Thousands of business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across the borough gathered at Citi Field on Tuesday afternoon as the Queens Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Queens Business Expo, one of the borough’s premier networking and business development events.
The Expo featured more than 140 exhibitors from a wide range of industries, giving attendees the opportunity to network, explore new products and services, and build valuable professional connections. Guests also enjoyed food from more than 25 eateries featured in the Taste of Queens Pavilion and attended a panel discussion, “MWBE: Today’s Challenges – Tomorrow’s Victories,” focused on the evolving opportunities and barriers facing minority- and women-owned businesses in New York.
“Queens is home to one of the most diverse and dynamic business communities anywhere in the world, and this Expo is a reflection of that energy and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Every year, we bring together businesses of all sizes to create connections, spark new opportunities, and support economic growth across the borough. It was inspiring to see so many people come together to collaborate, share ideas, and invest in the future of Queens.”
The panel discussion featured business and government leaders including Jason Clark, Head of Empire State Development’s Division for Minority & Women Business Development; Dawn Kelly, Founder and CEO of The Nourish Spot Inc.; Hersh Parekh, Deputy Chief of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; and Andrew Simmons, Owner and Founder of A & S Rebar. Panelists discussed the ongoing challenges MWBEs face, strategies for expanding access to resources and contracting opportunities, and the importance of creating stronger pathways for diverse businesses to grow and succeed.
Attendees also participated in informational sessions focused on the M/WBE certification process and accessing contracting opportunities in New York City. The workshop featured Michael J. Garner, Citywide Chief Business Diversity Officer, and David Coreas, Executive Director of Outreach and M/WBE Recruitment, who provided guidance on navigating certification and working with City agencies.
New York Mets legend Dwight “Doc” Gooden made a special appearance at the Expo, along with Mr. Met, greeting attendees and visiting exhibitor tables throughout the afternoon.

​​​​​Press release available for download, below.

On May 15, the Queens Chamber of Commerce—the borough’s oldest and largest business association—announced Bridge and Tunnel Brewery as the winner of its Queens’ Best Craft Beer Competition. The competition, which launched on National Beer Day, invited locals to nominate and vote for their favorite breweries and establishments serving standout craft beer, with the Ridgewood brewery emerging as the top choice.
 
“Congratulations to Bridge and Tunnel Brewery for being named Queens’ Best Craft Beer,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This competition showcased the incredible talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Queens’ craft beer scene. From crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs to innovative small-batch brews, the nominees reflected the diversity and quality that make Queens a destination for beer lovers. We’re proud to celebrate a local business like Bridge and Tunnel Brewery that continues to bring people together through great beer and community.”
 
“We’re incredibly honored to be named Queens’ Best Craft Beer,” said Rich Castagna, owner of Bridge and Tunnel Brewery. “As someone who was born and raised in Ridgewood, this recognition means everything to me. Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is deeply rooted in Queens and New York City culture, and that pride is part of who we are and what we brew every day. After 23 years of brewing, every beer we create reflects our passion for craft, creativity, and community. Our taproom has always been a place where everyone is welcome, and we’re grateful to everyone who supported us, voted for us, and continues to show up for local breweries and small businesses. Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for celebrating the incredible craft beer scene here in Queens.”

Elected officials representing the area weighed in on the win.
 
"The eclectic offerings of the Bridge and Tunnel Brewery are hugely popular among both Queens residents and those who are willing to cross numerous bridges and tunnels to enjoy this amazing brewery's fine craft beers," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "The Bridge and Tunnel Brewery is a Ridgewood neighborhood treasure and a wonderful place to hang out with friends while enjoying refreshing and delicious beverages. I congratulate the Bridge and Tunnel Brewery for being selected as the purveyor of Queens’ Best Craft Beer, and I wish this outstanding local establishment much more continued success."
 
"Congratulations to Bridge and Tunnel Brewery on being selected as Queens’ Best Craft Beer," said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "I'm glad to see Bridge and Tunnel Brewery taking its place among the many great Queens breweries, especially here in western Queens."
 
“Bridge and Tunnel Brewery’s recognition as Queens’ Best Craft Beer is a reminder that our industrial areas are not just places of work but are places of creativity, culture, and community. Businesses like this are only possible because neighborhoods like Ridgewood still have space for makers, manufacturers, and small producers to thrive. As New York City continues to grow, we have to protect and invest in our industrial business zones so local businesses can keep creating jobs, building community, and making the kinds of spaces that give our neighborhoods their character,” said NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez.
 
