Local

9 fresh doors open in Centre County with food, fun and local flavor

Stories by Centre Daily Times journalists, with AI summarization

Several new local businesses have started offering food, shopping and entertainment across the area. Owners focus on sharing unique menus, hometown traditions and personal stories. Many connect their ventures to the community by highlighting regional tastes, convenience, or a gathering space for locals.

One new restaurant now features Turkish and Mediterranean breakfasts, bringing the owner's culinary roots from Turkey to State College. A cheesesteak shop has reopened downtown with a new name and menu upgrades, such as ribeye steak and daily-baked bread. Another spot offers extra-large pizza slices with fast service and familiar toppings. Meanwhile, a business near Penns Valley provides ready-to-bake meals and fresh cinnamon rolls, aiming to serve busy families with scratch-made foods inspired by Pennsylvania Dutch recipes. Each business owner describes a mission shaped by local needs and personal ties to the area.

A closer look at some of Kathryn’s packaged cinnamon rolls, which have been previously sold at the Boalsburg and North Atherton farmers markets.

NO. 1: FROZEN MEALS & FRESH-BAKED CINNAMON ROLLS: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NEW STATE COLLEGE BUSINESS

Kathryn’s is taking over the former Brewsky’s Bottle Shop location and will open in November. | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Josh Moyer

Rolled Kadaif and baklava from Kitchen Garden in State College on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. By Abby Drey

NO. 2: NEW EATERY BRINGS TURKISH AND MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE, HOSPITALITY TO STATE COLLEGE AREA

The breakfast and lunch spot officially opens next week. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Holly Riddle

The StillHouse restaurant in Spring Mills features Barrel 21 cocktails, Otto’s sodas and a menu full of deli sandwiches, burgers and appetizers. By Matt DiSanto

NO. 3: NEW PENNS VALLEY RESTAURANT LAUNCHES WITH TEAM BEHIND TWO LOCAL FAVORITES. SEE THE MENU 

It marks the latest venture from the team behind Otto’s Pub & Brewery and Barrel 21 Distillery & Dining in State College. | Published March 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Matt DiSanto

Benny’s Pizza will open a shop in downtown State College this spring. The regional chain is known for its 28-inch pies.

NO. 4: A NEW PIZZA SHOP WILL BRING EXTRA-LARGE SLICES TO STATE COLLEGE. WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

The pizza shop will serve 28-inch pies by the slice in downtown State College. | Published March 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Matt DiSanto

Taylor Eger and Britney Croyle of Every Season Home and Living at 107 S Allegheny Street in Bellefonte on Thursday, April 17, 2025. By Abby Drey

NO. 5: BELLEFONTE’S NEWEST DECOR STORE HAS ‘A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.’ TAKE A LOOK

Every Season Home and Living opened its doors earlier this month on South Allegheny Street. | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jacob Michael

Penn Steaks, opening under a new name at 119 S. Pugh St. in State College, is rebranding with the help of five co-owners.

NO. 6: GRAND OPENING PLANNED FOR DOWNTOWN STATE COLLEGE EATERY WITH NEW NAME, OWNERS

A State College cheesesteak shop is preparing to reopen under a new ownership group. | Published August 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Matthew DiSanto

Bubba’s Eggs, Steaks & Shakes is now open at 131 S. Garner St. in State College. By Matt DiSanto

NO. 7: THIS DINER IS NOW OPEN INSIDE AN ICONIC STATE COLLEGE PROPERTY. SEE THE MENU

Downtown State College’s newest diner is now open inside an iconic property. | Published October 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Matt DiSanto

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.