Penn State students living on West College Avenue now have a closer and more convenient place to eat after Evangelista's Café opened Thursday.

Café owner Sam Evangelista said he is running the café with his wife, his mother-in-law and his friend of 30 years, Aaron Hoffman.

Evangelista said he and Hoffman had the idea of opening a café about six months ago. The café's food selection extends beyond the standard coffee and muffin options by serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

"Once we get going, we'll have a daily special," Evangelista said.

The café, located 616 W. College Ave., does not currently offer drinks like specialty coffee drinks, but may in the future, Evangelista said.

Evangelista and Hoffman have few qualms about running a business outside the immediate downtown area because of the differences between their business and those that have preceded them at the location.

Students living in the area of the café influenced the decision to open the business there, Evangelista said.

"We are here for the students," he said.

After going back to school at age 30, Evangelista, now 37, said he noticed high prices of food and wanted to give students a break by pricing all menu items below $7.

"The most expensive item on the menu is $6.25," Hoffman said.

Students living in the area are embracing the proximity of Evangelista's Café.

"It's nice knowing if I want some coffee I don't have to walk all the way to Atherton to get it," Greg Crimmins (junior-finance) said.

Others have anticipated the opening of the new local business.

"I've already tried to walk in there three times, but it was never open. I'm really glad I can finally go there to grab something to eat," Curtis Letcavage (senior-journalism) said.

Evangelista and Hoffman have a bright outlook for the future of their business.

"I think it's going to turn out very well. We've done our research, and if we keep prices down it will take care of itself," Evangelista said.