The latest openings, closings and more business news in Centre County from August
August brought a flurry of business activity in Centre County.
The owner of a longtime furniture store announced plans to close after almost 50 years in business. A bakery and discount retailer joined the scene. Something new is in the works at a shuttered downtown State College diner.
Here’s a look at other business news you may have missed:
Openings
- Discount retailer Ocean State Job Lot opened in the former Giant supermarket on East College Avenue. The property had been vacant since 2019.
- Chew Chew Bun Asian Bakery expected to open a new shop Aug. 27 in downtown State College. The business has set up shop at at 115 E. Beaver Ave., the former site of Crust & Crumb cafe, which closed in May. Chew Chew Bun sought a larger location after closing its shop in the Nittany Mall.
Oeuf Boeuf et Bacon (“egg, beef and bacon”), a diner with French flair, is slated to take over the former Baby’s Burgers and Shakes at 131 S. Garner St. in State College. Chef Gillian Clark and partner Robin Smith anticipate opening in early September.
The Smokey Axe Grille has opened inside the Axemann Brewery, 2042 Axemann Road, Bellefonte. It replaces the Blonde Bistro, which moved out of the brewery in May.
Planet Fitness opened in downtown State College, its second local facility. The club is located in the former H&M in the Fraser Centre, 118 S. Fraser St. The gym is open and staffed 24 hours Monday-Thursday, continuing until 9 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Universal Settlement Settlement Services of PA LLC held a grand opening at its relocated State College office on the second floor of 1423 N. Atherton St. The title insurance and settlement company is owned by Brandy McAulay and was previously located on Sandy Drive.
Closings
- Stover’s Furniture announced it will close in the next few months after almost 50 years. Owner Jake Stover said he plans to become a professional gambler. His store has been in the Nittany Mall since 2015.
Hirings and acquisitions
- The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau hired Bellefonte native Jake Morelli to fill the newly created position of sports service manager. Morelli will work with sports groups and athletic tournaments to make sure their events are successful and book them for return dates. The position will be a top resource for the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance, HVAB President and CEO Fritz Smith said. The alliance is expected to be up and running fully in September after the executive director and board are announced.
- Boalsburg-based EnergyCAP acquired Wattics. EnergyCAP offers energy and sustainability enterprise resource planning software, while Wattics provides energy management analytics and monitoring software.
- Scholar Hotel Group added two hotels to its local portfolio. The company bought Residence Inn by Marriott State College, 1555 University Drive, for $15.6 million and Courtyard by Marriott State College, 1730 University Drive,for $9.1 million from Apple Hotel LLC.