Silver Diner Celebrates 35 Years, Honors Employees

ROCKVILLE, MD — As it marks its 35th anniversary, Silver Diner's founders honored 214 employees who have worked for the company for 10 to 35 years. Co-founders Bob Giaimo and Ype Von Hengst started the chain in Rockville in 1989.

The MOCO Show reported that Silver Diner leaders noted the contributions of its longtime staffers in a statement as, "a significant accomplishment in an industry struggling to find and keep employees. Many of Silver Diner’s longest term employees started as dishwashers, busers 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,” the restaurant owners said.

“Without the hard work and dedication of these employees, Silver Diner would not be possible,” said Robert Giaimo, co-founder and CEO of Silver Diner.

When Giaimo and his partner, Chef Ype Von Hengst, wanted to start an American family restaurant that bridges the gap between tablecloth restaurants and fast food, the diner was their perfect answer, the Silver Diner website said.

The chain now has 24 locations, including ten in Maryland, 12 in Virginia, one in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and one at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.

Maryland diners can be found in Columbia, Greenbelt, National Harbor, Gaithersburg, White Marsh and Lanham, among other sites.