Rockville-based Silver Diner, which opened its first restaurant in Montgomery County back in 1989, has announced the celebration of its 35th anniversary by honoring 214 long-term employees who have been with the company for 10 to 35 years
Silver Diner opened its first restaurant in Montgomery County back in 1989. Co-founder/CEO Robert Giaimo and partner/executive chef Ype Von Hengst opened the first Silver Diner in Rockville in 1989. The duo visited over 500 diners across the country to prepare for the opening of Silver Diner, which was located in Mid-Pike Plaza, where Pike & Rose stands today. The Rockville location later moved to Federal Plaza, in the location that was previously home to Bennigan’s, where it remains today.
According to Silver Diner, “the company has 214 employees who have been with the company for 10 to 35 years—a significant accomplishment in an industry struggling to find and keep employees. Many of Silver Diner’s longest term employees started as dishwashers, bussers and waiters and have worked their way up to management. A good number of employees hail from countries outside of the U.S. including countries in South America, Latin America and Africa and all have found a path to U.S. citizenship.”
“We are thankful for our many long-term employees and extremely proud to be able to provide employment for many who are now able to live the American dream,” said Robert Giaimo, co-founder and CEO of Silver Diner. “Without the hard work and dedication of these employees, Silver Diner would not be possible. We have a strong family culture where employees work together and support each other.” Silver Diner also has second generation employees. “We celebrate all and all share in our success,” Giaimo added.
Silver Diner attributes its longevity to adapting to customers’ dietary preferences, largely thanks to co-founder and Executive Chef Ype Von Hengst. He tests new menu items with patrons and sources fresh ingredients from regional farmers. In recent years the menu has expanded to include gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and low-calorie options.
“Our menu became flexitarian before flexitarian was even known,” said Giaimo. Today, customers have options but can still also choose diner classics. As the menu has expanded, so have higher-end dinner options such as pasta with lump crab, tenderloin steaks, and scallops. Von Hengst has also recently added Mediterranean entrees and high-quality tacos. The bar creations are equally impressive with a wide array of cocktails created by an experienced Silver Diner mixologist using fresh-squeezed juices and ingredients, as well as beer, wine and margaritas. Silver Diner lives up to its tag line, “Much more than a diner.”