QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CROWNS EMPIRE SHOP NYC AS QUEENS’ BEST DELI

On Wednesday, October 29, the Queens Chamber of Commerce—the borough’s oldest and largest business association—announced Empire Shop NYC as the winner of its inaugural Queens’ Best Deli Competition. The competition, which launched on September 29, invited locals to nominate and vote for their favorite spots for sandwiches, sliced cold cuts, and everything in between, with the beloved Sunnyside deli emerging as the champion.
 
“Congratulations to Empire Shop NYC for rising to the top and being named Queens’ Best Deli,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This competition was a celebration of the incredible talent and diversity in our borough’s deli scene, and the quality, creativity, and dedication of the owners and staff at Empire Shop NYC clearly resonated with voters. We’re proud to shine a spotlight on a small business that brings so much flavor and heart to the Queens community.”
 
“We are deeply honored to be named Queens’ Best Deli. This recognition means the world to our family and our team, because behind every sandwich, every smoothie, and every smile, there’s hard work, sacrifice, and passion,” said Katerine Rodriguez, Owner of Empire Shop NYC. “Running a small restaurant is not easy; it takes long days, determination, and a lot of heart. But the incredible support from our community reminds us why we started this journey. Queens is more than just where we work — it’s our home, and we’re proud to serve the people who make this borough so special. We want to sincerely thank everyone who voted for us, our amazing staff who give their all every single day, and the Queens Chamber of Commerce for their continued support of small local businesses. This award inspires us to keep growing, keep improving, and continue sharing the flavors and warmth that define Empire Shop.”

Elected officials representing the area weighed in on the win.
 
“Queens is the home to so many vibrant and exciting neighborhoods,  with each one of them having their own amazing delis serving up delicious food to suit a variety of tastes,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. ”Of course, only one deli can be said to be the best deli in Queens. Congratulations to Empire Shop NYC of Sunnyside for winning the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Best Deli Competition. I encourage all Queens residents to make the trip to Sunnyside to fill their bellies at this amazing deli!"
 
"Huge congrats to Empire Deli! Great sandwiches, a friendly crew, and a true Sunnyside staple keeping neighbors well-fed,” said Assemblymember Claire Valdez.
 
In total, residents nominated 18 businesses for this contest. The top three businesses selected by the public were:

1. Empire Shop (Sunnyside)
2. Leo’s Latticini (Corona)
3. Alba’s Deli (Kew Gardens)

In addition to earning the title of Queens’ Best Deli, Empire Shop NYC 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 twelfth “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, and bakery.

Press release available for download, below. 
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