Nelson Silverstein had an idea, and Freemasons of the Punta Gorda Masonic Lodge No. 115 thought it was a good one.
A Freemason himself, Silverstein said he saw the potential for his lodge to have a breakfast and lunch restaurant operate in the building at 25349 Airport Road.
“I pitched the idea to my brothers here at the lodge and we agreed that I would rent the dining room, kitchen and small meeting room from them,” Silverstein said.
His company, NSRB Enterprises LLC paid for all the renovations, which included a new dining room, tables and chairs, a new stainless-steel commercial kitchen, new doors and the decor consisting of historic Mason and Punta Gorda artifacts.
Silverstein already knew the type of food he’d offer: comfort food and deli sandwiches, which are named after famous people in the arts, politics, science and more.
“All our menu names come from either famous Masons or Masons from this lodge who have shown and/or exemplify the ideals of Freemasonry,” he said.
Those menu item names include sandwiches named after Harry Houdini, Mark Twain, Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, Wolfgang Mozart, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Arnold Palmer.
“All of our food items are of the highest food quality available and are served in large portions. Our famous 10 burgers are a blend of short rib, brisket and ground round, seasoned with our secret seasonings and served on fresh, locally baked Kaiser rolls with our special sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion,” he said.
Silverstein’s vast experience working in the food and beverage industry for more than 40 years is apparent in the way he quickly opened Hiram’s Grille at 115, named after a famous man.
“Hiram Abiff was the chief architect and master of works employed by King Solomon to oversee the building of his temple in Jerusalem. He was the son of King Hiram of Tyre and is regarded by many as being the first Freemason. So, I used his name for the restaurant. We are Lodge No. 115 in Florida, and that’s where the 115 comes from,” Silverstein said.
Claiming his career path is in his blood, Silverstein began working at his aunt’s diner in Cleveland as a teenager. He then went on to work at TGI Fridays for 12 years, the food and beverage manager at President Casino in St. Louis for 13 years and at Applebee’s for 15 years. He also was an operating partner at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in Sarasota.
Hiram’s Grille at 115 currently employs three full-time and two part-time workers, not including Silverstein who is president of NSRB Enterprises and Claudia Daddario who is vice president of marketing and operations for the company.
Silverstein said he plans to hire two more full-time and two more part-time workers in the near future.
Hiram’s Grill at 115 is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Breakfast items are served until closing, and lunch is served beginning at 9 a.m.
The dining room holds 130 people and there is a small private dining room available for meetings or groups.
The hall is available to rent after hours or on weekends, and on–site and off–site catering also is offered.
“As Freemasons, we are committed to working within our community and helping groups raise money with fundraiser breakfasts, lunches or dinners,” Silverstein said.
