The Fireside Grille Named “Business of the Year” from the Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce

Michael and Erin Dearing are shown with State Senator Marc Pacheco and the citation that he presented to them from the Massachusetts State Senate

The Fireside Grille, a popular Middleboro restaurant, was honored recently by the Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce and named as the Chamber’s “Business of the Year.”

The award was presented to restaurant owners Michael and Erin Dearing at the Chamber’s recent Annual Meeting & Awards ceremony. The Dearings were congratulated by Chamber CEO Valerie Glynn, members of the Chamber, and State Senator Marc Pacheco and State Representative Norman Orrall. Both legislators presented official citations of congratulations from the Massachusetts Legislature on their accomplishment.

The Dearing family purchased the restaurant  in December 2019 and have made a number of improvements since that time. They have refurbished the building with a new roof, new paint, and an outdoor pavilion for events. They have also added outdoor dining and have boosted their take-out businesses.

During the presentation, Chamber and legislative officials recognized the significant community commitment that Fireside Grille has shown, including giving away many free meals during the Covid restrictions.

“We really love working with the Dearings; they are such great community members and neighbors,” said Valerie Glynn, CEO of the Cranberry Country Chamber. She added, “They are always there to help out in the community in any way they can.” Chamber officials congratulated Fireside Grille’s commitment to using local vendors, and buying local and fresh products. The Dearings have transformed Fireside Grille under their ownership to a “fresh local/scratch” kitchen.

Michael Dearing, owner, said, “We are very honored to be recognized in this way by the Cranberry Country Chamber. We thank Valerie, Pam, and the entire Cranberry Country Chamber team for their confidence in us and their selecting us for this award. We are also deeply grateful to Senator Pacheco and Representative Orrall for taking the time to be part of this celebration.”

This award comes on the heels of another significant recognition, when Michael Dearing was chosen to cater the Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) this year.  The HOCR is the largest rowing event in the country and draws an international following.

About The Fireside Grille

The Fireside Grille, an iconic Middleboro landmark for decades, is under the ownership of the Dearing family. Michael and Erin Dearing, Middleboro natives and current residents of nearby Plymouth, purchased the restaurant on December 7, 2019. Michael Dearing grew up in the restaurant business, working in family restaurants in all capacities from server to chef to manager. After high school he continued his formal education at Johnson & Wales University where he received degrees in both Food & Beverage Management as well as Entrepreneurship. His restaurant experience includes serving as General Manager with Chart House Restaurant Company, overseeing their Boston location housed in the Gardner Building on the Boston waterfront. He later became one of the founding Partners of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine bar. Locally, his family used to own the historic Hell’s Blazes Tavern in Middleboro, and then the Sun Tavern in Duxbury.

The Fireside Grille is a family venture; Michael and Erin work at the restaurant along with their three children Mikayla, Derek and Dylan. They have transformed the facility, adding two spectacular spaces for outdoor dining and outdoor functions. Their outdoor Garden Pavilion is hugely popular for weddings and other outdoor events. Fireside Grille is a scratch kitchen that sources local ingredients. The Dearings have revamped the menu, modernized the reservation platform, improved the infrastructure, and built a new website. The Fireside Grille offers a full menu, both takeout and on-premises dining. They also offer catering services and planning for large events, including weddings. For additional information, please visit firesidegrille.com or call (508) 947-5333.