The top three businesses selected by the public were:

1) Bridge and Tunnel Brewery (Ridgewood)
2) Evil Twin Brewing NYC (Ridgewood)
3) Fifth Hammer Brewing Company (Long Island City)
 
In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Best Craft Beer, Bridge and Tunnel Brewery received a plaque and a complimentary year of membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second- and third-place winners also received certificates.
 
This is the 14th “Best of Queens” food and beverage competition. Prior contests settled debates over the borough’s best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, pad thai, tavern, bakery, deli, and soup.

​​​​​Press release available for download, below.

Hundreds of business leaders from across Queens traveled to Albany on May 5 to meet with state lawmakers and advocate for the borough’s economic future as part of the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s annual Queens Day in Albany. The daylong event brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and policymakers for a powerful show of unity and engagement at the State Capitol.
 
Chamber members met with dozens of State Senate and Assembly representatives to discuss key priorities from the Chamber’s 2026 Legislative Agenda, focusing on expanding economic opportunities, strengthening the local workforce, and making it easier for small businesses to grow and thrive.
 
“Showing up in Albany and having real conversations with our elected officials is how we move the needle for Queens businesses,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “We talked about key priorities like bringing new economic opportunities to Queens, supporting our local workforce, and making it easier for businesses to grow and succeed. I’m proud of the strong turnout from our business community and grateful to the legislators and their teams for taking the time to listen and engage.”
 
The day culminated in a high-energy “Taste of Queens” reception that celebrated the borough’s unmatched diversity and cultural vibrancy. The event featured more than 40 Queens restaurants and 10 cultural organizations, alongside special appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Met, MLB legend and Hall of Famer Carlos Beltrán, and New York City Football Club mascot Sky Scraper. Hip hop pioneer Ralph McDaniels served as special guest DJ, bringing an iconic Queens soundtrack to the evening.
 
Queens Day in Albany continues to serve as a vital platform for amplifying the voices of the borough’s business community while highlighting the energy, talent, and diversity that make Queens a driving force in New York’s economy.

​​​Press release available for download, below.

​On Wednesday, February 11, the Queens Chamber of Commerce—the borough’s oldest and largest business association—announced Arepas Café as the winner of its inaugural Queens’ Best Soup Competition. The competition, which launched on January 9, invited locals to nominate and vote for their favorite spots serving up bowls of the winter favorite, with the beloved Astoria staple emerging as the champion.
 
“Congratulations to Arepas Café for being named Queens’ Best Soup,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This inaugural competition was a celebration of the incredible culinary talent and cultural diversity found across Queens. From traditional comfort soups to bold new flavors, the passion and creativity of our local restaurants truly shined. We’re proud to spotlight a small business like Arepas Café that brings warmth, community, and delicious flavor to the borough.”
 
“We are truly honored to be named Queens’ Best Soup,” said Riccardo Romero, Owner of Arepas Café. “This recognition means so much to our team, because every bowl we serve is made with love, tradition, and a deep connection to our community. Soup is comfort, culture, and care — and we’re grateful to everyone in Queens who supported us, voted for us, and continues to show up for small local businesses. Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for creating this special competition and for celebrating the restaurants that make this borough so unique! Remember, life is better with a bowl of soup.”
 
Elected officials representing the area weighed in on the win.
 
"'No soup for you' is a phrase that you will definitely not hear in Queens, which is extremely proud of all the establishments across the borough that serve up hearty and tasty soup to their eager customers,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. ”Of course, only one soup purveyor can be said to offer the best soup in Queens. Congratulations to Arepas Café in Astoria on winning the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Best Soup Competition. I encourage everyone to ward off this persistent chill by enjoying some of Arepas Café's warm and delicious soup."
 
"Congratulations to Arepas Café for winning Best Soup in Queens! Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for putting on this competition and all the New Yorkers who partake in this tradition,” said Senator Kristen Gonzalez.
 
“Congratulations to Arepas Café for winning first place and I Love Paraguay for winning second place in the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Best Soup’ competition,” said Council Member Julie Won. “My district is lucky to have both restaurants share their culture and love for community with us through their homemade, authentic food.”
 
