A State College-area deli and barbecue restaurant is set to close after more than 11 years
A family-owned restaurant that’s called Happy Valley home for more than a decade is set to close by the end of March.
Carvers Deli & Barbecue, 1633 N. Atherton St., is scheduled to close March 25. The 2,400-square-foot business opened in November 2010.
“After 11 1/2 years, I’m getting a little bit older and working a lot of hours. It’s time,” owner Chip Powers said. “Also, all you have to do is look around town and it’s hard to find employees.”
The State College Area High School and Penn State alumnus opened the restaurant with no experience or training. Cooking barbecue started as a hobby for Powers, but became a profession after leaving a 25-year career in the medical industry.
Powers first thought about closing the restaurant last year, but opted to sign a yearlong lease. He wasn’t interested in making that commitment again.
Three people are employed at the business full-time, as well as another part-time.
“What I’ll miss the most is probably seeing the same customers that we’ve gotten to know and befriended,” Powers said. “And the rush of being busy.”