Auntie Anne’s and more: One-stop shop for snacks and treats to open soon in State College
Three national chains known for their soft pretzels, cinnamon rolls and ice cream plan to open a single State College location in early 2020.
Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon and Carvel expect to open at 324 E. College Ave. in either late-January or early-February, Auntie Anne’s Marketing Vice President Marcel Nahm said in a statement.
“We know our guests crave variety and appreciate a wide range of choices, especially when together as a group,” Nahm said. “Offering Auntie Anne’s, Carvel and Cinnabon in one location allows guests to visit one spot, no matter their craving — a sweet or savory treat, a warm baked good or soft serve ice cream, lemonade or a coffee beverage. We hope we become the one-stop-shop for students and residents to gather over some of their favorite fresh snacks and treats, at hours that fit their busy lives.”
Renovations to the storefront that was once home to the now-closed Kiwi Yogurt are underway. The companies are fully redesigning the space into a “unique and special” setting, Nahm said.
Auntie Anne’s has long been associated with shopping malls — including an independently-owned Nittany Mall franchise that closed in 2018 after more than 24 years — but Nahm said the companies have been seeking new ways to grow in college towns.
The Lancaster County-based business’ proximity to State College and “strong connection” to Happy Valley made sense for a new location, Nahm said. And it doesn’t hurt that company President Heather Neary is a Penn State alumna.
“Each brand consistently sees requests from fans asking us to come to their college campuses, but being ingrained in the larger community is where we feel we can bring to life the full brand experience,” Nahm said. “We’ve been searching for the right opportunities that allow us to be close to campus and part of the overall community, and Penn State allows us to do just that.”
Cinnabon and Carvel do not operate any Centre County locations, while Auntie Anne’s operates two others. Its products are available at the Subways in Pegula Ice Arena and the North Atherton Street Walmart.
This story was originally published December 3, 2019 at 6:50 AM.