QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, LOYCENT GORDON, KEN AND HENRY SHI, ANNOUNCE HANDSHAKE DEAL TO KEEP HISTORIC NEIR’S TAVERN OPEN

Iconic Woodhaven watering hole featured in Goodfella’s had feared it would close after operating for 190 years before deal reached with landlord

Today, Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern, and property owners Ken and Henry Shi, announced they have reached a handshake agreement that will keep the historic bar, which has served patrons in Woodhaven since 1829, open. The two sides met Friday afternoon at the Queens Chamber of Commerce headquarters to reach an agreement that will see the oldest bar in New York City remain in business. 

“New York City’s small businesses are what make this city so special, and as the city’s oldest bar, Neir’s Tavern leads the pack. I’m proud to have helped keep the doors open so New Yorkers can continue to enjoy a place that has meant so much to so many over the years. Cheers to another 190 years!” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“Small businesses are the backbone of NYC’s economy and Neir’s Tavern is a treasure that adds to the distinct character of this city. SBS is proud to offer services to help the business, assist them in keeping their doors open and help maintain the history and vitality of Queens,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services.

“I am proud to be part of an administration that takes our legacy venues and nightlife so seriously. I congratulate Mayor de Blasio and Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop for working so quickly to find a solution to save Neir’s Tavern, a celebrated and historic local venue. The Office of Nightlife has spoken with the owner and we are here to help support them moving forward. New York’s legacy venues are the lifeblood of our communities, and the City will do whatever it can to ensure that they are protected and supported, it is one of many reasons why the Office of Nightlife was established,” said Ariel Palitz, Executive Director of the New York City Office of Nightlife.

“We are thrilled to announce a handshake deal has been struck between Loycent Gordon and Ken and Henry Shi,” said Thomas J. Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of Queens, adding to the unique character of our neighborhoods and creating jobs and opportunity for New Yorkers. It would be a shame to lose an institution with as much history as Neir’s, and we’re thrilled the bar will continue to serve its patrons for years to come. This would not have been possible without the efforts of New York City Council Member Robert Holden and New York State Assembly Member Michael Miller. The support and intervention from Mayor Bill de Blasio’s team was also instrumental in reaching this agreement.”

 “We are very happy to have Neir’s Tavern stay open and continue our 190 years of continuous operation,” said Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern. 

“Thank you to all parties for helping to make this project work. We are indebted to Mayor de Blasio, Council Member Robert Holden and NYS Assemblyman Mike Miller,” said Ken and Henry Shi.