“Giving Back to the Haven” How Local Restaurateur Shaun Dale Is Serving Up Hope in Lock Haven

By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN— When Shaun Dale, owner of The Old Corner Grill & Bottle Shop in Lock Haven, presented a $1,200 donation check to the Clinton County Arts Council at their board meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, it wasn’t just about supporting the 2026 Lock Haven JAMS Festival and the local arts scene. For Dale, the gesture marked the beginning of a much broader mission: making philanthropy a central part of his role in the Lock Haven community.

Dale organized a chicken barbecue dinner fundraiser at The Old Corner Bar & Grille on Saturday, August 9, during the 2025 Lock Haven JAMS Festival, pledging 50% of the proceeds to the Clinton County Arts Council in support of next year’s event. Although Dale typically hosts live bands outside his establishment on various summer weekends, he forgoes scheduling live music during the JAMS Festival. Instead, he uses that weekend to hold what he describes as a “community function,” with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Lock Haven community.

Reflecting on this year’s fundraiser, Dale said, “We sold 160-something meals. I cooked 200 chickens—I think we had like 14 left,” he said, still seemingly surprised at the fundraiser’s success. Although the fundraiser was a clear success, Dale emphasized that it was only the beginning of his local philanthropic endeavors. “This all ties into a bigger picture,” he explained.

The slogan Dale has chosen for these philanthropic efforts is simple but resonant: Giving Back to the Haven. “My idea behind this is ‘Giving Back to the Haven’—not only through the Arts Council, but through other efforts that help people right here in our city,” he explained.

As of Monday, September 15, The Old Corner launched a new initiative called the “Hunger Board.” Dale explained that when customers come to the bar or bottle shop at The Old Corner, they can now support local residents in need by purchasing a $6 “hunger ticket,” which can be redeemed for a small cold sub, a bag of chips, and a drink. Each time a customer purchases one of these tickets, they are essentially “sharing a sub” with someone who needs a meal. The purchased tickets are pinned to the “Hunger Board” inside the restaurant, available for anyone in need to take—no questions asked.

“For someone in need, you just come in, grab a ticket off the board, and we’ll make it,” Dale explained. “You can take it and have something to eat that day,” he added. Dale says the Hunger Board will remain available to anyone in need of a meal for as long as community support continues or until it is no longer needed.

In addition to the Hunger Board, Dale already has another “Giving Back to the Haven” initiative on the calendar: “We’re going to be doing a chicken barbecue to feed veterans, un-homed individuals, or those experiencing hardship,” he shared. The chicken barbecue is scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at East Side Fire and Rescue, located at 124 East Church Street, directly across the street from The Old Corner. This time, meals will be offered free of charge to veterans, homeless individuals and families, and others in need within the Lock Haven community. “The chicken barbecue is going to be an annual event that we’re going to do,” Dale announced.

Dale’s commitment to his “Giving Back to the Haven” initiative comes from seeing Lock Haven’s struggles up close. The Old Corner is situated next to the Salvation Army, and Dale says he regularly sees firsthand the needs of local residents. “I’m right next to the Salvation Army and I see the people going in daily. It’s getting worse in Lock Haven,” he said. In appreciation for the support his business and initiatives have received from the community, Dale gives back thousands of dollars each year to help make a positive impact. “Doing that means more to me than putting that money in my pocket,” Dale emphasized.

For Dale, philanthropy isn’t just about charity—it’s about responsibility, and it all came about during a conversation he had with his wife, Lara. “My wife and I had a long conversation and I said to her, ‘honey, I’m in Lock Haven almost every day of the week and I see people out supporting local businesses, but I never see anybody doing anything to give back, ’ and that weighs on my conscience,” he shared. “I thought, I’ve gotta do something; I see the people in need and I’ve got to do something.” That conversation sparked the “Giving Back to the Haven” initiative, and Dale admits, “It’s for me, because it helps me sleep at night to know that somebody who needed it got food today.”

Despite occasional criticism, Dale remains committed to attracting both locals and visitors to downtown Lock Haven— hosting live music events on Grove Street outside The Old Corner each summer costs him thousands of dollars annually, but he believes the vibrant crowds and energy they bring to downtown make it worthwhile. “I continually think outside the box,” he said. “And this year, it’s about Giving Back to The Haven and starting community functions.”

Still, Dale’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, The Old Corner Grill & Bottle Shop was voted best bar, best takeout, and best live music venue, and was recognized for having the best burger and soup. The wings and subs have also received praise. Dale continues to earn excellent online reviews, with customers calling it “The very BEST place in town for burgers, wings, fresh cut fries,” and describing his establishment as one with “Great food and service—one of my favorite places to eat on a weekend.” Through his donation to the Clinton County Arts Council, the Hunger Board initiative, and upcoming events to feed veterans and those in need, Dale is carving out a new role for himself in Lock Haven—not just as a business owner, but as a local philanthropist with a clear vision.

“Look, you can only take, take, take so much,” Dale reflected. “That weighs on my conscience, so I’ve gotta do something, and for me, this is the start.”

Stop by The Old Corner Grill & Bottle Shop at 205 N. Grove Street in downtown Lock Haven to enjoy great food and drinks, and take the opportunity to support the community by purchasing a Hunger Board ticket to “Give Back to the Haven.”

Visit The Old Corner Grill & Bottle Shop’s website at www.theoldcorner.com to view the full menu, place an online order, and check out the new “Community” page for information on upcoming events.

For the latest announcements and weekly specials, follow “The Old Corner Grill & Bottle Shop, Lock Haven, PA” on Facebook.