# Silver Diner Accuses BWI Concessions Manager of Free Speech Censorship

> Silver Diner claims BWI concessions manager Fraport is stifling free speech by threatening daily fines for tabletop support cards.
- Title: Silver Diner Accuses BWI Concessions Manager of Free Speech…
- Summary: Silver Diner claims BWI concessions manager Fraport is stifling free speech by threatening daily fines for tabletop support cards. Silver Diner says Fraport…
- Keywords: silver diner, bwi airport, fraport ag, first amendment, tabletop cards, bwi concessions, maryland aviation administration, news, local, Silver, Diner, Accuses
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/economy/growth-development/silver-diner-bwi-frankfurt-airport-free-speech-CIQO3MME7FCQDECTSVR4HGEBD4
- Author: Darreonna Davis
- Published: 2026-10-07T22:15:51.06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: silver diner, bwi airport, fraport ag, first amendment, tabletop cards, bwi concessions, maryland aviation administration, news, local
## Silver Diner Faces Free Speech Challenge
Silver Diner accuses BWI concessions manager Fraport of trying to stifle free speech by threatening daily fines for tabletop support cards.

> Silver Diner accuses BWI concessions manager of trying to ‘stifle free speech’
## Fraport Demands Card Removal
Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide ordered Silver Diner to remove tabletop cards urging customers to help save the restaurant or face $250 daily fines.

> Fraport executives ordered the restaurant to remove tabletop cards urging customers to 'help save Silver Diner' by contacting the Maryland Aviation Administration, or risk a fine of $250 a day.
## Tabletop Cards Urge Support
Tabletop cards at Silver Diner ask customers to show support by emailing state and BWI officials via a QR code linked to their website.

> Our future at BWI is at risk as our airport landlord is threatening to replace us with a multi-national airport concessionaire which results in higher pricing to travelers.
## Over 2000 Emails Sent
Silver Diner claims more than 2,000 people have emailed the state to show support for the restaurant through their website.

> more than 2,000 people have emailed the state to show support
## First Amendment Violation
Robert Giaimo, chairman and cofounder of Silver Diner, says Fraport’s demand violates the First Amendment by attempting to silence citizens and the restaurant.

> We see this as an attempt to muzzle citizens and muzzle Silver Diner
## Legal Battle Over Space
Silver Diner sued Fraport in September for breach of contract, claiming the company wants to gut and rebuild the restaurant at a cost of $8-10 million.

> Fraport told them they’d need to gut and rebuild their restaurant at BWI, which they’ve operated since 2007, at a cost of $8-10 million.
## What Happens Next
Silver Diner vows to continue fighting for its space, independent restaurants, and employees despite Fraport’s legal threats.

> We are not going away. We will continue to fight for this space, for independent restaurants and for the interests of our employees.
## Key takeaway

Silver Diner says Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide is trying to silence its grassroots campaign with $250 daily fines for tabletop cards urging customers to help save the restaurant.