QUEENS, NY (August 19, 2026) — On August 19, the Queens Chamber of Commerce—the borough’s oldest and largest business association—announced Nippon Cha as the winner of its Queens’ Best Sushi Competition. The competition, which launched on July 20, invited locals to nominate and vote for their favorite establishments creating exceptional nigiri, maki, uramaki, sashimi, and other delicious creations. Nippon Cha, located in Bayside, is known for Japanese Tea Sushi featuring Tochucha, a caffeine-free tea from the Seto Inland region of Japan. 


“Congratulations to ChangQi Li and the entire team at Nippon Cha on being crowned Queens’ Best Sushi,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “Queens is home to some of the best and most diverse food in the world, and this competition gave New Yorkers another reason to discover the incredible businesses that make our borough such a special place to eat. We’re proud to celebrate Nippon Cha, and we thank all of the restaurants and voters who made this year’s competition such a success.”


“We are incredibly honored to be named Queens’ Best Sushi, and we’re grateful to everyone who voted for Nippon Cha and supported us throughout the competition,” said ChangQi Li, owner of Nippon Cha. “This recognition means so much to our entire team, who put great care and passion into everything we serve. Queens has an amazing food community, and we’re proud to be part of it. We look forward to welcoming even more of our neighbors to Nippon Cha and sharing what we love with them.”


Elected officials representing the area weighed in on the win.



"With every kind of cuisine imaginable here in The World's Borough, there is no denying that Queens is the ultimate destination for any kind of food you could possibly want. That's exactly the case when it comes to the kind of authentic, high-quality sushi that you can only find in our borough," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Nippon Cha in Bayside is the definition of top-notch sushi and is more than deserving of the title of Best in Queens. Congratulations to Nippon Cha's hard-working employees for earning that accolade and thank you to the Queens Chamber of Commerce for uplifting our local restaurants across Queens."


“Congratulations to Nippon Cha on being named the winner of the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Best Sushi Restaurant award! Located right here at 39-34 Bell Boulevard in Bayside, Nippon Cha is a wonderful example of the outstanding restaurants that make District 19 such a special place,” said Council Member Vickie Paladino. “We are proud to have some of the best dining destinations in Queens right here in our community. This recognition is truly well deserved!”


The top three businesses selected by the public were:

1. Nippon Cha (Bell Boulevard, Bayside)
   
2. A Sushi (Austin Street, Forest Hills)
   
3. Wabi Nori (Farrington Street, Flushing)
   

In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Best Sushi, Nippon Cha 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 15th “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, soup, and craft beer.

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.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce celebrated the successful culmination of its Student Workforce Development Program on Monday, May 11, at Queens College, recognizing dozens of students participating in a workforce initiative designed to prepare young New Yorkers for careers in the rapidly expanding clean energy economy.
Supported through a grant from Hydro-Québec, the program comes at a pivotal moment for New York’s clean energy transition following the completion of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), a transformative transmission project connecting Quebec hydropower to Astoria, Queens. More than a decade in the making, the CHPE project will deliver approximately 20 percent of New York City’s clean hydropower supply and marks a major milestone in the region’s renewable energy future.
“Queens is playing a major role in shaping New York’s clean energy future, and it is critical that our students and local communities benefit directly from that growth,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This program is about creating real pathways into the green economy by connecting students with the skills, mentorship, and professional opportunities needed to succeed in one of the fastest-growing sectors of our workforce.”
“The completion of the CHPE project represents a historic investment in clean energy infrastructure, but equally important is investing in the people who will help sustain and grow this industry for decades to come,” said Pete Rose, Senior Director at Hydro-Québec. “We are proud to partner with the Queens Chamber of Commerce to support students as they prepare for careers that will shape a more sustainable future for New York City and beyond.”
As the borough where the CHPE project terminates, Queens has become a central hub in the city’s clean energy landscape. The Student Workforce Development Program was created to ensure local students have direct access to the training, professional development, and industry connections needed to participate in the emerging green economy.
Held at the Patio Room in Queens College’s Dining Hall, the culminating event brought together students, educators, employers, and community leaders for certificate presentations, networking opportunities, and remarks from program leaders and industry stakeholders. Ten standout students from the program will also go on to internships with sustainability-focused companies, helping launch the next generation of green workforce talent.

​​​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.