As construction begins, this marks the company’s sixteenth location in six states.

On hand to assist with shoveling the first pile of dirt was S&T Bank representative Courtney Cole, Quaker Steak & Lube franchise owner Larry Salone, as well as the Lube’s co-founders Gary Meszaros and George Warren. Dan Hawbaker of Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. and Lynn Herman, State Representative for the State College district also assisted with the groundbreaking.

“We are so excited to break ground in State College,” Salone said in a press release. “What a great day for Quaker Steak & Lube and I promise to bring all the fun and success the Lube has had in its other restaurants right here to State College.”

The State College Quaker Steak & Lube is schedule to open mid January 2006. The restaurant will seat over 400 customers, house two bars, an outside patio with additional bar, employ 150 to 200 people and sell its world-famous chicken wings and 16 different sauces.

Quaker Steak & Lube, voted Best Wings USA, is a family-friendly restaurant with a motor-themed atmosphere. Founded in 1974 in Sharon, PA, Quaker Steak & Lube houses unique décor, including race cars hanging from the ceilings and motorcycles, Corvettes and gas station memorabilia decorating the walls. The restaurant began franchising in 1997 and has plans for 60 company-owned and franchise locations by the end of 2008.