A B-Fifty Brew take off Published April 21, 2014 By Senior Airman Stephanie Sauberan Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- -- The grand opening of the B-Fifty Brew, a Starbucks coffee shop located near Rough Rider's Pizza on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., occurred April 15, 2014. Key personnel from the 5th Bomb Wing, 91st Missile Wing, 5th Force Support Squadron and 5th Civil Engineer Squadron gathered at the sight to prepare for the grand opening. Personnel involved with making this event possible were introduced and base leadership later gave their remarks before conducting a ribbon cutting ceremony. Free samples of drinks and food were served to base residents, and the pastries served at the new shop were largely supplied by the Sweet and Flower patisserie located in downtown Minot. Visitors to the shop were also able to purchase drinks and 'buy one get one half off' pastries. "The project to build the shop started officially in June 2013 with planning beginning in April," said 2nd Lt. Mary Gittings, 5th Force Support Squadron chief of readiness and plans. It cost approximately $200,000 taken from both non-appropriated funds and appropriated funds. The project began after the new wing commander arrived at Minot AFB, Gittings said. He asked military members and families what they would like to see on base and nearly 80 percent responded they wanted a Starbucks. "Lt. Col. Braun also asked the 5th Force Support Squadron what we could do to create more resilient Airmen," Gittings said. "The answer was the same. Leadership from the wing, group and squadron then turned that feedback into action." The reason this project received so much attention and care is based on the fact that the fourth priority listed in the commander's vector is caring for Airmen and their families, he added. This project was deemed as one that would enhance Minot AFB's community morale and desirability. "The B-Fifty Brew will help us to reach that goal," Gittings said. Completion of the project will also make it so Airmen can get products they want without having to drive between 15 and 20 miles off base to establishments downtown, Gittings said. The hours of operation for the facility are scheduled to be Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekends. The staff is also slated to begin offering their own rewards program, much like the Starbucks Loyalty Program, Gittings said. The B-Fifty Brew will have a loyalty coin that will give patrons discounts on drinks along with travel mugs that will discount coffee as well. "I want to extend a special thank you for the extraordinary planning and hard work of the 5th Civil Engineer Squadron Saber Team, the brew crew Kristin Hull and Gail Thompson, and the 5th Force Support Squadron," Gittings said. She also went on to say that she would also like to thank Sweet & Flour in Minot for providing their products as the B-Fifty Brew's food selection. "Whether you're an Airman on the way to the missile field, a Security Forces member keeping the base safe, an aviator preparing to fly, a maintenance Airman, a high school student cramming for finals, or anyone else who needs a good cup of coffee the new facility is ready to meet your needs," said Gittings. "The B-Fifty Brew hopes everyone enjoys using this facility."