The Palm at Paul Smith's College opening Friday

PAUL SMITHS, NY (06/27/2013)(readMedia)-- The Palm Restaurant has been beloved by diners since 1926 – and a new student training restaurant at Paul Smith's College pays tribute to that legacy.

The Palm at Paul Smith's College, which opens Friday, June 28, features a menu inspired by the legendary Palm steakhouses. The college's culinary arts students will prepare steaks, seafood and other classic fare,while students in Paul Smith's hospitality management program will serve.

Paul Smith's has deep ties with one of the Palm's co-owners: Wally Ganzi graduated from Paul Smith's in 1963 before starting at the Palm, which was partly owned by his family. When Ganzi began at the Palm, there was one location, in New York City. Under Ganzi's watch, the restaurant grew to 28 locations across the United States, as well as in Mexico City and London.

The intimate space, which is located in Cantwell Hall, seats 32 and is lined with framed caricatures, much like the décor at the Palm. Renovations to the restaurant to prepare for its opening were funded by the Statler Foundation, the George I. Alden Trust, and the Palm Restaurants.

Phillip Taylor, dean of the college's School of Commercial, Applied and Liberal Arts, said the new student training restaurant provides critical on-the-job experience. "The Palm has always stood for the best in fine dining and hospitality, and our students will gain invaluable experience as they mirror its ways," Taylor said. "Our expert faculty will work alongside our students in teaching them how to achieve these standards."

The Palm at Paul Smith's is the second student restaurant on campus. The St. Regis Café, located in the Joan Weill Student Center, serves lunch Monday-Friday.

The Palm at Paul Smith's College will be open Friday and Saturdays for dinner until Saturday, Aug. 17. Reservations are required; dinner will be served starting at 5:30 p.m., with the last seating at 8:30 p.m.

For more information: www.paulsmiths.edu/thepalm or (518) 327-6443.