New restaurant to continue ‘evolution of the international food scene in State College’

Andy Lee, a Penn State alumnus, plans to open a Korean fried chicken restaurant in downtown State College at the end of August. The goal of Tasty K, Lee said, is to “bring more diversity into State College” with food that will be “based on Korean recipes.”

The restaurant will be take-out only, which Lee said is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID affected so much on the restaurant industry and eating experience,” Lee wrote in an email. “Consumers are now used to getting their food to go and eating at home comfortably.”

The restaurant is looking to hire its own delivery drivers, Lee added, so that they won’t be dependent on apps that cost the business 20-30% of the sale.

The restaurant is planning to host seasonal events — including giveaways, Lee wrote.

There will be three kinds of chicken on the menu, according to an article published by Onward State. Lee told the CDT that his favorite is the Galbi flavor, which is soy sauce based.

“Not only by food, but also with many events that focus on giving back to the community, we are going to leave positive foot marks on the Happy Valley,” he wrote.

Lee Anne Jeffries, president of the Downtown State College Improvement District, said that she was excited to welcome Tasty K to downtown.

“It’s wonderful to watch the evolution of the international food scene here in State College as it continues to diversify,” she wrote in an email.

Lee also teased future plans for more restaurants in State College.

“Can’t tell you guys about other items yet,” he wrote. “But many more international foods will be available in State College in the future ...”

Tasty K is set to open on Aug. 21 at 325 East Calder Way.