Loycent Gordon is the CEO and owner of the Historic Neir’s Tavern, established in 1829 and recognized as New York City’s oldest continuously operating tavern—one of the oldest in the United States. A proud Jamaican-American, Mr. Gordon stepped in to save the beloved local institution in 2009, when it was days from closure, despite having no prior experience in the restaurant industry. Over the past 15 years, he has led the restoration, revitalization, and resurgence of Neir’s Tavern, transforming it into a nationally recognized symbol of community resilience and historic preservation.
Under his visionary leadership, Neir’s Tavern has received continuous local and national media coverage, with features in The New York Times, CNN, ABC News, NBC, Harvard Business Review, and multiple front-page stories in Queens publications including the Queens Chamber of Commerce Magazine. The tavern has been honored twice in the United States Congressional Record, featured on the official Monopoly: Queens Edition board, and became one of the few taverns in the country to have a street co-named in its honor—“Neir’s Tavern Way.”
Mr. Gordon has earned multiple accolades for his leadership, including being named Business Person of the Year. In 2022, Neir’s Tavern was recognized by the New York State Beef Council as one of the top ten burgers in the state. It later went on to win Best Burger and Best Restaurant in Queens in 2025.
As an Executive Board Member of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, Mr. Gordon represents thousands of small business owners, advocating for more inclusive and sustainable restaurant policies. His commitment to service extends beyond advocacy—through strategic partnerships, he helps provide meals to over 10,000 families annually in Queens to combat food insecurity.
Appearing on the Front Cover of Queens Chamber Of Commerce Magazine in December 2022, Mr. Gordon officially launched the “Neir’s Tavern Road to 200” campaign, a long-term resiliency and brand expansion initiative designed to prepare the establishment for its 200th anniversary in 2029. The campaign has already yielded multiple joint ventures and secured two licensing deals to open Neir’s Tavern-branded restaurants in JFK International Airport—a move aimed at ensuring the tavern’s financial strength for future generations.
Mr. Gordon’s inspiring journey—from a Jamaican immigrant who overcame illiteracy to become a civic leader, entrepreneur, and cultural preservationist—serves as a powerful testament to the values of perseverance, purpose, and community that is embodied in his philosophy “Together, Community Conquers All’
