Last month, State College’s Gumby’s Pizza officially closed its doors after over 30 years of service. Located at 300 S. Pugh St., the restaurant’s window posted a sign saying it was permanently closing down and thanked everyone for the support over the years

Now that the space is officially for rent, our staffers have a few ideas about what should move in.

Nolan Wick: Chick-Fil-A

It’s really about time we get a Chick-fil-A that’s within walking distance again. I started at Penn State right after Chick-fil-A left the HUB, so I never had the privilege of experiencing the convenience of being able to walk 10 minutes and grab one (or two) of its sandwiches.

Many students, myself included, don’t have a car and therefore can’t make the trek to North Atherton’s location. Everyone loves Chick-fil-A, and I think a new location at the old Gumby’s spot would be welcomed by many.

Luke Pieczynski: Pokey’s Pizza

While Gumby’s Pizza may be dead, I think it should reopen as Pokey’s Pizza. Named after the under-represented sidekick of the Gumby franchise on TV, of course. Justice for the smaller fish.

McKenna Murphy: Chickie’s & Pete’s

The fries are addictive, and anyone around the Philadelphia or New Jersey area can attest to this. I’m actually going through withdrawals without them, and I would be the No. 1 customer.

Sabrina Knox: Onward State HQ

It’s about time Onward State upgraded. Imagine the comfy, cozy workspace for all things Onward State. You’d have Nittany Lion wall art, a stockpile of camera and computer chargers, an idea board, and heck, maybe even a microwave and an espresso machine. Sounds pretty good to me.

Matt Brown: Steve’s Prince of Steaks

As a “Just outside of Philly” kid, there’s one thing that I truly miss during my time at State College. I miss a real Philly Cheesesteak. While lots of places up here sell cheesesteaks, non of them do it like the ones back home. I’m a whiz on my cheesesteak kind of guy and Steve’s has, by far, the best whiz. If I was able to get a Steve’s cheesesteak after a long night out in State College, my life would be complete.

Ryan Banks: Pizza Hut

You can’t out-pizza the Hut. The only true replacement for this State College veteran is another pizza spot (without the various FDA violations). Pizza Hut essentially provides the same products and services as Gumby’s minus the tattoo parlor in the back. You can’t tell me those infamous Gumby’s pokey sticks are not the exact same as the cheese sticks offered at Pizza Hut. For me, pizza worked here, and therefore, pizza should stay here.

Evan Halfen: Wawa

Let’s face it, folks. Going to school without a Wawa in sight is painful. Not having a Wawa pretzel or Wawa iced tea in hand every day is something I had to cope with. Now that Gumby’s is out of the picture, it’s time for Wawa to cure us of our hunger and share the wealth with Happy Valley. Wawa once said that it was looking to bring a store to Penn State, so now is its time to shine.

Zach Kolbe: Taco Bell

Taco Bell was such a popular spot downtown before it got moved. I vividly remember seeing the Taco Bell vigil on the news, which showed how much the students cared.

Adam Babetski: Onward State Command Center

We’re homeless, and it shouldn’t be that way. We deserve more than the Carnegie Cinema or a cubicle-sized space in Willard, and it’s about time we get some justice in this world. I’m talking about heated seats, an in-house chicken basket vendor, a swivel chair for the managing editor (Editor’s Note: I’m not opposed), an OS-style Bat-Signal, you name it. It’s going to be cinematic, folks.

Keeley Lamm: A Tattoo Parlor

See here.