Mediterranean restaurant to open by the time Penn State students return to Happy Valley
A fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant plans to open in downtown State College by the end of the month, about the time tens of thousands of Penn State students return to Happy Valley.
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, 348 E. Calder Way, signed a 10-year lease to occupy a 3,000-square-foot space on the ground level of The Maxxen, a spokesperson for the chain wrote in an email Tuesday.
About 15-20 people are expected to be employed at the restaurant. It would be the business’s second in Pennsylvania, joining another inside the King of Prussia Mall.
“We are very excited to expand in State College, with the Penn State campus being a large factor in the decision to open a store there,” the company wrote. “We know that the demographics of this campus will appreciate a healthy, made from scratch, all fresh, all natural and bold Mediterranean flavors of mezeh!”
The chain specializes in Mediterranean bowls, flatbread wraps and pita pockets that can be made-to-order with dozens of ingredients.
Greens and grains including spinach, kale and rice make up the base layer. Proteins such as shredded lamb, falafel and chicken shawarma could come next. Any number of toppings and sauces can be piled on.
The business’s standard hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, but the spokesperson said the chain plans to explore extending its hours in State College.
The restaurant would be the second to open on the ground floor of the apartment complex. El Jefe’s Taqueria opened in May.
This story was originally published August 2, 2022 at 11:28 AM.