Wanted by Happy Valley Hospitality: Passionate, Creative, and Hard-Working Talent
Local hospitality leaders in Happy Valley consistently seek motivated, hardworking, personable, and creative professionals to build top-performing teams. After a tough pandemic, the industry is rebounding and eager to rebuild its workforce with these essential qualities.
Hospitality Businesses Rebuilding Their Workforce
At the pandemic's peak, nearly 1,600 Centre County hospitality workers were unemployed. Now, with COVID restrictions lifted, restaurants, bars, and hotels face a new challenge: staffing shortages amid surging demand, including the return of 107,000 fans on Penn State football weekends. With new establishments opening soon, opportunities abound across all levels.
Experienced chefs, owners, and hoteliers emphasize that hospitality demands dedication but offers immense rewards and career growth fueled by creativity. The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau spoke with industry leaders about their journeys, the sector's value, and ideal hires. All are actively recruiting.
Creekside at the Gamble Mill & The Republic
Michael Marx brings 36 years of expertise in restaurants, catering, motion picture catering, and food trucks.
Trained in Paris with experience in San Diego, Santa Fe, Philadelphia, and Austin, he owns Worlds Fare Catering and will soon launch Creekside at the Gamble Mill, offering a globally inspired, locally sourced menu.
“Restaurant work has evolved from a resume filler to a respected profession,” Marx said. “Servers, mixologists, and cooks are skilled craftspeople, vital to our economy.”
Marx credits his success to hands-on experience in every role and mentorship from top chefs. He's hiring energetic, passionate pros—bartenders, servers, bussers—committed to growth, and offers training to elevate their skills.
Megan Marcaurelle-Jones has 15 years in diverse venues, from family Italian spots to Irish pubs, tea houses, and microbreweries.
She's opening The Republic cocktail bar in Bellefonte's historic Gamble Mill with husband Cody Jones and partners Chris and Jonathan Virgilio.
“Reflecting on my nine-year tenure at one spot, I saw how special this industry is,” she said. “It thrives on teamwork and fosters genuine connections in a dynamic environment.”
“Hospitality builds lifelong skills applicable everywhere,” she continued. Passionate about community service, she's seeking thoughtful, energetic team players with bartending or serving experience for consistent, exceptional guest experiences.
RE Farm Cafe, Axemann Brewery & Pine Grove Hall
RE Farm Café at Windswept reflects Duke and Monica Gastiger's dedication to community and local food systems, connecting people through farm-fresh meals.
Duke's hotel background with Sheraton and Hyatt included training from global master chefs. Back in State College since 1987, he ran Spats Café for 30 years before RE Farm.
“Service offers fulfillment through health-focused, sustainable food,” Gastiger said. Employees engage in farming and creative cooking driven by passion.
“Our staff shares this knowledge proudly, exceeding guest expectations for memorable dining.”
Axemann Brewery
Axemann Brewery, an award-winning Central PA Tasting Trail member, evolved from Rod and Dorothea Stahl's hobby. Rod brewed with partner Stephen Hirlinger; Dorothea served in college spots.
“We combined skills and marketing expertise to succeed through the pandemic,” Dorothea said. Post-restrictions, they're expanding and hiring team members with great personalities—training provided, including brewing interns.
Pine Grove Hall, opened summer 2020, seeks creative, motivated hard workers. Owner Liz Grove views restaurant roles as creative outlets.
“Match skills and personalities to roles for success,” she said. “It's challenging yet rewarding—assemble the right team, and magic happens!”
Ready to join? Centre County hospitality awaits your passion.
