Bits of Business

Sign Factory to get new neighbor in State College

Nick Malawaskey

The dust has settled at the Jeramar Plaza construction site on Allen Street and tenants are starting to make their way to the new four-story building.

The first commercial tenant in was the Sign Factory, owned by Rich and Steve Heimer. The family owns the rest of the building as well.

The business was a former tenant at the site and had moved to College Avenue during the construction. Rich Heimer said when they moved back in they also upgraded their printing equipment, purchasing a Roland 52-inch, six-color, high-speed digital printer/ cutter.

“We can do pretty much anything with this now,” Rich said. “Someone needs a sign same day, next day ... we’re the express sign people.”

For additional information, call 234-SIGN (7446) or e-mail signman@cbc-ware.com.

The factory is also getting a new neighbor. Next week Cozy Thai will open a new location in Jeramar Plaza, moving up from 454 E. College Ave.

Restaurant owner Suksan Ruangpattana said the move was dictated by demand — the company had outgrown its old location.

“It’s a brand new building,” he said. “It’s closer to the center of downtown and it will be more seating area for the customers, will be bigger and will look nicer.”

Once the move is completed, Ruangpattana said the company plans to renovate its East College location and transform it into another Asian-cuisine restaurant.

“It’s exciting and exhausting all at once,” he said. “We’re still going to keep the old (location) but we’re going to turn it into something else.”

Cozy Thai may be reached at 237-0139 or on the Web at cozythaibistro.com.

Birthday in the borough

Elsewhere in the borough, Mr. Charles is turning 70 this year.

Since 1939 the boutique clothier has been merchandising its fashion wares to the women of State College. That’s no small feat considering how much fashion has changed over the years.

Proprietor Charlene Rosen attributes the firm’s fashion sense and ability to stay ahead to a lot of hard work.

“It’s true,” she said. “You have to constantly be thinking ahead ... and you’re only as good as your last day.”

Rosen is the daughter of Charles and Mary Louise Petnick, who opened the store in 1939. Although it started as a men’s clothing store, the Petnicks later shifted their focus to designs for women.

“Just the history is so amazing.” Rosen said. “We have so many people who come back ... women who bring their children and their grandchildren ... people who say ‘I remember your parents.’ ”

Rosen said the store’s success is built on those relationships, knowing her customers and taking care of them.

“We love our customers and I think they love us — and that’s how it’s supposed to be,” she said. “It’s about caring for people and enjoying what you do.”

Mr. Charles is located at 228 E. College Ave. The shop may be reached at 238-3042 or on the Web at www.mrcharlesshop.com. Nick Malawskey can be reached at 235-3928 or nmalawsk@centredaily.com.