Peterson commissary opens Aug. 3 Published July 18, 2007 By Nancy O'Nell Defense Commissary Agency McCLELLAN, Calif. -- Big and colorful with a massive selection of products is how store director Bobby Mings describes the new commissary at Peterson Air Force Base, scheduled to open Aug. 3. "The store is jam-packed with new features and products like fresh sushi and hot rotisserie chicken," Mings said. "We've set our sights on winning the endorsement of every shopper who comes in the store." New technology is scattered throughout the commissary to enhance the shopping experience. A kiosk located at the entrance allows shoppers to place a deli order when they first enter the store. The order is filled while they shop and is ready for them at the deli before they checkout. Health kiosks located in the produce, meat, and health and wellness departments answer nutrition questions and offer recipe suggestions. Shoppers in a hurry can choose from a bank of four self-checkout registers on each side of the front end. The additional registers will help speed shoppers through the checkout process, Mr. Mings said. The store's overall focus is decidedly on health and wellness. "Health-minded shoppers want products that enhance their healthy lifestyle," said Patrick Nixon, DeCA director and chief executive officer. "And we can think of no population that deserves or requires healthy choices more than our military community." The first department shoppers will encounter when they step into the store is produce, with an abundant variety of the freshest fruits and vegetables, including a generous selection of organics. The nearby fresh fish department is stocked several times a week with fresh product flown in from California. Behind the deli is a dedicated health and wellness center stocked with organic food and health and beauty products, dietary products, and a blood pressure check station. In the meat department, customers will find an enormous selection, including pork and poultry, a full line of all natural beef and a line of USDA-certified organic beef. Commissary customers know the best reason to shop the commissary is the average savings of 30 percent or more as compared to retail grocery stores. And as if that isn't enough, customers who venture out for the Peterson grand opening will find special low prices on select products in honor of the new store's first day of business. Vendors and manufacturers are supporting the commissary's grand opening with loads of great door prizes, including major appliances. Additional giveaways include numerous commissary gift certificates, flat screen televisions, barbecue grills and coolers. The Denver Broncos cheerleaders will be on hand to sign autographs. Other "celebrities" who will be in attendance include Tony the Tiger, Ernie the Elf and the Energizer Bunny. To prepare for the move, the old commissary is closed Aug. 2; the Fort Carson and USAF Academy commissaries are open that day. The new store opens Aug. 3 after a short ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m.