Growing fast-casual restaurant chain looking to open new location in State College area
A growing Mediterranean, fast-casual restaurant chain hopes to open a new location in Happy Valley.
Cava is looking to construct a 2,500-square-foot location in the Patton Crossing development. It would be the business’ first in central Pennsylvania. The chain has nine locations in the state, either in the Philadelphia area or Lancaster.
A land development plan submitted last week showed 40 parking spots are proposed.
Patton Township Manager Amy Farkas told the Centre Daily Times the restaurant would replace plans for Centre 1st Bank, which was proposed in 2022 but was never built. Farkas said no reason was given for the bank’s withdrawal.
Most other details were not immediately known, including when the chain would like to open. A company spokesperson declined comment Friday afternoon.
It is also unclear when the township’s planning commission will consider the plan. Its next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13.
Cava serves build-your-own bowls and pitas, as well as sides and desserts. It has been billed as the “Mediterranean version of Chipotle.”
Owned by the Cava Group, the company has seen massive growth this year. Its stock price has jumped more than 200% year-to-date.
It could be one of first of 20 planned buildings in the 30-acre development off North Atherton Street. The entire development is expected to be completed by 2042.
This story was originally published December 13, 2024 at 1:38 PM.