Philly Chit Chat

Who’s Mug Is On The Palm’s Wall, and How Did It Get There? Monday’s Closing Party of the Iconic Restaurant.

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date March 2, 2016

The doors at The Palm Restaurant closed Monday night for at least 9 months.

Jeff Phillips, ‎C.O.O. at Palm Restaurant was on hand to greet longtime Palm Restaurant customers, who were in for their last meal, and some of them to say good bye to their mugs on the wall. As much as the Palm tried to assure people that the faces would be saved, it’s nearly impossible as most are secured to the wall via adhesive and would tear the face if it were pulled off. The new restaurant will have new, updated faces. Many of the faces in the famed Bellevue located eatery are OLD.

It was always a walk down memory lane when eating at The Palm. There was a whole section of Phillies, current when they were put up, vintage these days.

Who knew Pat Croce was so good looking.

The Papadaki’s, Solomon’s and Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown

Gus, with longtime Palm patrons Evan Solomon, ‎CEO at EFS Networks Inc (he wires new restaurants and business with state of the art software solutions – he just did SUGA)

and Lynsie Solomon.

Sixers Legends

The refreshed Palm Restaurant will open before the holidays, and will continue to embrace the restaurant’s
90-year commitment to service and quality with the same great food and
personalized service. The new design will feature a striking
hand-painted feature wall of Philadelphia’s famous landmarks overlooking
the dining room. A new, expansive bar will anchor the dining room, and
the Private Dining Room will be relocated to the main level of the
restaurant. In addition to the numerous cosmetic changes, there are many
enhancements to the infrastructure, which is a lengthy process. And new Palm portraits of notables will grace the walls.

There’s even a dog on the wall. To get your mug on the wall,

Big Rube, Nicole Miller, Nicole Cashman (I took this last week)

Then Monday night I noticed a guy did remove his photo from the wall. There was no name yet attached so maybe it was a new face.

Geoff Gross, Medical Guardian and the founder of Preakness at the Piazza. It’ll be on May 21. I’ll be there shooting it so come on by.

Janice Cohen , Judge Gene D. Cohen (Ret.), Jeff Phillips, ‎C.O.O. at Palm Restaurant and Jerry Blavat in the bar at The Palm.

Dawn Timmeny and the crew from her days at NBC10. Now Dawn is at Fox29

Charles H. Ramsey, is the former Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department.

The Goldberg family, they own the deliciousTeuscher Chocolates st the Bellevue Hotel

Monday night there were a lot of notables, some who’s faces appear on the wall like Fred Stein (L) Fred Stein – The Creative Group

Next time we’ll be working together is on the ADL Walk

MAY 15, 2016 – The Navy Yard

I’m a corporate sponsor and I’ll have a team walking. As soon as I have the info I will send it along.

Nino Tinari, PhillyStyleMagazine, The Rendells, John Travolta

Rocky, The Lipsons – Sharon & David (I have to say David’s is a ringer). Ricardo Muti, Arnie Schwarzenegger

The Kelly family, JD Kelly and friends as in Grace Kelly and Kelly Drive fame.

David Maser

Gary DeVito, Zarwin Baum, and on other walls I spotted Zarwin attorney’s Ted Schaer and Harris Baum

Jim Gardner, Wally Kennedy and Liz Starr from their Dialing for Dollars TV show days. Larry Kane and Shirley Maclaine?

Patti LaBelle

Mary Dougherty, Nicole Miller Philadelphia stores, with Renee and Don Freeman, all of who are on the wall.

Here’s Mary with her BFF’s Linda Swain and Karen Buchholz.

Palm waiter Gus (who is headed to Sugarhouse, see story at the end) with longtime customers Evan and Lynsie Solomon.

There were two ways to get your mug on the wall, longtime customers that accumulated 50,000 eating points. Or be recommended by someone that you were notable and should grace the wall.

These two look most like their portraits

Chris Mullins, co-owner of McGillin’s and Bill Gehrman, Enroute Marketing.

I was just with Bill at the Historic Strawberry Mansion for the debut of their Judge William Lewis interactive exhibit. Photos will be posted on PCC tomorrow.

Stu Bykofsky is an American journalist and columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News.

