On Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of business and community leaders from throughout Queens gathered at Antun’s in Queens Village as the Queens Chamber of Commerce honored Jack Schlossberg and Mary Murphy at its annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon.


“Queens’ Irish roots are strong and deep, going back hundreds of years.  Every year, the Chamber looks forward to honoring the many contributions Irish immigrants and Irish-Americans have made to our borough and business community. We are delighted this year to recognize two distinguished honorees– Jack Schlossberg and Mary Murphy, who have contributed so much to Queens and our civic life,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce.
 
The event hosted by Queens’ oldest and largest business association celebrated the contributions of Irish-Americans to Queens and Celtic traditions with great food and entertainment – corned beef and cabbage, a performance from Fallon O’Brien of the Hagen Kavanagh School of Irish Dance and music from the band The Cobblers. There were invocations from Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Joseph Potasnik of the New York Board of Rabbis. The National Anthem was performed by Emily Kightlinger, a senior at St. Francis Prep.
 
Schlossberg, the son of United States Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and grandson of President John F. Kennedy is an activist, attorney, and actor. Murphy, a Queens native and the daughter of Irish immigrants, is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who notably worked at WPIX-TV during her decades-long career.
 
“St. Patrick’s Day represents an opportunity to reflect on the struggles our ancestors faced when they came to this country in search of a better life, and recognize their contributions to our city, state and country. I am honored to be recognized by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and to be here celebrating Queens’ rich and storied Irish heritage,” said Jack Schlossberg.

"As the daughter of Irish immigrants who settled in this country – right here in Queens Village – I am deeply humbled and moved by this recognition from the Queens Chamber of Commerce.  The Irish were able to achieve great things through faith, hard work, and determination.  It is truly an honor to be here to celebrate Irish culture, reflect on the successes of our ancestors, and look ahead to many more contributions from Queens' Irish community," said Mary Murphy.
 
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “Thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for outdoing itself year after year with the St. Patrick’s Day luncheon, a fitting celebration of the impact of Irish immigrants and Irish-Americans on our communities. And congratulations to Jack Schlossberg and Mary Murphy for this richly deserved recognition of their many outstanding contributions.”
 
“Irish Americans and Irish immigrants have helped shape Queens into what it is today,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I’m happy to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, when we all come together to honor Irish Americans and all that they’ve done and continue to do for Queens. Congratulations to Jack Schlossberg and Mary Murphy for being honored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce!”

Press release available, below.

Today, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the oldest and largest business association in Queens, joined government officials and business and community leaders at the grand opening of the eighth location of Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks. The celebration included a ribbon cutting at the restaurant located at 37-03 31st Avenue in Astoria. This is the restaurant’s first location in Astoria.
 
“Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks is one of my favorite places to get a cheesesteak, and I am so happy they are opening their eighth location in Astoria,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Queens is known for its diverse food landscape, and Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks is a lovely addition, bringing Philly flavors to our borough. The Queens Chamber of Commerce is happy to join Mike and everyone to celebrate their success.”
 
"We're so excited to add this new location to our lineup of restaurants and offer delicious Philly cheesesteaks to Queens' residents,” said Mike Chidester, owner of Chiddy’s Cheesesteaks. “We want to thank the Queens Chamber of Commerce for putting this event together and for their ongoing support of businesses in Queens."
 
The restaurant opened in 2014 as a way to bring authentic Philly cheesesteaks to New Yorkers. The new location will join the family of restaurants spread across Queens and Long Island, including a kiosk at Citi Field. It will be managed by franchise owner Matt Geisperger.
 
The new location will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it will close at midnight. To learn more, visit @chiddyssteaks on Instagram or https://www.chiddyscheesesteaks.com/. 

Press release available, below.