New restaurants, casino & more: 15 Centre County businesses aiming to open in 2026
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Centre County schedules major 2026 openings: casino, hotels and restaurants.
- Benner Pike and downtown State College see retail, dining and gas expansion.
- Developers target spring–summer 2026 openings; timelines remain subject to change.
The new year is off to a roaring start, and with it comes a flurry of new businesses slated to open soon across Centre County.
Development in State College, Bellefonte and beyond is ramping up with major projects taking leaps this year. Chief among them are the Happy Valley Casino and continued expansion along Benner Pike, a booming strip in Bellefonte that will soon welcome a pair of new hotels and the area’s first Wawa gas station and convenience store.
Though timelines may change, these are some of the most significant businesses aiming to open throughout Centre County in 2026.
State College
Big Chicken
What is it? — This fast-casual chain founded by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal specializes in chicken sandwiches, wings and homestyle sides. It will mark the chain’s first location in central Pennsylvania.
Where it will be? — 480 E. College Ave. on the first floor of the oLiv Hetzel high-rise
When will it open? — Though an exact opening date is not yet available, Kandy Weader, the building’s commercial real estate agent, said Big Chicken’s build is nearly complete inside the space. The chain has not responded to a request for comment from the CDT.
Brooklyn Bodega
What is it? — This New York City bodega-inspired deli and convenience store will offer grab-and-go snacks, groceries and food options, including breakfast sandwiches and deli meats.
Where it will be? — 340 E. College Ave. in the former home of HiWay Pizza Pub
When will it open? — Owner Hamzah Mozeb said the bodega should be ready to open “very soon” after experiencing delays with code approvals and construction. He told the CDT it could be ready as soon as late January or February.
Chipotle
What is it? — The fast-casual Mexican chain is working to construct a new location in College Township, joining existing sites in downtown State College and along North Atherton Street. Additionally, a fourth Chipotle is in the works for Benner Pike’s Paradise Shopping Center.
Where it will be? — 1880 S. Atherton St. in the former home of Chen’s Mongolian Buffet
When will it open? — In August, a company spokesperson said Chipotle planned to have the new location open in 2026. A more detailed timeline is not yet available.
Fire & Fig Grill
What is it? — This Persian restaurant will offer a wide range of specialty dishes, including kebabs and stews.
Where it will be? — 1100 N. Atherton St. in the former home of Kimchi Korean Restaurant
When will it open? — An opening timeline is not yet available, but the restaurant’s website says workers are putting the finishing touches on the space and its menu.
Happy Valley Casino
What is it? — A long-awaited College Township casino will feature 600 slot machines and 30 table games, including blackjack, craps and roulette. The nonsmoking casino will also offer a sports-themed sit-down restaurant and a quick-service food court.
Where it will be? — The casino will open at the Nittany Mall with a main entrance at the former Macy’s store site.
When will it open? — The casino is expected to open in April 2026 after years of legal battles and construction. Initial hours are set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
Kung Fu Noodle
What is it? — This Chinese restaurant will offer fresh-cooked noodles when it opens its first Pennsylvania location in State College. The regional chain launched in 2019 with a shop in Dayton, Ohio.
Where it will be? — 346 E. College Ave. in the former site of Liberty Craft House
When will it open? — Representatives for the chain have not yet responded to a request for an updated opening timeline. In March, Kung Fun Noodle’s North American president told the CDT he hoped to have it open by summer 2025.
Riko’s Pizza
What is it? — This Connecticut-based pizza chain plans to offer crispy, thin-crust pizzas in a shop complete with a 22-stool bar and plenty of TVs.
Where it will be? — 142 E. College Ave. inside the former Spats Cafe
When will it open? — Work on the space has been underway for many months, but no opening date is available. Representatives for the chain, who have not responded to new requests for comment from the CDT, previously acknowledged the “build for this location is particularly complex.”
Sizzling Bites Halal Grill
What is it? — This fast-casual restaurant will serve platters featuring french fries, rice and salad or hummus alongside chicken thighs, beef, lamb, falafel, fish or fried chicken tenders. The menu also includes gyros, salads, sandwiches and burgers.
