Construction is underway for a fast-food restaurant on Benner Pike. What to know

The latest development in a growing area of Centre County has begun to take shape, with construction underway at the future McDonald’s on Benner Pike.

Plans for the new fast-food restaurant were submitted to the county last year, located in the Paradise Shopping Center next to the Giant grocery store that opened in December 2022.

The new McDonald’s will be 4,285 square feet, just slightly larger than the South Atherton Street location.

“The new McDonald’s alongside Benner Pike has officially started moving earth,” Chris Schnure, Centre County’s subdivision and land development planner, said. “I’m not sure how long the project is going to take, but I’d definitely keep an eye out on that this year — it seems to me like everything is going smoothly so far.”

Project manager Randi Giacobbi did not respond to requests for comment on construction and opening timelines.

Other development plans in the area include Happy Valley’s first Wawa, proposed for between Dunkin’ and Fulton Bank along the Benner Pike, a four-story hotel hotel at the corner of Amberleigh Lane and Benner Pike and a proposed fulfillment center warehouse at the end of Penntech Drive.

In the Paradise Shopping Center specifically, residents can expect another fast-food chain and coffee shop/restaurant to be coming to the area, according to the Paradise Shopping Center’s five-phase plan.