Queens Chamber of Commerce launches new tool to help local restaurants

The Queens Chamber of Commerce launched a new website on Friday to encourage residents to order delivery from Queens businesses. Queens Chamber CEO (second from left) joined Mayor Bill de Blasio (second from right) and owners of Neir’s Tavern after helping save the business from closing in January. Eagle photo by David Brand

By Victoria Merlino

In an attempt to soften the crushing blow of the COVID-19 pandemic on Queens small businesses, the Queens Chamber of Commerce is launching a website to encourage residents to order from local restaurants.

QueensBest.org lists contact information for some neighborhood restaurants offering delivery service, as identified by Queens Business Improvement Districts. All New York restaurants are currently only serving take-out and delivery, by order of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“In these uncertain times, it is so important to do whatever we can to support small businesses,” said Queens Chamber President Thomas Grech. “Queens has the most vibrant restaurant scene in the world, and we don’t yet know the true extent to which the coronavirus outbreak will impact them.”

“What we do know is that you can continue to support small businesses and enjoy a great meal in the comfort of your home by ordering takeout or delivery,” Grech added.

Cuomo announced on Friday that only essential businesses will remain open as the outbreak continues to grow in New York, and that residents should stay home as much as possible.