The Brownstein Family and Frank Sinatra

So funny Kris Jenner is so unfamous they only put Mr & Mrs Bruce Jenner

Then we have the infamous – Larry Mendte, Alycia Lane, Michael Colleran had been President and General Manager of the CBS Philadelphia duopoly stations — CBS 3 (KYW-TV) and The CW Beasley Reese and Kathy Orr (who is now with Fox 29)

Bradley Cooper and his dad

Jeff Phillips, ‎C.O.O. at Palm Restaurant with the Freemans, who’s portrait is at the tip of the sailfishes nose. Jeff is in the pink shirt holding the sail fish. He tells me the rest of the guys on the fish are the team who opened the Philly eatery 29 years ago.

Wendy Hamilton, GM SugarHouse Casino and Jim Haney, GM Palm

SugarHouse Casino and The Palm Restaurant jointly announced that SugarHouse will make job offers to all of The Palm’s Philadelphia staff. “We have enormous respect for The Palm brand, Jim Haney and his team.
They have a well-earned reputation for delivering superior, personalized
service,” said Wendy Hamilton, general manager of SugarHouse Casino.
“They’re also our friends. They’re facing a challenging situation, and
we’re actively recruiting. It seemed like an opportunity for a win-win.” – Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House by Chicago’s famed Gibsons Restaurant Group is slated to open in April. – I can’t wait!!

LEANN RIMES TO HEADLINE FIRST CONCERT IN NEW SUGARHOUSE CASINO EVENT CENTER

And my mug. So long buddy. It was an honor when I was recommended to be on the wall. As a fan of The Palm, and it’s storied history, I knew and felt it was a big deal. Thanks!!
CHECK OUT A MORE INDEPTH STORY AND BETTER BRADLEY COOPER MURAL at the Philly Metro, with Jenny DeHuff

Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: Nicki Minaj, Jen Sherlock, The Herremans Joan Shepp, Scotch and Wine Dinners on the Calendar and Gunnar Montana

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date March 2, 2016

Good Wednesday Morning. Whew this week is flying by quickly. SO much to do. Let’s get started.

Rumors abound on the internet about Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill breaking up.

TMZ reports: Our sources say Nicki and Meek Mill have broken up… friction surfaced after Meek tried pressuring Nicki to stay close when he goes into lockdown for 90 days for violating his probation on drug and gun charges. We’re told Meek wanted Nicki to live with him in Philly during his house arrest. We’re told Nicki blanched at the notion, saying she would not put her life on hold because of his criminal issues, and that triggered a big fight that is still unresolved. Nicki’s been in L.A. this week … and it’s unclear when she’s going back to Philly. Our sources say Nicki and Meek fight a lot, but this one’s bigger than the others.

On the 2nd to the last night of Meek Mill’s freedom before undergoing 90 days of house arrest for a parole violation, Meek Mill headed to Vanity Grand with Fabulous to party.

He celebrated with all in attendance and

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Film Society Throws A Spectacular, Fashionable Oscars Viewing Party

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date March 1, 2016

Sunday night the Philadelphia Film Society young friends hosted their 3rd Annual Oscar Bash, and by far the biggest, most successful one moving it from the quaint Roxy Theater to the nearly 500 seat Prince Theater. In recent years Philly’s been lacking a quality, affordable viewing party since The Ritz – Carlton stopped doing them a few years back, and as much as they were great, this was much better. The AV worked perfect, there was plenty of food, a great mix of people and the screen was movie theater quality, and the audience was enraptured by the show, so there wasn’t too much chatting except for the collective sigh of disgust when Sly lost.

Hosting the viewing party was none other than Philly’s beloved first lady

Brittany Lynn and the Philly Drag Mafia

The Philadelphia Film Society Young Friends is a community of film enthusiasts and advocates that participate in social, educational, and philanthropic events to cultivate the next generation of film appreciation, film and festival-goers, and filmmakers in Philadelphia.
You should join them, there are a lot of great benefits, free screenings, lectures and much more. It’s really a great organization to belong to as well as a great place to meet other young friends, and young at heart movie lovers.

Bobby OChoa, Law Clerk to The Honorable Alice Beck Dubow at Pennsylvania Superior Court and Whitney Magruder
People turn out the fashion on the red carpet, I saw everything from black tie, to evening gown and casual, which fit right in too.

Marcia Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Lynn Robinson, Jennifer Sharpe and Michelle Leonard, Realtor to the Mainline – CENTURY 21®

Nick Krill and Cody Ballard

Danielle Robinson, Tom Ashley and Parinda Patel, executive board chair of PFS Young Friends.
The other co-chair – Kate McDevitt was onsite greeting guests.

