The Gingerbread Man officially changed hands on April 1, but fans of the restaurant can sleep peacefully.

Although it was sold, the new owners say they are just as committed to providing State College with a restaurant that is as friendly to both families and college students as it was under former ownership.

Joe Shulman, the previous owner, said the restaurant, located at 130 Heister St., officially changed ownership to Justin Kramm, a Penn State alumnus who graduated in 2003 with a degree in hotel, restaurant and institutional management, after about a year of discussion.

Kramm, who worked under the Shulmans for two years as a manager, said he bought the business with the help of his family. Kramm said he felt owning a business was the next step in his career.

"I've always had the desire to get into the restaurant business, and I approached Joe and Judy to see if they were interested in selling," Kramm said.

Shulman said this is the first time the Gingerbread Man has changed ownership in its 22-year history in State College. The bar and restaurant was known as The Arena before 1984. The Arena was founded by Joe Shulman's wife, Judy, and her business partner, John Cocolin. On July 10, 1984, the restaurant officially became known as the Gingerbread Man.

Shulman said he and his wife were not looking to sell their restaurant; their business had been successful for close to 22 years. But then Kramm approached the Shulmans with a very appealing offer.

Shulman wouldn't reveal the Gingerbread Man's price tag, but he said the amount was attractive enough to make selling it feel like a good decision. He also said Kramm is looking to keep the traditions of the Gingerbread Man the same in the future.

"Justin and his family want to carry on the business as it's been run in the past," Shulman said.

Kramm said he hoped the transition of the restaurant would be seamless.

Shulman and Kramm said the staff of the restaurant will stay the same, as will the hours. Smoke-free Mondays will also continue; however, there would be a new menu in the fall, which typically happens in the restaurant industry, Kramm said.

"We are just updating and keeping up with current trends," he said.

Kramm said the Gingerbread Man in State College used to be affiliated with other Gingerbread Man locations across the state, but now all of the locations are separately owned.

Shulman said the philosophy of the Gingerbread Man has always been to provide an environment that is family-friendly and popular with college students.

"We manage to bring townspeople and college students together," Shulman said.

He said that even those under 21 can come to the restaurant and have lunch or dinner everyday. He said kids under 12 eat free everyday until 7 p.m., which promotes a family environment.

Shulman said he would continue to work as a consultant at the Gingerbread Man for the next three years to help with the transitioning process.

Kramm said the restaurant has a tradition that they will strive to maintain.

"It's been here for 22 years, and we want to continue as a place where you can get good food and come down for a drink with your friends, or to be with your family," he said.