PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.”
In addition to its growing restaurant lineup, the “bigger, better” SugarHouse includes a 30,000-square-foot Event Center catered by Gibsons Restaurant Group and enhanced culinary offerings for all VIP guests. Throughout the expanded casino, in nearly all departments, more than 500 new, full-time jobs with great benefits have been added. More information about employment opportunities is available online at www.bestjobsinphilly.com.
The refreshed Palm Restaurant 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. Many of the caricatures that made The Palm famous will continue to have a home upon reopening.
Wendy Hamilton and Jim Haney personally delivered the great news that each Palm employee has a job waiting for them at SugarHouse. The SugarHouse Casino Human Resources Team will be meeting with The Palm’s staff individually to support and guide their transitions. Since opening in 2010, SugarHouse Casino has been repeatedly voted a “Best Place to Work” or “Top Workplace” by its Team Members.
ABOUT SUGARHOUSE CASINO
SugarHouse, which opened in September 2010 as Philly’s casino, features 1,891 slots, up to 106 table games, fun and unique dining options, riverfront views and free on-site parking. The casino employs approximately 1,700 people, and for five consecutive years it has been voted a “Best Place to Work” by the Philadelphia Business Journal and a “Top Workplace” by Philly.com four years in a row. For more information, visit www.sugarhousecasino.com.
ABOUT THE PALM
The Palm’s philosophy is simple: Treat guests like family, serve great food, and always exceed expectations. Owned and operated by members of the Bozzi and Ganzi families since its founding in 1926, The Palm serves as a second home for countless patrons across the United States and abroad. Now celebrating its 90th year of business, The Palm continues its legacy as a favorite gathering place and dining destination for families, friends and business colleagues alike. For a virtual experience and to find a location near you, please visit www.thepalm.com.