Styling John Bolaris and Nicolette Brycki, QVC

Cathy Rigney McCall and Alicia Slattery were winners in my PFS Oscar Viewing Party contests. PhillyChitChat was a media sponsor for the event.

Sal D’Angelo and Lisa Severi

The ticket price was reasonable at $35 general admission and $75 for VIP. Every got to enjoy the generous, delicious buffet by 12th Street Catering, and complimentary LaMarca Prosecco champagne. VIP got preferred seating, plus food, cocktails and popcorn in their area as they watched the shot.

Olga and Eric Leo

Kathleen Valley and Jeffrey Sidelsky

Looking snazzy: Greg and Karen Basile

Sharilyn Vidal, Juan Vidal and Rebecca Knapp

Barry Johnson and Ernest Owens, Editor G-Philly

CAROL TAMBURINO recently gaining a new title as “GlamMom” to her grand baby Savino, is participating in a Celebrity Dance Contest next Saturday for Independence Mission Schools. I’ll have all the details on Philly Mag next Monday.

Elena Brennan, Bus Stop and Carole Shields,

Sarah Arroyo and hubby DJ Mike Adam, 96.5 AMP

James Lawrence Delmonico (FB statement- “God judges, I merely observe.”) and Meredith West,

Greg Faber, Christopher Latzke and Prab Sandhu (PRAHB SAND-hoo)

Jeffrey Sevag (Need a Car) and Kristy Sevag, of SevagPR. Melissa Leonard, Realtor to the Stars and Mike Benedict.

Julia Sherwood Murphy and friend, looking furtastic

Lauren Coleman and Deborah Hughes

Executive Board member of PFS Young Friends – Michelle Miller with a The Revenant “bear” costume on, with husband Josh DeMarco, who is wearing a “martian” helmet. (Other co-chairs included Parinda Patel & Kate

Joan Rivera, Matt Clifford, Marcos Matos, Gato Espinel, Noel Zayas and Kyle Stoudnour enjoy VIP seats at the Philadelphia Film Society’s Awards Viewing Party

Philly Chit Chat was a media sponsor for The Philadelphia Society don’t call us an Oscar Viewing Party cause legally they can’t use the name. Thanks to them for giving me a dozen tickets for contest winners and friends.

Philadelphia

Congrats to JIM DONOVAN who will be Sitting in Ukee Washington’s Vacated Seat, Erika von Tiehl LEAVES

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 29, 2016

I heard rumors of good news coming out of the CBS 3 studios in the past few months, and now I have learned that everyone’s favorite Emmy Award-winning Consumer Reporter
Jim Donovan, will be taking over the anchor chair,left vacant by Ukee Washington, who moved on to the 6PM and 11PM slot last summer. In addition to his new role, he will continue to cover the
consumer beat in his popular “On Your Side” segments.

Joining Jim at the desk will be Brooke Thomas, most recently co-host of Tribune Television’s Eye Opener, a live, syndicated morning show broadcast out of Dallas, Texas, who with with Meteorologist Katie Fehlinger and Traffic Reporter Meisha Johnson will continue on in their roles.

It’ll be a sad good bye for Erika von Tiehl, who will be leaving the Philly area.

Erika von Tiehl,
current morning and noon news co-anchor, will be leaving CBS 3 later
this spring. von Tiehl, who
is getting married this June, is relocating to another city for a
position that will be announced later. In the interim, she will remain a
contributor to
Eyewitness News. “It’s been a wonderful experience to work in
Philadelphia and at CBS 3, and I am grateful for the friendships that I
take with me, that I know will last a lifetime,” von Tiehl says,

Erika von Tiehl and Charles Kincaid

“but my
fiancé and I want to relocate so we can be
closer to family.” The duo met a few years ago at Parc. So Philly will always have a special place in their hearts. Say goodbye to her on her FB Page HERE

Philadelphia

Photos: Arts + Biz Council – Hosted AMY CUDDY For A Morning Seminar at the Prince

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 29, 2016

I am so uncool, I never heard of Amy Cuddy. I am in the minority cause last week when I covered another one of the fabulous Arts + Business Council of Philadelphia morning seminars, who was hosting Amy Cuddy at this was, I was taken back by the crush of the crowd of over 500 people. Seems everyone else knew who Amy Cuddy was and her theory on “Power Posing.” There were a lot of attendees standing up straight, full power posing while networking before the doors opened for the event.

