Champs Sports Grill headed for downtown State College

A downtown Champs Sports Grill has been rumored to be in the works since March.

Champs general manager Brandon Yocum on Monday confirmed what the rumor mill said all along.

Champs, located on North Atherton Street, could have a third location this fall: a spot on South Allen Street where Chili’s operated for 21 years. Champs also operates in Altoona.

Plans just have to fall into place for the downtown eatery to open.

“The deal has gone through,” Yocum said. “It’s a great opportunity to expand, and it goes hand in hand with the State College town.”

Yocum said he did not know whether co-owners Scott Lucchesi and Tom Walker would buy the Allen Street property or lease it. He also could not say how many people would be employed at the downtown location.

“It’s going to be a wonder for all of the students living downtown to be in walking distance of a Champs,” Yocum said. “It’s a move to expand the business, and we’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to be there.”

A liquor license for the location is pending approval by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

Chili’s closed May 11.

This story was originally published July 27, 2015 at 12:47 PM with the headline "Champs Sports Grill headed for downtown State College."