Spats won’t be gone for long as it finds a new home

Spats Cafe and Speakeasy might have closed Saturday at the corner of South Pugh Street and East College Avenue, but it will continue to operate in a new location.

Duke and Monica Gastiger announced the recently signed deal Sunday evening to their employees at a private party in the All-American Rathskeller and Spats.

“There was a combination of relief and joyful exuberance,” Duke Gastiger said. “They were sort of aware we were working on things. It was great to see the relief on their faces and to know they had a chance to stay together and that Spats would continue.”

Spats will team up with Allen Street Grill to create a new restaurant, though a name has not been finalized for the new business. Allen Street Grill will continue to operate, and Spats will be gradually integrated into the business through March.

The Gastigers reached an agreement on Sunday with Hotel State College & Co. operation managers Joe Shulman and John Cocolin “to bring together the best of their menus” in a collaboration at West College Avenue and South Allen Street above The Corner Room.

The deal has been in the works for three weeks, according to Duke Gastiger who called the agreement a long-term commitment.

“When we heard that Spats would be leaving State College, we knew it would leave a hole in the fabric of dining establishments,” Shulman said in a release. “Then we realized we could work together to improve both of our businesses and to benefit our loyal customers and friends.”

Shulman and the Gastigers will blend the Spats and Allen Street Grill teams of chefs, servers and kitchen staff. They also plan to offer more wine tastings and private parties.

“We are thrilled to work with the Hotel State College to create a new restaurant that combines Cajun flavors with classic grill favorites,” Duke Gastiger said in a release. “This is what community is all about — working together and envisioning how we can improve the dining experiences in downtown State College. The Allen Street Grill and Corner Room are a revered part of State College history, and the location offers a perfect opportunity to introduce a more comprehensive menu.”

The menu will be geared largely toward Spats with Allen Street Grill specialties.

“We’re so excited for our employees and community to continue to enjoy and love Spats,” Monica Gastiger said. “It was a win-win-win, a win for Spats and our employees, a win for Joe and John and their employees and a win for the community.”

The Rathskeller space will be taken over by Tom and Kelley Trosko, who will operate the bar. The Gastigers and Troskos have said they are open to negotiating an agreement to sell the business.

This story will be updated.

This story was originally published January 29, 2018 at 11:07 AM with the headline "Spats won’t be gone for long as it finds a new home."