New Restaurant to Open by Lycoming Mall

PENNSDALE -- A new restaurant combining dining and entertainment is scheduled to open April 1—on property that formerly housed a gambling business.

Hoopla’s will occupy the former Penn National Gaming Off Track Wagering site near the Lycoming Mall, according to owner Robert L. Roles Jr., who is leasing the property from Danko Holdings LP.

Roles, owner of Roles Amusement Company, whose address is listed as 892 John Brady Drive, in Muncy, received approval from the Muncy Township supervisors last month to proceed with a beer-only license for the establishment.
Roles Amusement Company currently supplies and services jukebox, pinball games and pool tables throughout the region.

By definition, Hoopla’s will be a restaurant and entertainment destination with miniature golf, bowling and other fun activities for all ages, Roles said.

And with little over four weeks to prepare for opening day, renovations are ongoing within the 15,000 square foot establishment. Wait staff interviews are occurring this week, wife and business partner Marley Roles said.

Penn National Gaming recently sold the freestanding retail building at 1277 Lycoming Mall Circle to Danko Holdings LP for $1.09 million. The property was built in 1996 on an outparcel of the Lycoming Mall, despite community protest. The site closed its business doors over two years ago.