‘Social psychologist, author and Harvard Professor Amy Cuddy’s TED
Talk on “power posing” made her the #2 biggest TED speaker in the
world. Our host for the lecture was The Arts
& Business Council of Greater Philadelphia which builds relationships
between business and the arts.

The ladies on the left had to alphabetize each of the 550 names.

Before the lecture there is usually a generous spread of donuts, bagels and breakfast cakes, along with coffee and water. Tickets are always reasonable, for this event they were $30. It’s great we have a networking event like this in Philly, I always see a lot of connecting going on.

Rachael Nave, Senior Legal Services Coordinator at Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and Jillian Rafferty, Rafferty Suburu. Mike and I just bought a Legacy Suburu from Rafferty, and their customer service was impeccable. Mike’s a great car shopper he gets three prices and then sees which dealer is able to meet our needs. #BeYourOwnAdvocate

Bari Joy – Epstein, Franklin Institute and Casey Anne Drummond, Franklin Institute

A new event on the social scene seems to be “Science After Dark.”

The next one is Tuesday, March 8, 2016 – 7:00pm to 10:00pm Adults Evening Get your tickets early they seem to sell out quickly. I was surprised how packed it got on a Tuesday night.

Natalie W. Nixon, Ph.D., Philadelphia University and Eileen Wainwright, NascentHub

Kristin Detterline, Editor Philly Style Magazine, Toni Leslie, Ann King Lagos and Lynn Norton all of REALM Jewelry

Vanessa Smith and Kim Fraites – Dow, Tierney – Acting CEO and COO at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

At around 9AM the crowd filed into the Prince Theater for Amy Cuddy’s lecture.

Aubrey Fink and Kim Fink were excited to hear Amy Cuddy’s theory on power positions.

Karin Copeland, Executive Director Arts + Business Council Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce greets the guests and explains the mission of the A+B, which is connecting arts and business in innovative strategic practices.

Amy Cuddy, her TED Talk has been viewed more than 30 million times, with “power posing,”

Her main theme was how our movement becomes
synchronized when we are present — because we are being authentic and
unscripted — and how that makes us more compelling to others, which
exudes confidence in what we are presenting. She demonstrated the many poses that help people feel more confident in various situations.

There was a panel discussion after Amy Cuddy’s lecture which included Jeff Zinser, Right Recruiting, Shelley Potente, MA, SVP and Managing Director for Client Services, The Leaders Edge/Leaders By Design, Stacy Holland, Executive Director of the Lenfest Foundation and author Cameron Conaway. The discussion was moderated by Marc Brownstein, President & CEO of Brownstein Group. They panel discussed various ways to build confidence in clients.

Afterwards there was a meet
a greet with VIP ticketholders, Amy signed her book Presence:
Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, which was
published in December.

Check out the Amy Cuddy Ted Talk HERE

Tags amy cuddy, arts and business council, business, client, confidence, karin copeland, networking, power pose

Philadelphia

Miss Philadelphia, Happy Birthday Sheila Hess, The Property Boys, Southside Johnny Fetes Robert J. Mongeluzzi, Players at Del Frisco’s

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 26, 2016

Good Friday Morning.

A shot of Broad Street the other night when I was running from Chowderblast at Chatterblast to The Opening of the Logan Hotel party. Where I saw my friend Philadelphia City Rep Sheila Hess.

Who had a very busy week she tells me. Between welcoming dignitaries to the office to

celebrating her birthday. Happy Birthday Sheila!!

Congrats are in order for Desiree Peterkin Bell, who was just sworn in to serve The Commonwealth of Pa as a Commissioner of Gov Wolf’s African American Affairs Advisory Commission. She also announced recently that she’ll be serving as a consultant to DNC2016

Birthday wishes to my cousin Tina Libertella Morrison. This is what 50 looks like, although this photo is 2 years old, 52 looks just as good. You know what. 3 Years ago Tina decided to reinvent herself. She had a successful cleaning service, but had gotten a bit out of shape; she got in shape and now she owns her own gym called Fuel Fitness in Sicklerville, NJ

Happy Birthday to Robert J. Mongeluzzi (r) who celebrated with squeeze Meredith Seigle and a roomful of friends at the Fillmore last Saturday night. Photos to come next week on PhillyChitChat. Here he is singing with Southside Johnny, yes that Southside Johnny.

