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The story of Panza's Restaurant began in the late 1800's
when Ma Panza and her husband, Joseph, came from Italy by
way of Brazil and settled in Mechanicville, NY. They came
to America with recipes for countless authentic Italian dishes,
which were novel culinary experiences for the non-Mediterranean
palates that dominated upstate New York at that time.
The Panza's came to Saratoga County unable to speak the language.
However, they soon made a name for themselves as they introduced
a specialty which was new to the region… Pizza! The first
pizza pie baked in Eastern New York State came out of the
Panza bakery oven in Mechanicville circa 1897. Back then,
the Neapolitan creation had a thin crust, sliced tomatoes,
sausage, many spices, and always included anchovies.
The Panza's worked hard at preparing pizza and other Italian
dishes which bolstered their reputation in the increasingly
competitive world of ethnic cooking. Ironically, the historic
Panza's Restaurant on Saratoga Lake is no longer characterized
by its Italian menu. While Ma Panza's legacy has been preserved,
it has been expanded upon through the vision and expertise
of her great-grandsons Anthony and Michael Panza. Today's
menus are decidedly innovative and continental, although they
still feature many Italian favorites.
Tony and Michael represent the fourth generation of the Panza
family tradition. The brothers have made significant changes
in the nature of the restaurant in the past decade, including
a dramatic expansion of off-premise catering. Their 300-seat
banquet room is consistently booked for weddings and special
events. In the mid 80's, Chef Ron Bernard joined with Tony
Panza as an acting owner/operator partner. Chef Bernard brought
with him many fresh ideas and exciting concepts that took
the dinner menu, as well as the banquet menus, to a new level.
And yet, the family stays rooted in the old world culture.
Of the thousands of restaurants in the Capital District area,
it is rare to find one that has stayed in the same family
and the same geographic location for over sixty years. This
continuity of family and business is at once a function of
quality, and a triumph of brotherly cooperation.
During the peak times of the Saratoga Racing Season, the Panza
family employs as many as 100 people to handle the many culinary
adventures which take place at the restaurant and throughout
the Saratoga region. It is not uncommon during the busy season
for the Panza family to cater up to ten different affairs
in a single day! Panza's is truly a piece of Saratoga history.
For more than 60 years - the tradition continues…
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