JR Mangan is no stranger to the bar scene in State College,

For more than 22 years, he's been performing with his band, the JR and Natalie Band, among others, at Café 210 West in downtown State College.

But Mangan's role within the venue is about to change. He's going to buy it.

"I figure I've been thrown out of every bar in town, so I had to buy one," he said with a laugh.

By the end of this week, Mangan, along with business partner Brian Bevan, will close a deal, making both men the new owners of Café 210 West, 210 W. College Ave. The deal has been in the works for more than a year and a half, Mangan said.

"I've never made a purchase of this size before, so it's been a real learning experience," he said.

From playing at Café 210 West, Mangan said he has seen the bar and restaurant go through two sets of owners and many changes, but one thing has remained constant -- his love for the place.

Mangan said his love for performing at the Café, its overall vibe, the customers and the staff played an important role in his decision. It has been a "dream come true," he said.

"For my entire career, I had hoped for someday owning a bar or restaurant," Mangan said. "A place where all the

people I've got to meet over the

years could come back and meet again."

Café 210 West already has a Cheers-like atmosphere, and the new owners have no intention of changing it, Mangan said.

"We don't want to fix what isn't broken," he said. "The Café has created itself over the last 17 or 18 years, known for its iced teas and great entertainment."

Bevan had watched JR perform with various singers at Café 210 West for many years before they were introduced, he said. Bevan, a software engineer, has been a State College resident since 1983.

"It was always JR and somebody," he said.

It was almost right after Bevan met Mangan four to five years ago that the plans to start their own business were starting to take form, he said. When Café 210 West went on the market, everything fell into place, he said.

Bevan said while he will work mostly outside Café 210 West, Mangan will be the on-site manager.

"JR really brings to the table his knowledge of all the entertainment in town, around town and the surrounding areas," he said.

James Miller, the bassist for JR and Natalie Band, agreed, adding the band members are excited about the deal going through.

"Given the fact that he has 20 some odd years in music, playing in bars around town, [it] gives him a good feel for what people like in a bar," he said.

The band will continue to be a constant part of the venue's night scene, Mangan said, adding he hopes to add more to the entertainment scene as well.

Customers should also look out for Mangan picking up the guitar and playing a bit on a slow night, he said.

He added he has been in touch with old mates and singers in the hopes for future reunions at Café 210 West.

And as for Mangans' plans for the Café, he said both owners want to keep the bar the same fun place as it is now.

However, he added he wants to make the bar and restaurant "the musical capital of State College."

Café 210 West's current owner, Hal McCullough, would not comment on the purchase, as the deal is still pending.