#ThisHappened

Jeremy Maclin got together with Drew Carballo, Fletcher Cox and Nick Albater

and friends at Del Frisco’s last night

Have you had their Lemon Cake, it’s the best dessert in the City.

Congrats to Mole Street!!

Style Expert, Ian Michael Crumm hosted a blogger brunch at MAMO SoHo, NYC this past weekend in partnership with Brick & Portal, a social commerce platform that let’s users create personal style e-commerce stores.

What’s Happening This Weekend

TODAY

TOMORROW

And on Sunday we watch the Oscars

Long, long ago The Ritz Carlton used to have the most fantastic Oscar viewing party. These days the lobby of the Ritz is knee deep in construction with the new Richard Sandoval eatery which I wrote about in April 2014, and nearly 2 years later was confirmed by Michael Klein earlier this year.
http://www.phillychitchat.com/2014/04/rumor-chefrestaurateur-richard-sandoval.html

This weekend the Philadelphia Film Society has taken over as what I anticipate to be a high heeled, must see and be seen at Oscar viewing party at THE PRINCE THEATER. A place that has been yearning to be brought back to life in the last few years, and PFS has stepped up to the plate to save it. Check out some of their other events there too. Anywho, Sunday is going to be spectacular. i will be there and will be shooting all the glam, please be glam.
For Ticket Info click on the Link Below
The Philadelphia Film Society’s Awards Party & Screening will take place at the Prince Theatre (1412 Chestnut Street) on Sunday, Feb. 28, starting at 7 p.m.

There’s also this party. Tickets not necessary and it’s a great chill place to watch the show.

This weekend is the Miss Philadelphia contest where Wayne native Julia Rae Schlucter 2015 will give up her crown to the next reigning Miss Philadelphia. The pageant takes place Saturday, February 27th at Drexel University’s Mandell Theater.

Philadelphia

The Logan Hotel Officially Opens – Sneak Peek Of The ASSEMBLY ROOFTOP LOUNGE – Opening Spring 2016

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 26, 2016

Last night The Logan hotel had their official opening party. Guests, many of them in the event, and hospitality field got a glimpse of the top notch service The Logan would provide if they decided to hold their event at the newly refreshed hotel.

When you arrive at The Logan, formerly The Four Seasons Hotel, you still approach the stately porte-cochère where a uniformed door man helps you out of your car, and directs you to where you need to go.

The Lobby and bar when you first walk in. I love that there’s plenty of seats through out the lobby.

The Logan features art work created by local artists as well as art featuring famous Philadelphians like Grace Kelly, Marian Anderson and scullers of the Schuylkill

The guest rooms are all 400 square feet in size and differ in price
based on the view. The Logan has nearly 40 more rooms than the Four
Seasons.

The hotel also includes an indoor heated pool, a 24-hour fitness center
complete with brand new equipment, a 24-hour business center and a spa
with a new manicure and pedicure area.

Then it was up on the roof for a sneak preview of The Assembly

The Logan hotel will be home to a brand-new rooftop lounge overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway come spring 2016.

The magnificent view of the Parkway looking towards The Art Museum

I’ll have photos in Philly Mag and Biz Journal Today.

Philadelphia

The 23rd annual Bancroft Butterfly Ball at Vie, drew a fashionable, Philanthropic Crowd of Supporters

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 25, 2016

The 23rd annual Bancroft Butterfly Ball took place on Saturday, February 20 at VIE in Philadelphia (600 N. Broad Street). The black-tie event began at 6 p.m. and this year, 6ABC Action News Anchor Rick Williams emceed the evening, which included dinner, dancing and unique auction items. Attendees enjoyed special performances by children and adults who participate in Bancroft’s programs, including the Rhythm Players, The Bancroft School’s energizing drum circle group.

Bancroft CEO Toni Pergolin, 6ABC Anchor Rick Williams and Jocelyn Williams, a Cooper University Hospital OB-GYN

Adam and Nicole Landau and friends

The Butterfly Ball supports Bancroft’s mission to provide opportunities to children and adults with diverse challenges to maximize their potential. Proceeds from the event enable robust educational, social, recreational and wellness activities for individuals served throughout Bancroft’s programs.

