Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the borough’s oldest and largest business association, issued the following statement in response to the cancellation of Forest Hills Stadium’s 2025 concert season:
“The decision to deny Forest Hills Stadium the necessary permits to host its summer concert series is nothing short of a travesty—one that will have severe economic and cultural consequences for Forest Hills and beyond. For more than a decade, Forest Hills Stadium has been a catalyst for economic growth, a steward of our community, and a world-class venue that has brought joy to thousands. Shutting it down for the summer is an enormous loss for local businesses, the hundreds of workers who rely on the stadium for jobs, and the concertgoers who make Forest Hills a destination.
Let’s be clear: a small, vocal group has derailed what has otherwise been a model of partnership and goodwill. Their refusal to engage in good faith has put the livelihoods of working people at risk and stripped Forest Hills of one of its most cherished institutions. The idea that a handful of individuals can wield this kind of outsized influence to the detriment of an entire neighborhood is both outrageous and unacceptable.

Forest Hills Stadium has done everything right. In addition to being open to meeting with neighbors expressing concern, they have worked hard to support local organizations, preserve its historic legacy, and invest in the neighborhood. Now, the stadium needs our support. The Queens Chamber of Commerce stands firmly with Forest Hills Stadium, its workers, and the small businesses that depend on it. We urge city officials and all stakeholders to work toward a resolution that allows this iconic venue to continue serving our community.”

Press release for download, below.

On March 12, hundreds of business and community leaders from across Queens will gather at Antun’s in Queens Village as the Queens Chamber of Commerce honors Michael “Sully” Sullivan and welcomes special guest Mookie Wilson at its annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon. Hosted by Queens’ oldest and largest business association, the event celebrates the contributions of Irish Americans to the borough and showcases Celtic traditions with great food and entertainment, including corned beef and cabbage and live Irish music from the band Brogue.


“Queens’ Irish roots run deep, and they have been shaping the fabric of our borough and business community for generations. We’re proud to celebrate those contributions at our annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon, where we honor Michael 'Sully' Sullivan and welcome Mookie Wilson, a true New York legend, as our special guest,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO, Queens Chamber of Commerce.
 
Sullivan serves as Chief of Staff to New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, playing a key role in the team's operations. Mookie Wilson, a beloved Mets legend, is best known for his iconic contribution to the 1986 World Series and remains a true New York sports hero.
“St. Patrick’s Day is a time to honor the legacy of those who came before us and to recognize their lasting impact on our community. I’m honored to be recognized by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and I’m excited to celebrate with everyone on March 12 as we come together to celebrate the rich Irish-American heritage that makes Queens so special,” said honoree Michael Sullivan.
 
“I’m incredibly honored to be part of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon with the Queens Chamber of Commerce. This borough has always held a special place in my heart, and it’s truly a privilege to be here with all of you on March 12,” said Mookie Wilson.
 
Also attending will be Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, CEO of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens and Vicar for Human Services for the Diocese of Brooklyn, who will deliver a Benediction.

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 Bar Competition. Members of the public are encouraged to vote for their favorite watering hole in the borough from among a record-breaking 46 nominated establishments at https://bit.ly/QueensBestBarVote through Thursday, March 20.
 
"Our inaugural 'Queens’ Best Bar' competition is an exciting way to celebrate the borough’s incredible bars, lounges, and other nightlife," said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. "With voting now open, we encourage everyone to support their favorite local spot by casting a vote. This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the diverse and vibrant establishments that make Queens a great place to eat, drink, and gather with friends.”

Nominations for the contest were collected over the course of several weeks and include the following businesses:

• Acey Ducey's (Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills)
• Austin’s Ale House (Austin Street, Forest Hills)
• Belo Bar & Grill (Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside)
• Bourbon Street (Bell Boulevard, Bayside)
• Bridie's Grill Room (Dry Harbor Road, Middle Village)
• Cassidy's Ale House (31st Avenue, East Elmhurst)
• Celtic Gasthaus (Myrtle Avenue, Glendale)
• Claret Wine Bar (Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside)
• Cobblestone's (Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills)
• Connolly's Corner (Grand Avenue, Maspeth)
• Dirty Pierre’s (Station Square, Forest Hills)
• DK Public (29th Street, Long Island City)
• Donovan's Pub (Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside)
• Doyle’s Corner (Broadway, Astoria)
• Flynn’s Garden Inn (Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside)
• Geordie's Joint (Jamaica Avenue, Woodhaven)
• Ida's Nearabout (Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside)
• Katch Astoria (Newtown Avenue, Astoria)
• Last Call (Lefferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens)
• Leo’s Restaurant & Sports Bar (Roosevelt Avenue, Jackson Heights)
• McGuinness's Saloon (Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside)
• Mike's Tavern (Liberty Avenue, Ozone Park)
• Mojito's (Northern Boulevard, Jackson Heights)
• Mosaic (24th Avenue, Astoria)
• Neir's Tavern (78th Street, Woodhaven)
• Ocean Prime Bar and Restaurant (Flushing Avenue, Maspeth)
• O'Neill's Maspeth (53rd Drive, Maspeth)
• One Station Plaza (41st Avenue, Bayside)
• Parkside Pub (149th Street, Whitestone)
• Queen's Room (Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria)
• Raices Colombianas (37th Avenue, Jackson Heights)
• Rivercrest (Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria)
• Rogers Pub (Beach 116th Street, Rockaway Park)
• Ryan's Irish Bar and Grill (Union Turnpike, Oakland Gardens)
• Sweet Avenue (Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside)
• Tee Dee's Tavern (Cooper Avenue, Glendale)
• Terraza (Gleane Street, Elmhurst)
• The Avenue (Myrtle Avenue, Glendale)
• The Bier and Cheese Collective (Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria)
• The Ditty (Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria)
• The Jar Bar (48th Avenue, Woodside)
• The Lowery Bar and Kitchen (43rd Avenue, Sunnyside)
• The Station Bar (61st Street, Woodside)
• The Village Green (150th Street, Whitestone)
• Tropix Bar & Lounge (Queens Boulevard, Rego Park)
• Walsh’s Pub (Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood)

The winner will be crowned with the title of Queens’ Best Bar at an event on Wednesday, March 26. 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 marks the tenth “Best of Queens” food competition and the largest in terms of number of nominees. Previous contests have decided the borough’s best pizza, burgers, halal, empanadas, barbecue, tacos, frozen desserts, bagels, and pad thai.

Press release available for download, below.