Where it will be? — 129 S. Pugh St. inside the former Sheetz
When will it open? — Sizzling Bites has not yet responded to requests for more information from the CDT. However, the fast-growing Pennsylvania-based chain has moved quickly to open locations in Bethlehem, Easton and Redding with plans to soon expand to Scranton and Newark, Delaware.
Sora Teriyaki & Sushi
What is it? — This Japanese restaurant will offer teriyaki dishes glazed with homemade sauces, as well as fresh sushi.
Where it will be? — 448 E. College Ave. on the first floor of the oLiv Hetzel high-rise
When will it open? — Kandy Weader, the building’s commercial real estate agent, told the CDT in late June that the restaurant’s owners hoped to open in about six months. An updated timeline has not been made available.
Tikka Shack Indian Grub
What is it? — This fast-casual restaurant’s menu will feature a wide range of bowls, kebbas and wraps, plus chicken wings, naan pizzas and even naan tacos. It is expected to offer vegetarian options, varying spice levels and a children’s menu.
Where it will be? — 448 E. College Ave. on the first floor of the oLiv Hetzel high-rise
When will it open? — An initial timeline for this spot proposed opening this past December. No specific date is available yet.
Bellefonte
Bellefonte-area hotels
What is it? — Construction is moving along for several hotels toward Bellefonte, including a four-story Home2 Suites by Hilton and a Tru by Hilton hotel.
Where it will be? — The Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel is under construction on a 3-acre lot near the intersection of Shiloh and East Trout roads. An Avid Hotels/Candlewood Suites hotel recently opened, while a Tru by Hilton hotel is in development along Benner Pike in Benner Township.
When will it open? — The Home 2 Suites by Hilton hotel is expected to open in early 2026, though an exact opening date is not yet available. The Tru by Hilton hotel is accepting reservations starting on May 7, while the Avid Hotels/Candlewood Suites hotel is already open to start 2026.
Reliance Bank
What is it? — This Altoona-headquartered banking company will open a Bellefonte branch after identifying Centre County as a key target for expansion.
Where it will be? — 801 E. Bishop St. on the same site formerly occupied by Bellefonte’s only PNC Bank
When will it open? — Reliance Bank said it’s aiming to open the branch in early 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Wawa
What is it? — The convenience store and gas station giant is expanding to Centre County with at least four locations planned. Up first is a 6,600-square-foot location in Benner Township complete with 16 gas pumps and a convenience store.
Where it will be? — On the corner of Benner Pike and Eagle Point directly across from Sheetz
When will it open? — The project, which broke ground in December, is expected to finish construction after five or six months. Developers anticipate opening the Benner Pike Wawa in late spring or early summer.
Bald Eagle Area
Swanky Beans
What is it? — With enough support, a Port Matilda couple hopes to open this coffee shop that would produce coffee, espresso products and more using locally roasted beans. It would also serve baked goods and other drinks, including teas and hot chocolates.
Where it will be? — 100 S. High St. in Port Matilda on the first floor of a former First National Bank
When will it open? — Project developers Salina and Ethan Swancer are still working to secure funds to finalize a lease on the shop and establish an opening timeline. The project’s crowdfunding efforts cruised past a $10,000 goal to raise more than $45,000 as of mid-January.
Penns Valley
Boujee Bistro and Baking Co.
What is it? — A new bistro from the team behind Valley Girl Co. will offer a zero-proof bar and food options that will make it the first entirely gluten-free restaurant in Centre County, owner Kristen Cowher told the CDT.
Where it will be? — 105 E. Main St. in Millheim
When will it open? — Updates on Valley Girl Co.’s Facebook page say the bistro is expected to open as soon as late January.
This list of incoming Centre County businesses is not exhaustive. If you know of a new shop, restaurant or other business opening in 2026 that should be included, please email details to reporter Matt DiSanto at mdisanto@centredaily.com.
This story was originally published January 15, 2026 at 5:23 AM.
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