This fast-growing halal chain plans to open a downtown State College restaurant
A fast-growing halal chain plans to open a location in State College.
Sizzling Bites Halal Grill is working to open a fast-casual restaurant at 129 S. Pugh St., as evidenced by a number of signs posted inside the vacant storefront’s windows. The site has remained vacant since Sheetz closed its former market there in 2023 after eight years in business.
Though Sizzling Bites has not announced an opening date in State College, signs on the storefront’s windows say the chain will post updates on its social media pages. Sizzling Bites has not responded to requests for comment from the Centre Daily Times.
Sizzling Bites launched in 2024 behind then-18-year-old Abdul Wali, a young entrepreneur whose restaurant experience began after opening Allentown’s Flaming Hot Halal Grill alongside his uncle. According to the chain’s website, it currently operates locations in Bethlehem, Easton and Reading but plans to expand to Scranton and Newark, Delaware.
Sizzling Bites’ online menu offers platters featuring french fries, rice and salad or hummus served alongside chicken thighs, beef, lamb, falafel, fish or fried chicken tenders. The menu also includes gyros, salads, loaded french fries, loaded macaroni and cheese, chicken sandwiches and burgers, as well as several desserts and side dishes.
The halal restaurant joins a growing list of incoming businesses expected to open soon in downtown State College. Brooklyn Bodega Deli & Grill and Kung Fu Noodle are expected to open next-door from each other on the corner of College Avenue and Hiester Street, while work continues at Riko’s Thin Crust Pizza at 142 E. College Ave. Three more eateries — Big Chicken, Tikka Shack Indian Grub and Sora Teriyaki & Sushi — plan to open in retail spaces at the oLiv Hetzel high-rise at 448 E. College Ave.
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