Silver Diner To Open In November; Company Celebrates 35 Years: Report

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — In November, the Silver Diner restaurant chain will be opening a new location at 2951 Plank Road in Fredericksburg.

As the company makes its final plans for that opening, it’s also celebrating its 35th anniversary and the contributions of its long-term employees, many of whom came from outside the U.S.

More details about the company's anniversary can be found in the following Silver Diner release:

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.

Due to its ability to adapt to ever-changing customer dietary interests, Silver Diner is as popular today as it was 35 years ago. Much of this is attributable to its co-founder and Executive Chef Ype Von Hengst who regularly tests new menu items with customers and incorporates their feedback. In 1995, Von Hengst added fresh and local to the diner’s repertoire and began sourcing from regional farmers. This sourcing continues today and is a significant feat given the number of restaurants in the diner portfolio. More recently, Von Hengst added gluten free, vegan and vegetarian as well as low calorie items to the menu that have been embraced by many customers.

“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.”