Page 32 - 2021 Queens Economic Development Guide

Food & Beverage
Saving a Cultural Treasure
The Queens Chamber of Commerce, as well as the City of New York prevent a vaunted, 190-year
old dining establishment from closing.
Top: Neir’s Tavern in 1900 Above: Neir’s Tavern Owner Loycent Gordon
Located in Woodhaven, 190-year-old Neir’s Tavern is among
the oldest and most historic bars in the country. It has been
in virtually continuous operation
– apart from prohibition – in the
same location for its entire history. Founded in 1829, it was the local haunt of actress Mae West, and made appearances in Martin Scorsese’s classic Goodfellas, as well as
Tower Heist, starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy.
Here, Neir’s Tavern owner Loycent Gordon discusses his love of Queens, his close relationship with the Queens Chamber of Commerce and how the organization helped him save this historic dining establishment.
What’s your history with Neir’s?
My purchase of the bar was not planned – it was a gut reaction to
hearing that this historic place was closing down a few years ago. I’m from the island of Jamaica and came here in 1989 when I was 10 years old. Queens gave me my start when
I came to this country and so I felt a calling to help. I bought the bar and then learned how to run a bar and restaurant, to revive it and to make it profitable.
What are the benefits of doing business in Queens? Queens has a huge place in my
heart because this is where I was raised, and where I got to know America. It’s a great representation of what America ought to be: it’s a microcosm of America. I am grateful that I landed here in Queens.
You could open a businesses anywhere in the world. But here,
you have a market willing to try new things and tell you if it’s good or not. People are willing to come to check it out. Diversity is built into our fiber.
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QUEENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
© Loycent Gordon
© Neir’s Tavern