Permits and legalities have added months of delay to the opening of an Italian restaurant downtown, but the long-awaited Rotelli's will be up and running soon.

Rotelli's, 252 Calder Way, is a franchise restaurant with a full menu -- everything from appetizers and soups to full entrées and pizza, co-owner Dave Krauth said.

Co-owner Mike Hughes said it has been almost two years since they started the process of opening Rotelli's. However, Krauth said they are trying to open this weekend for the 40th Annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. He said if it doesn't open by then, it will be the weekend after that.

"I think the quality of the food will be outstanding," he said. "It's great food, great atmosphere and great staff."

Krauth said Rotelli's will have its whole menu available for takeout and delivery and will be added to LionMenus.com. He said the bottom floor of the restaurant would have a bar and dining seating.

The top floor has the kitchen, dining seating and an outdoor patio.

He said they would also have four big plasma TV's for sporting events. There will be a full bar menu of more than 70 different beers, a full martini list and a full wine list, Krauth said.

"We got excited about it and thought it would be a great concept for a college market," Krauth said. "I think State College has been looking for this kind of food for a long time, especially in the Italian arena."

Hughes said he believes State College is growing up and is ready for the restaurant.

"They don't want pizza and burgers every night, so they'll look elsewhere," he said.

Hughes said they would use the second nonsmoking floor for family-style dining, kids' parties and nice dinners.

"Our food is going to be a needed addition to downtown State College," he said.

Hughes said the downstairs will have a little bit of sports theme, but it is going to be more of a "State College room."

"It will be very localized with famous local people and there will obviously be a picture of Beaver Stadium because we're all about that," he said.

Hughes said he feels that most of the advertising has already been done.

"State College is a word-of-mouth town -- I think most people know we're coming," he said.

Hughes said he and Krauth would be hands-on owners.

"Our signature is going to be service," Hughes said. "I know everyone says that, but I am making the town a promise that our service will never slip."