JAMAICA, N.Y. — Neir’s Tavern, one of New York City’s oldest and most beloved establishments, 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 travelers 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 travelers 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 neighborhood location while allowing us to amplify our local community efforts for generations to come.”
“Bringing Neir’s Tavern to Terminal 8 reflects the kind of authentic, locally rooted experience that today’s travelers are seeking,” said Ian Carter, Vice President of Operations, ASUR Airports, JFK. “Our partnership with Neir’s not only expands the airport’s dining options but also reinforces the culture and character of Queens in a meaningful way. We are thrilled to welcome the historic tavern to the terminal. This is an example of how JFK continues to evolve into a gateway that feels distinctly connected to New York.”
“Everything we do at Terminal 8 is designed around one goal: delivering a better experience for our customers and our partners,” said Amanda Zhang, Vice President of Corporate Real Estate at American Airlines. “This opening brings the energy and authenticity of Queens directly into Terminal 8, giving customers a taste of the city from the moment they arrive. It’s another way we’re elevating the travel experience to make every step of the journey more enjoyable.”
Neir’s Tavern at Terminal 8 is part of a $125 million commercial development program for the terminal delivered in partnership with terminal commercial operator ASUR Airports and American Airlines. More than 60 new concessions are featured throughout Terminal 8 as part of the commercial enhancement initiative.
The commercial redevelopment follows a $400 million expansion and modernization of Terminal 8 completed in 2022 and led by American Airlines as part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation of JFK International Airport. Together, these investments are helping redefine the passenger experience while creating opportunities for iconic local brands to connect with millions of travelers each year.
The opening of Neir’s Tavern represents more than the expansion of a restaurant. It is a celebration of Queens’ history, entrepreneurship, and cultural identity, offering visitors a memorable taste of New York while helping preserve one of the borough’s most treasured institutions for future generations.
“With its long and vibrant history, Neir’s Tavern will elevate the passenger experience at Terminal 8 by providing travelers with an authentic taste of JFK International Airport’s home borough of Queens,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “Terminal 8 and its new, locally inspired commercial program are creating a unique sense of place that transforms the travel experience from something that once had to be endured into what is now an enjoyable part of the journey.”
