Faster and Fresher: Army & Air Force Exchange Service Grows Express Restaurants for Military Communities

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is growing its Express restaurant portfolio, with more than 250 locations serving military communities worldwide.

After opening nearly 25 Express restaurants in 2025 and more than 25 so far in 2026, the Exchange is planning about 40 additional openings this year. The Exchange’s Express restaurants include Chopz, Eddie Peppers, Hot Stuff Kitchen, Hunt Brothers Pizza, Paavos and Express Kitchen.

“Growing Express restaurants is about making everyday life a little easier for service members and their families,” said Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “When a hot, high-quality meal or fresh grab-and-go option is just a short walk or drive from where military shoppers live and work, they have more time to rest, recharge and stay ready for whatever the mission requires next while maintaining nutritional readiness.”

The restaurant lineup emphasizes fresh, ready-to-eat and grab-and-go meals, making the Express a dependable stop for quick, quality meals on the installation.

Express restaurants, like all Exchange restaurants, offer better-for-you options, alongside comforting favorites, giving military diners more ways to grab a meal that fits their needs. For even more convenience, all Chopz locations feature a dedicated cooler with additional grab-and-go options, such as sandwiches and salads.

With more than 500 Express locations worldwide, the continued growth of Express restaurants reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting the well-being and Quality of Life of service members and their families.

To learn more about how the Exchange supports nutritional readiness, visit https://publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/exchange-restaurants.

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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 60th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In 2025, the Exchange generated $307 million for military Quality-of-Life programs. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has returned $2.4 billion to military communities. The Exchange is a nonappropriated fund entity of the Department of War and is directed by a Board of Directors. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website athttp://www.shopmyexchange.comorfollow us on X athttps://x.com/shopmyexchange.

Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Zach Wright, 214-312-6300 or WrightZ@aafes.com.

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