Buffalo Wild Wings eyeing downtown State College location. Here’s what we know
Casual dining chain Buffalo Wild Wings is looking to move into downtown State College, but it’s first seeking the transfer of a liquor license — a process that has drawn pushback in similar situations.
The chain is hoping to open at The Maxxen, 131 Hiester St., if the transfer is approved, according to Borough Council’s work session agenda for Monday.
Borough Planning Director Ed LeClear told the Centre Daily Times that the business submitted a sign package for the first floor of the property, across from the Lion’s Den. He wrote in an email that the proposal may be for two floors, but was unable to tell from the application.
It would be Buffalo Wild Wings’ first in Centre County. Its nearest restaurant is in Lycoming County, about an hour and 15 minutes away. It has more than 1,300 locations nationwide, including 30 in Pennsylvania.
The license it’s seeking to transfer belongs to Don Patron Mexican Grill, which operated in Patton Township until it closed in March 2017. Since it would be coming from outside the borough, Borough Council has greater latitude in deciding how to handle the request.
Elected decision-makers can choose to deny it or approve with a number of restrictions, from what time alcohol is served to whether it can advertise deals involving alcohol.
State College must approve the transfer before it can be considered by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, PLCB spokesman Shawn Kelly said. No other details were included in Borough Council’s work session agenda.
A message left Friday with the chain was not immediately returned. Commercial real estate agent Kandy Weader told the CDT she was unable to speak about the project as of Friday.
A public hearing for the liquor license transfer is scheduled for Aug. 5. A decision is slated for Aug. 19. Borough Manager Tom Fountaine and police Chief John Gardner are expected to review the process Monday.
Buffalo Wild Wings has long been interested in the State College area. The chain submitted plans in December 2015 to open in Ferguson Township, but withdrew them about two years later.
At least two other restaurants had liquor license transfers approved by Borough Council since last year. Brothers Bar & Grill and Figo Italian each had their requests approved with conditions.
The latter was required to abide by a 60%/40% food-alcohol beverage ratio, alcohol sales are not permitted when food sales are not available and alcoholic beverages must be sold in containers less than 22 fluid ounces.
Don Patron is represented by Pittsburgh-based law firm Flaherty & O’Hara, one of the country’s largest liquor licensing practices. Its liquor license is in safekeeping status.
It’s difficult to say with certainty what the going rate is for liquor licenses in Centre County, but auctions of expired liquor licenses help provide some insight.
The only liquor license won since the coronavirus pandemic in Centre County sold for $425,000. Sheetz paid $307,500 for an expired liquor license in fall 2016, while Weis Markets paid nearly $325,500 in summer 2017.
