New Shoppette formally opens in Manch Manor Published Oct. 10, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Oleksandra G. Manko Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- A bright and chilly morning Oct. 6 was filled with children's laughter as Elmo and Blue gave out hugs and high-fives, a balloon twister produced all sorts of inflatable goods and a bounce house jiggled under the pressure of tiny feet at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Manch Manor Shoppette here, which opened in August. Army and Air Force Exchange Service recently invested $5 million into new facilities at Nellis, said Kenneth Klein, general manager of Army and Air Force Exchange Service facilities at Nellis. Popeye's/Burger King cost $3 million, Starbucks - $500,000, and the new Shoppette cost $1.4 million. Pizza Hut in the old Burger King building and Charlie's Steakery in the food court are also coming soon. The old Manch Manor Shoppette, which was located deep within the housing sector, was torn down in the course of housing renovations. The new facility sports a strategic location, convenient for the youth center and hospital visitors, gas pumps, and an ATM, all of which the previous one lacked. Besides a standard set of groceries, it also has a cappuccino machine, an extended selection of beverages, a microwave and a soup section. Hotdogs, nachos and hot sandwiches are coming soon. The Manch Manor Shoppette is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends. The gas pumps are open 24/7. "The ratio of people to gas tanks that we had was insufficient," said Dean Edwards, the retail branch manager at Nellis and Creech. "We couldn't meet the need and had to open up another facility." The new gas station is a definite hit with the local population, pumping more than 1,000 gallons each day. The sales at the new Manch Manor Shoppette exceed that of the previous one by more than 200 percent, as the store's proximity to the Nellis Youth Center comes in handy to all the soccer moms and dads who need snacks and drinks for the many games held there. "With all the sports going on, it's a definite plus to be able to come over here and get things at the last minute," said Melanie Thweatt, who brings her children to soccer practice twice a week. "Enjoy the store," said Mr. Edwards. "I hope it keeps going good, customers keep making requests and we will do whatever we can to provide service for them."