Bancroft Butterfly Ball chaircouple Cheryl and Bob Graham

Debbie and Sean Ravitz, Ravitz Family Markets

Frank Cervone, Executive Directo, Support Center for Child Advocates, Bancroft CEP Toni Pergolin and Philanthropist Mark Solomon

Jeff Swartz, Lee and Mrs Solomon and Jack Tarditi

Robert Stewart and John McShane of Philadelphia Energy with a friend

Friends of Bancroft

“Our signature gala event is an incredible testament to our supporters, families and staff,” said Toni Pergolin, Bancroft President and Chief Executive Officer. “It enables us to continue providing innovative and results-driven therapies for the individuals we serve. Our efforts this year will directly support the most exciting transformation in our organization’s history, Bancroft Campus at Mount Laurel, as we look ahead to exciting opportunities to enrich the lives of individuals with diverse challenges.” This year’s event raised over $550,000 for the organization.

Philadelphia

DJ Jazzy Jeff Jazzes Up Cheers For Chop Plus the Details on the Event

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 24, 2016

Most of the time my columns show you who was at the event, and very little of the ambiance. Going forward I want to change that. If a column is placed in a media outlet, and it was particularly spectacular, I’m going to put the photos in PhillyChitChat and tell you who was behind the fun.

Cheers for CHOP is a celebratory evening benefiting Emergency Medicine
at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This festive event
will include outstanding entertainment, cocktails, and an incredible
silent and live auction.

Last year’s second-annual Cheers for CHOP raised more than $675,000 for
the Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy program. Nearly 700
guests enjoyed a fabulous evening with a live performance by
Salt-N-Pepa.

Deets: Karen Pecora, Philadelphia Event Planners

Karen oversaw the entire event production

Lighting: Bobby Morganstein Events/BME provides event production services to the entertainment industry featuring lighting and visual production, lounge decor rentals, LED dance floors, staging, and novelty entertainment. From essential to over the top extravagant, we will work with you to design a package specific to your party’s needs. Our DJ management division has an experienced team that will match you with the perfect interactive entertainment package for your needs

Dance Floor Company: Light Up Your Floor

cool floor

PR: Corie Moskow, Ilana Waber Gloss PR

Revolution Taco Expands Into Burgers, sorta… SugarHouse Absorbs The Palm

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date February 23, 2016

Starting this week, Revolution Taco (2015 Walnut Street) debuts a
secret, off-menu burger (6oz) (BTW a quarter pounder weighs 4 ounces.) The Revolution Burger will not appear on the
menu or website, and will only be available by request at the counter.
Only six will be made per day, and once they are sold that is it for the
day!

The Revolution Burger is an Indian Ridge local dry-age beef
blend of rib-eye and t-bone, topped with house bacon, with Cooper
cheese, with roasted poblano crema and avocado chimichurri sauce. The
bacon is made from Stryker Farms pork belly that is cured in-house with
garlic and cascabel chilis. Served on a brioche roll from Breakin’ Bread
Bakery. The burger will sell for $10.00 each.

**************************

PHILADELPHIA—February
23, 2016—SugarHouse
Casino and The Palm Restaurant jointly announced today that SugarHouse will make
job offers to all of The Palm’s
Philadelphia staff. The Palm announced in mid-February that its iconic South
Broad Street location will close for renovations after dinner service on
February 29, 2016. The Palm, located in The Bellevue since 1989, will re-open in
late fourth quarter 2016 or early 2017, when its dramatic update will be
revealed.

Until
then, The Palm’s
talented front- and back-of-house teams, led by general manager Jim Haney, were
facing uncertainty about their future.
Enter SugarHouse Casino, whose $164 million expansion on Delaware Avenue
includes seven food and beverage outlets—among them, Hugo’s
Frog Bar & Chop House by Chicago’s
famed Gibsons Restaurant Group.

“We
have enormous respect for The Palm brand, Jim Haney and his team. They have a
well-earned reputation for delivering superior, personalized
service,”
said
Wendy Hamilton, general manager of SugarHouse Casino. “They’re
also our friends. They’re
facing a challenging situation, and we’re
actively recruiting. It seemed like an opportunity for a win-win.”

“We
are thrilled SugarHouse Casino is welcoming our Philadelphia family to their
team,” said Jeff Phillips, chief operating officer of Palm Restaurant Group.
“Many of our employees have been here since opening day and are not able to
relocate for opportunities in other Palm cities. Knowing that their interruption
in employment will be minimal, or better yet, non-existent, is the best-case
scenario.”