One of New York City’s oldest and most beloved establishments, Neir’s Tavern, has officially opened its newest location at Terminal 8 of John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Through a partnership with MERA, ASUR Airports, American Airlines and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the historic Queens institution is bringing nearly 200 years of local heritage to one of the nation’s busiest international gateways.
“Neir’s has joined a roster of 20 locally inspired concessions that will create a uniquely New York sense of place,” said Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia. “Neir’s, owned by Loycent Gordon, a graduate of the Port Authority’s Institute of Concessions, will provide travellers at Terminal 8 with a genuine Queens experience rooted in the historic tavern’s nearly two centuries of service to the community. Founded in 1829 and located in Woodhaven, Queens, Neir’s Tavern has long served as a gathering place for residents, visitors and generations of New Yorkers.
The new location features some of Neir’s most popular menu items, including the Goodfella’s Burger, Chicken Wings and Grilled Chicken Sandwich, alongside a curated selection of cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages designed for travellers seeking a genuine New York dining experience before takeoff or upon arrival.
“For nearly two centuries, since 1829, Neir’s Tavern has been a cornerstone of Queens,” said Loycent Gordon, Owner of Neir’s Tavern. “Like many small businesses, our future has often felt uncertain and my personal journey as a Jamaican working to save a historic American tavern has been demanding. But today is a profoundly historic milestone making it worthwhile: we are opening our first new location in nearly 200 years, right as America approaches its 250th anniversary. I am deeply grateful to American Airlines, ASUR Airports, MERA and PANYNJ. This trusted partnership will be a vital lifeline that helps ensure Neir’s Tavern will reach its bicentennial in 2029. The success of this location will directly help secure the survival of our flagship neighbourhood location while allowing us to amplify our local community efforts for generations to come.”
