Passersby on the 200 block of West Beaver Avenue. might notice the clanging and banging sounds of a construction site coming from the empty space next to Brewsky’s Bottle Shop.
The empty space is the future site of Chrome Bar and Hookah Lounge.
Chrome Bar and Hookah Lounge will be owned by Zahi “Zee” Elhaj, who also owns “Are U Hungry?” a fast food restaurant with two State College locations.
Zee said Chrome will be a complete departure from his previous restaurant, serving alcohol, hookah and featuring a small Mediterranean menu in the beginning, which will be expanded over time.
“‘Are U Hungry’ is a unique concept for fast food, and Chrome will be a unique place for nightlife as well,” Zee said. “That’s the only similarity.”
Describing the atmosphere he hopes to create, Zee said the lounge will have an upscale look, featuring a color-scheme of gray, white, black and red, with lounge furniture and space for VIP tables. The lounge, which will be able to accommodate around 100 guests, will also have space for standing, drinking and dancing.
Zee said that he is trying to create an atmosphere where people can come and relax any day of the week, not just on weekends.
“We’re going for more of a New York type of lounge,” Chrome General Manager Jorge Garcia said, calling the lounge’s style “clean” and “chic.”
The lounge aims to serve a clientele who is looking to relax and have a good time, not get rowdy, Zee said.
The lounge will be 21 and over, although Zee said that he is considering opening the lounge to a younger 18 and over audience for hookah and food earlier in the day before it becomes exclusively 21 and over in the evening.
Chrome, which will be in the same building as Brewsky’s Bottle Shop, will also use the bottle shop’s existing liquor license.
Filip Lewandowski, a supervisor at Brewsky’s Bottle Shop, said that while Brewsky’s will be moving some coolers, and may get some new inventory, Brewsky’s is going to be “doing the same thing” it’s always done.
Chrome is expected to open in late August, “hopefully” in time for the start of the Fall semester, Zee said. The hiring process will begin next week, and applications will be available at the lounge’s website, chrome-lounge.com.
“We’re going for more of an upscale kind of lounge area, but it’s not that upscale that you can’t just walk in and have a good time with friends,” Garcia said.
