Commissary to hold grand reopening Published April 7, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The commissary is nearing completion of its near $12 million renovation, which started in October 2007. Changes include expanding the commissary from 70,494 square feet to 76,577 square feet. Checkouts were remodeled to include four self checkout stands. The sales area also expanded by slightly less than 5,000 square feet. "Areas shoppers will be extremely happy about are the deli and produce sections," said Ricky Newport, Dyess store administrator . The deli area was moved from the back of the store to the front and was expanded by 50 percent. There is also a sandwich station where customers can have a sandwich made while they wait. A panini sandwich is also slated to be added. The produce section was also expanded by 40 percent to give the customer more selection. The renovation has allowed the commissary to increase the amount of items carried by more than 2,000, Mr. Newport said. "The added selection allows us to give the customer more variety," he said. Customers are already mentioning how much nicer the commissary shopping experience is with the new décor and lighting giving the shopper a much more pleasant time. "Overall the customers have been very positive with the construction and improvements," Mr. Newport said. "They are already liking things like the new deli, and we have noticed a change in sales." The commissary's grand reopening will have prize giveaways and food demonstrations after the ribbon cutting. Mr. Newport also reminds shoppers the average savings at the commissary is 30 percent. All of the funds used for the renovation were paid for by surcharge funds that customers paid by shopping at the commissary.