Jersey Mike’s Likely in Former Webster’s Space, State College Leader Says

Nearly a year after Webster’s Bookstore Cafe closed its South Allen Street location, the downtown State College property may soon have a new tenant.

Downtown Improvement District Executive Director Jody Alessandrine said he understands that a Jersey Mike’s franchisee is ‘at the precipice’ of reaching an agreement with landlord Scott Kresge.

Based in Manasquan, N.J., Jersey Mike’s ranks among the largest submarine-sandwich chains in the U.S.

Kresge, who could not be reached immediately for comment, controls the 3,800-square-foot building at 128 S. Allen St., where Webster’s did business for more than 10 years.

The book shop and cafe vacated after it fell behind on its rent, involved parties have said. The space has been vacant since August 2010.

Alessandrine said Jersey Mike’s would need only about 2,000 square feet to run a sandwich shop at 128 S. Allen St. The balance of the building — some 1,800 square feet — is being made available for professional-office commitments, he said.

He also said other prospective tenants — including banks — have looked at the space.

Messages left at Jersey Mike’s headquarters were not immediately answered late this week. According to the company website, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems Inc. oversees more than 500 locations, including those already open and those under development.

Earlier coverage

• Webster’s Faces Financial Difficulty, Likely Closure (July 6, 2010)