meal on the go.”

Fort Sill Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. William Pearson; Fort Sill Garrison Commander Col. Derek Baird; Julia Sibilla, Deputy to the Garrison Commander; OLM Military Operations Development Director Charles Sciascia; and OLM Food Solutions Military operations business manager Sean Easlick joined Heft-Morales, North Express Store Manager Maria Stith and Assistant Store Manager Sandra Williams in unveiling Hot Stuff Kitchen and Paavos Pizza during a ribbon-cutting Dec. 4.

Hot Stuff Kitchen menu items include breakfast bowls, chicken sandwiches, tenders and more. Paavos Pizza offers thin-crust, artisan style pizzas, including a build-your-own option, allowing diners to choose sauces, cheeses, meats and vegetables.

The quick-serve restaurants were part of a $2 million upgrade to the 5,325-square-foot Express, funded entirely by the Exchange and the first since it was built in 2012.

Upgrades include new, patriotic-themed décor and murals; LED lighting; new registers and self-checkout; updated coolers and freezers; and an expanded Snack Avenue, including BE FIT-approved items, which shoppers can easily identify with the Healthier Choices, Healthier Lifestyle shelf tag.

Heft-Morales said the upgrades and restaurants were well-received by the community.

“Our shoppers have been very happy with the new look and offering. It’s a lot brighter and more welcoming,” Heft-Morales said. “It was rough for the few months without food, but now we’ve expanded those choices. We get a lot of trainees who walk, and the store is right on their path, so the options are very helpful.”

From left, Fort Sill Deputy to the Garrison Commander Julia Sibilla, Fort Sill Exchange General Manager Hollie Heft-Morales; Fort Still Command Sgt. Maj. William M. Pearson, Fort Sill Garrison Commander Col. Derek Baird, North Express Store Manager Maria Stith, Assistant Store Manager Sandra Williams, OLM Military Operations Business Manager Sean Easlick  and OLM Director of Military Operations Charles Sciascia.