State Burger Co. Opens in Bellefonte

A sandwich board in front of the new State Burger Co. restaurant on Dec. 18 proclaimed, “Surprise! We’re Open,“ and advertised a PB Crunch Burger.

The restaurant, located at 101 S. Allegheny St. in Bellefonte, is owned by Sean Burke and Dustin Smith. They were eager to describe the ingredients in their special opening day burger.

 “Yes, the ‘PB’ is peanut butter,” said Smith. “Many people think that sounds very odd on a burger — until they try it.” He said the dish is a steak burger topped with cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon, kettle-cooked chips and a drizzle of peanut butter.

Smith’s family has owned a restaurant in Everett for 38 years, so he has grown up in the business. Burke is a family physician from Lewistown who developed his restaurant skills and knowledge working as a waiter when he was younger.

Together, the pair hopes to bring a new type of restaurant to the area that not only will serve good food, but also become a gathering place for the community.

Their concept is a “create-what-you-want” experience for customers. The restaurant features all kinds of burgers and fries, but customers select what they want added from an array of cheeses, sauces and toppings.

State Burger Co. also offers veggie burgers and gluten-free food.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.