Regional Halal Restaurant Chain to Open Downtown State College Location

A growing regional chain of fast-casual halal restaurants is coming to downtown State College.

Sizzling Bites Halal Grill is planning to open at 129 S. Pugh St., according to signage on the building and information presented earlier this year at a State College Redevelopment Authority meeting. The location has been vacant since Sheetz closed its store there in 2023 after eight years in business.

An opening date has not yet been announced. The chain plans to post updates on its Instagram account.

Founded in Bethlehem in 2024 by then 18-year-old Abdul Wali, the family-owned Sizzling Bites Halal Grill has since expanded to Easton and Reading. In addition to State College, it has locations planned in Scranton and Newark, Delaware, according to the restaurant’s website and social media.

Its menu features platters with chicken, lamb, falafel, fish or a mix with rice with sauce, fries and salad or hummus, as well as gyros and salads, loaded fries and loaded mac and cheese. The menu also includes smash burgers, a fried chicken sandwich and chicken tenders; sides like onion rings, falafel, chicken nuggets, fries and mozzarella sticks; and desserts such as tres leches, baklava, churros and red velvet and carrot cakes.

Sizzling Bites Halal Grill is among several restaurants already anticipated to open in the downtown area in 2026. Other eateries planned include Brooklyn Bodega Deli and Grill, 340 E. College Ave.; Kung Fu Noodle, 346 E. College Ave.; Riko’s Thin Crust Pizza, 142 E. College Ave.; and Big Chicken, Tikka Shack Indian Grub and Sora Teriyaki & Sushi, all in oLiv Hetzel, 448 E. College Ave.