Openings, closings and ownership changes: The latest in Centre County business news
Centre County saw a wave of business openings, closures and ownership changes in May. From a long-running gas station shutting down to a national retailer taking over a beloved Penn State apparel store, we’ve roundup up the month’s biggest moves.
Here’s what to know:
- A Uni-Mart convenience store and ExxonMobil gas station at 3180 W. College Ave. have closed after decades in business, with shelves cleared and gas pumps covered. The Dunkin’ inside the location remains open.
- Bubba’s Eggs, Steaks & Shakes closed its downtown State College diner at 131 S. Garner St. after about six months in business, citing ongoing staffing challenges that made it difficult to operate at expected service levels.
- Longtime restaurateur Hitham Hiyajneh is opening Baby’s Diner at the former Bubba’s location, reviving the 1950s-style diner concept that closed in 2020. Hiyajneh hopes to open by mid-June, ideally before the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts begins July 8.
- Saxby’s coffee shop inside Penn State’s University Park Business Building closed May 8 after more than seven years serving students and employees. Company and university officials have not said why the location shut down.
- The Whiskey Barber Salon opened in downtown State College at 135 S. Pugh St., offering whiskey-infused hot towels and grooming services with western theming. It is the first recipient of funds through the Retail Launch Assistance Program, which offers up to $15,000 in matched funding.
- Sizzling Bites Halal Grill opened a fast-casual location at 129 S. Pugh St. in downtown State College. The chain, launched in 2024 by then-18-year-old Abdul Wali, serves halal platters, gyros and loaded fries.
- Sprinks Ice Cream will open this summer at 122 Dunlop St. in Bellefonte, near Talleyrand Park. Owner Ellen Fornicola-Clontz plans to offer soft serve, hard-scooped ice cream and dairy-free and gluten-free options at affordable prices.
- The Picklr, an indoor pickleball franchise, is opening a 27,000-square-foot club at the former Big Lots at 503 Benner Pike this summer. Former Penn State football fullback Steve Smith, Class of 1999, will own and operate the nine-court facility.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first Bellefonte-area location at 2673 Benner Pike. The restaurant features a Chipotlane drive-thru and is the chain’s fourth in Centre County.
- Rally House acquired the Lion & Cub Penn State apparel store and its Nittany Outlet online business from owner Benson Lichtig, who is retiring after nearly 50 years. The store will be rebranded as Rally House State College in early June, with a second location planned along North Atherton Street in fall 2026.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.