A FAMILY TRADITION SINCE 1897
Panza’s is more than a restaurant—it’s a story of family, tradition, and a love for honest Italian cooking that spans over a century. It all began in 1897 when Panza’s Bakery first opened its doors in Mechanicville, introducing Upstate New York to treasured family recipes brought over from Napoli. Ma Panza and her husband Joseph didn’t speak English, but their food spoke volumes.
OUR STORY
In a city rich with history—from its healing spas to the thunder of the Saratoga racetrack—few names have stood the test of time like Panza’s.
Our story begins in 1897, when Panza’s Bakery first opened in Mechanicville, NY. At a time when Italian immigrants were still carving out their place in America, Ma Panza and her husband Joseph let their cooking do the talking. Their brick oven pizza quickly became a local favorite, laying the foundation for a culinary legacy that would span four generations.
​
By 1938, Ma Panza partnered with Anthony Gouchkey to open The Starlight Room—a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. It became known for honest, homestyle Italian cooking made from fresh ingredients and served with warmth. That same dedication to quality and hospitality still defines Panza’s today.
​
In the 1950s, the family took a bold step west, opening Panza’s Lazy Susan in California. The restaurant quickly rose to fame as a glamorous Hollywood hotspot, rivaling The Derby in popularity. Over the years, it drew stars and tastemakers from across the country—including Marlon Brando, John F. Kennedy Jr., BB King, Liberace, Cab Calloway, Alex Trebek, Lloyd Bridges, Robin Leach, Earl Collins, and David Cassidy. Meanwhile, the Saratoga location continued to welcome racing legends like Willie Shoemaker and Eddie Arcaro—further cementing the Panza name as both a local favorite and a destination for the elite.
​
Today, you’ll find Panza’s at 129 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, in the historic former Tradewinds building. Though the address has changed, the heart of Panza’s remains the same: a dedication to timeless recipes, heartfelt hospitality, and a space where every guest is treated like family.
Four generations later, we’re proud to carry forward Ma Panza’s legacy—serving meals made with love, telling our story through food, and honoring a tradition that began more than 125 years ago.
MA PANZA
