Late-night eatery Are U Hungry is closing this month after nearly two decades in downtown State College.
The self-proclaimed home of the “Fat Sandwich” and “Big Bite Chicken” at 111 Sowers Street will close effective Feb. 26, according to a post by the restaurant on its social media accounts.
“Since opening our doors in 2005, we have been more than just a restaurant; quickly becoming a staple in the Penn State and State College community,” the post read. “However, the continuous challenges of hiring and retaining staff and especially managers to operate our late-night hours, combined with lingering complications from the pandemic, have made it increasingly difficult for us to continue providing the quality of service and experience that we pride ourselves on.”
The post also cited the “uncertainties” surrounding the future of the building that houses the restaurant and the impending expiration of the business’s lease at the end of the year as adding to the challenges.
Developer Landmark Properties plans to construct The Mark, a 12-story mixed-use building at the corner of East College Avenue and Sowers Street. The project would involve the demolition of the the Keystone Building at 444 E. College Ave., McDonald’s at 442 E. College Ave. and Are U Hungry’s home, the Armenara Office Building at 111 Sowers St. (Plans include the reopening of McDonald’s in the same location in the new building.)
The development, which is slated to include two floors of commercial space and 10 floors of residential units, would be the last new 12-story student apartment building for the foreseeable future in State College following a zoning change approved after plans for The Mark were submitted in 2022.
Are U Hungry’s post expressed hope that the restaurant’s closure is a “pause” and that stated that owners are “exploring all options including a new concept with earlier hours or possibly passing the business to new ownership if we receive interest.”
“To our loyal customers, team members, and everyone who has been a part of our story, we are eternally grateful for your support over the last 19 years.” the post stated. “Please join us in celebrating the good times we’ve shared during our final days of operation.”
For the remainder of its operation, the storefront will post its weekly hours on Instagram and Facebook. This week, Are U Hungry will be open from noon to 2 a.m. on Thursday, 2 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Friday, noon to 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, and noon to midnight on Sunday.
Are U Hungry specializes in “fat sandwiches” like the “fat blunt” and “fat lion” sandwiches along with cheesesteaks, loaded fries, boneless wings and more.
Geoff Rushton contributed to this report.
