CENTRE HALL — Those looking for a taste of Cajun country in Penns Valley will no longer have to wait for the Grange Fair, as The Express casual dining restaurant is planning to open at the former Whistle Stop location Monday, April 23.
Greg Yearick and his wife, LuAnne, worked the Cajun Express II stand at the Grange Fair and other events such as the Bellefonte Cruise for the past five years. Yearick said the Cajun flavoring they offer is loved by fairgoers who were looking for something different. Serving alligator on a stick, catfish and gumbo, along with other bayou favorites, he said people often stopped for the novelty, but came back for the flavor.
“But this is more than a Cajun restaurant,” said LuAnne Yearick. “That is why we are just The Express. Greg is a great cook and has a wide variety of dishes that we can’t wait to share with the diners. He is a grill master, and this new place will give him a chance to show that off.”
It was at the backyard grill where Greg Yearick got the idea of starting his own restaurant. After having people over for barbecues, friends began asking the Yearicks if they could have their parties at the couple’s house so that Greg could be the cook. The couple began to think that maybe they could make a business out of it. The food stand was a successful first step, but soon they were thinking bigger.
When the couple noticed the Royal Italian Garden was no longer going to be operating at the 104 E. Wilson St. location, they jumped right in and did what they had long hoped to do, setting up a permanent spot to share their cooking .
Along with the Cajun favorites, they plan to offer smoked brisket, ribs and pulled pork and traditional favorites such as burgers, cheesesteaks and wings. But, Greg Yearick said people shouldn’t be afraid to try the Cajun flavors he will offer.
“It isn’t too spicy, but it is flavorful. I am careful to make the spices something that everyone can appreciate. It is not to overpowering, but it is a good flavor.” He said he has long enjoyed Cajun food and that he and his wife have taken many trips to New Orleans because they love the food and culture.
A Penns Valley native, Greg Yearick never thought he would be running a restaurant in the former Whistle Stop location — a Penns Valley landmark that once was the town’s train station. Outside the building, an old railcar and caboose still sit. He hopes to be able to use them to serve special parties at some point. Currently, he is working on getting everything set up while keeping the feel of the old train station inside.
“It is pretty cool to be opening up in a piece of Penn Valley history. I never thought I would be running a restaurant here.’ He noted how his restaurant’s name, The Express, fits nicely with an old train station.
Yearick said he believes that people in the area are looking forward to something other than another pizza place and thinks his food will offer a good alternative. He plans to be in charge of the kitchen while his wife handles the front of the house. The couple’s two adult daughters will be helping out, too.
“We are excited to open, that is for sure. It is going to be fun … a lot of work, but fun. I can’t wait to see that look of happiness on the customers’ faces when they try my food.”
