Commissary face lift continues as temp building opens

Ramstein Commissary customers can see some of the major additions made to the temporary facility, as the main building renovation continues.

As the largest commissary in Europe, and with an ever-growing military community, making more expansions quickly became a necessity. The temporary facility recently opened, with many of the improvements visible to those shopping.

“We are excited about our new state-of-the-art deli, bakery and produce areas and the upcoming opportunity to have an expanded sales area to better serve our customers,” said Harry Nichols, Ramstein Commissary store director. “The renovation and expansion of the Ramstein Commissary is coming at the right time as the KMC continues to grow in support of the military mission.”

He said with these improvements the commissary is better equipped to serve the needs of the community.

“I really like the deli’s new setup, the lines move faster and it’s a lot more convenient” said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Francona, 603rd Air and Space Operation Center imagery support element analyst.

The expansion is being accomplished with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District, adding new refrigeration and a larger produce isle. The new deli, bakery and produce sections will serve as the new entrance.

When the commissary here opened nearly three decades ago it was making $2 million in sales, now the commissary is making more than $5 million, Nichols said.

“The new facility will be much larger with an additional 12,500 square feet of sales floor space versus the old store,” he said. “This additional square footage will support more merchandise on the shelf and minimize the need to continually restock certain areas of the store throughout the sales day.”

The commissary will continue to grow with the community, and it will accommodate their customers with the best services available, Nichols said, also warning all visitors that the area around the commissary is still an active construction site and patrons need to be alert as construction workers move building material and large equipment around the area.