In total, residents nominated 20 businesses for this contest. The top three businesses selected by the public were:

1. Arepas Café (Astoria)
2. I Love Paraguay Restaurant (Sunnyside)
3. Good Taste Restaurant and Catering (Cambria Heights)

 
In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Best Soup, Arepas Café received a plaque and a complimentary year of membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second and third-place winners also received certificates.
 
This is the 13th “Best of Queens” food competition. Prior contests settled debates over the borough’s best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, pad thai, tavern, bakery, and deli.
 
​​Press release available for download, below. 

The Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in the borough, is now accepting votes for its Queens’ Best Soup Competition. Members of the public are encouraged to vote for their favorite establishments serving up bowls of the winter favorite from among 20 nominated establishments at https://bit.ly/QueensBestSoupVote. Voting will end on Wednesday, February 4, National Homemade Soup Day.
 
“As voting gets underway, we’re inviting people to show their support for their favorite local soup spot,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “These restaurants are a vital part of our neighborhoods, and this contest is a chance to celebrate the comfort, culture, and creativity they bring to the table. Whether you crave a timeless classic or a bold, global flavor, cast your vote and help us name Queens’ best soup.”
 
Nominations for the contest were collected over the course of several weeks and include the following businesses:
 

• 5 Burro Cafe (Austin Street, Forest Hills)
• Anny's Restaurant (Beach 116th Street, Rockaway Park)
• Arepas Café (36th Avenue, Long Island City)
• Brasserie Creole (Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights)
• Campeón del Pollo (108th Street, Corona)
• Four Four South Village (Prince Street, Flushing)
• Good Taste Restaurant and Catering (Linden Boulevard, Cambria Heights)
• HinoMaru Ramen (Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria)
• I Love Paraguay Restaurant (Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside)
• Knish Nosh (Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills)
• La Baraka (Northern Boulevard, Little Neck)
• Monahan & Fitzgerald (41st Avenue, Bayside)
• My Black Thai (Northern Boulevard, Jackson Heights)
• Nana's Kitchen New York (31st Avenue, East Elmhurst)
• Nippon Cha (Bell Boulevard, Bayside)
• O'Neill's (53rd Drive, Maspeth)
• Panorama Restaurant and Hall (Astoria Boulevard, East Elmhurst)
• Parksanbal (1626nd Street, Flushing)
• Peppa’s Jerk Chicken Restaurant (Rockaway Boulevard, Jamaica)
• Viña del Mar (146th Street, Jamaica)

 
Some of the nominated restaurants are known for their signature soups, including White Bean Chicken Chili from 5 Burro Cafe, Soup Joumou at Good Taste Restaurant and Catering, Vori-Vori Soup at I Love Paraguay Restaurant, French Onion Soup at La Baraka, Onion Soup Au Gratin at Monahan & Fitzgerald, Tom Ka Soup at My Black Tie, and Encebollado at Panorama Restaurant and Hall.
 
Pending availability, the winner will be crowned with the title of Queens’ Best Soup at an event on Wednesday, February 11. The winning establishment will receive bragging rights, along with a complimentary membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second and third place winners will receive certificates.
 
This is the 13th “Best of Queens” food competition. Prior contests settled debates over the borough’s best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, pad thai, tavern, bakery, and deli.

​​Press release available for download, below. ​

The Queens Chamber of Commerce, has announced the next “Best Of Queens” competition, looking for the borough’s best soup. Members of the public are encouraged to nominate and vote for their favorite restaurants from across the borough serving up bowls of the winter favorite.
 
“We know Queens is home to some truly comforting and creative culinary talent, and this competition is the perfect way to show our local restaurants how much we appreciate them,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “From rich broths simmered for hours to bold, globally inspired flavors, we’re on a mission to find the very best soup in the borough. May the most delicious bowl rise to the top.”
 
The Chamber is accepting nominations from the public beginning on Friday, January 9 at https://bit.ly/QueensBestSoup. They will close on Monday, January 19. Public voting will start on Monday, January 26 and culminate on National Homemade Soup Day on Wednesday, February 4.
 
Pending availability, the winner will be crowned with the title of Queens’ Best Soup at an event on Wednesday, February 11. The winning establishment will receive bragging rights, along with a complimentary membership to the Queens Chamber of Commerce. The second and third place winners will receive certificates.
 
This is the 13th “Best of Queens” food competition. Prior contests settled debates over the borough’s best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, pad thai, tavern, bakery, and deli.

​Press release available for download, below.