ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The old Italian restaurant called Palms was a fixture in Elmira for nearly 60 years, before permanently shutting its doors last August. It has a new name, new owners, and a new menu, but some things never change.
“It still has some of the old flavor of the old Italian restaurant,” said Janice Fullerton, 1157 North Customer.
This week, a new set of owners re-opened the restaurant, re-naming it 1157 North.
“I don’t do any of the cooking thank god,” said Joe Steigerwald, 1157 North Owner.
Owner Joe Steigerwald took over the business after being in the restaurant industry for 41 years.
“I’ve never owned one and I just thought it was time while I was still young enough to try,” said Steigerwald.
He said since opening last week, business has been steady.
“Everybody wants to come and try us we’ve had rave reviews,” said Steigerwald.
Residents trying out the new restaurant said it felt good to be back.
“We’ve missed it being here, we used to come here years ago. And it’s nice to support something local,” said one customer.
“I loved it, and I’m glad there is another Italian restaurant in its home,” said Fullerton.
The owners say one of the biggest changes is the menu. They’ll be offering more than just Italian food now and they say their goal is to give people healthier options.
“We’re trying to do everything fresh, homemade here,” said Steigerwald.
They’re hopeful these options will keep customers coming back for more.
1157 North is open Tuesday to Saturday if you'd like to try it.