Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Eat’n Park-Affiliated Hello Bistro To Open In Former Location Of The Diner

Hello Bistro, a fast-casual restaurant that is part of the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, will open in the former location of The Diner in State College.

The Diner closed its doors at 126 W. College Ave. in April after nearly 80 years in business under various names, including Ye Olde College Diner. Proprietor Dan Rallis cited skyrocketing rent as the reason for closing.

The same month The Diner closed, property owners Daniel and Farideh Barbet sold the building for $1.5 million to 126 College Ave Partners LLP, of which Eat’n Park CEO Jeffrey Broadhurst is a member, according to documents filed with the Centre County Recorder of Deeds.

Eat’n Park Hospitality Group spokesperson Becky McArdle said an opening date for Hello Bistro has not yet been set and work on the building will begin in the next few weeks.

One of several Eat’n Park brands, the Hello Bistro chain was created in 2012 and its website describes the restaurant as “Eat’n Park’s sassy cousin.” It offers a huge salad bar, burgers, sandwiches, soups and more.

“We’ve always had a strong connection with the State College community, and it’s an environment Hello Bistro has always wanted to be a part of,” McArdle said. “Plus, there aren’t any other concepts like ours around, so we think we’ll appeal to both students and locals.”

The Homestead, Pa.-based Eat’n Park had a presence in State College for more than two decades. The North Atherton Street location of its flagship brand closed in September 2015 after 24 years in business. (Crazy Boil, a Cajun seafood restaurant, is planning to open in the former Eat’n Park building later this year.)

There’s also a personal connection to the Centre Region. Jeffrey Broadhurst’s father, Penn State alumnus Jim Broadhurst, was previously the longtime CEO of Eat’n Park and oversaw significant expansion of the restaurant group. Jim Broadhurst is a past chair of the Penn State Board of Trustees.

McArdle said Hello Bistro’s State College location will employ 45 to 50 people. It will be the ninth Hello Bistro location, with seven others in the Pittsburgh area and one in Ohio.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Geoff Rushton (StateCollege.com)

Geoff Rushton is managing editor for StateCollege.com. Contact him at [email protected] or find him on Twitter at @geoffrushton.

[Photo Story] Penn State Football’s 2024 Pro Day

Our photographers were at Holuba Hall to capture the 2024 Pro Day events.

Report: Penn State Hoops Forward Favour Aire Enters Transfer Portal

Aire spent 50 minutes on the court in his lone season with the Nittany Lions.

Report: Former Penn State Hoops Guard Kanye Clary Enters Transfer Portal

Clary left Penn State earlier in the season based on a “coach’s decision.”

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Geoff

Man Pleads Guilty In Connection With Crash That Killed Penn State Student

Ahmed Alqubaisi pleaded guilty to one felony count of accidents involving death or personal injury for the the September 12 crash that killed a 25-year-old Penn State graduate student.

Penn State Professor Facing More Charges For Lewd Acts, Indecent Exposure In State Forest

Condo Hotel & Commercial Building Proposed For Downtown State College