At John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 8, a new chapter that reflects the power of community, partnership, and opportunity is taking shape, marked by the arrival of Neir’s Tavern.
ASUR Airports is proud to welcome the new concession that is not only a significant addition to its concessions lineup but is a story of preservation, access, and a full-circle journey decades in the making.
Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern and Southeast Queens resident, first connected with the transformation of JFK through ASUR’s local outreach events tied to the airport’s redevelopment. What began as curiosity quickly turned into ambition, as he saw firsthand how local entrepreneurs could play a role in shaping the airport’s future.
Neir's Tavern, one of New York City’s oldest establishments. is part of the $125 million commercial development program for the terminal delivered in partnership with ASUR Airports and American Airlines. More than 60 new concessions are featured throughout Terminal 8 as part of the commercial enhancement initiative.
Those early touchpoints combined with resources including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Institute of Concessions helped transform a complex industry into a clear pathway forward. More importantly, they demonstrated that participation in major infrastructure projects was not out of reach for small, local businesses.
Preserving a New York Legacy
Neir’s Tavern carries nearly two centuries of history. When Gordon became involved, the future of the business was uncertain. Today, its expansion into Terminal 8 represents both preservation and progress.
The airport location provides more than visibility, it strengthens the long-term sustainability of the business, ensuring that a historic New York institution can continue to serve future generations.
By bringing Neir’s Tavern into JFK, Gordon is extending a community-rooted brand into a global gateway, offering travelers an authentic, local experience reflective of New York City.
A Full-Circle Journey
Gordon’s connection to JFK is more than just business, it’s also personal.
He first arrived at the airport as a child, immigrating from Jamaica at age ten. Years later, returning to Terminal 8 as a business owner is a moment that carries both emotional and symbolic weight.
“For nearly two centuries, since 1829, Neir’s Tavern has been a cornerstone of Queens,” Gordon said. “Like many small businesses, our future has often felt uncertain, and my personal journey as a Jamaican working to save a historic American tavern has been demanding. But today is a profoundly historic milestone making it worthwhile: we are opening our first new location in nearly 200 years, right as America approaches its 250th anniversary. I am deeply grateful to American Airlines, ASUR Airports, MERA, and PANYNJ. This trusted partnership will be a vital lifeline that helps ensure Neir's Tavern will reach its bicentennial in 2029. The success of this location will directly help secure the survival of our flagship neighborhood location while allowing us to amplify our local community efforts for generations to come.”
That journey, from first arrival to small business owner in one of the world’s busiest airports, captures the broader impact of JFK’s redevelopment: creating pathways for opportunity that extend far beyond the terminal.
Partnerships That Enable Opportunity
The inclusion of Neir’s Tavern at Terminal 8 reflects a broader commitment to integrating local businesses into the airport ecosystem.
“Bringing Neir's Tavern to Terminal 8 reflects the kind of authentic, locally rooted experience that today's travelers are seeking,” said Ian Carter, Vice President of Operations, ASUR Airports, JFK. “Our partnership with Neir's not only expands the airport's dining options but also reinforces the culture and character of Queens in a meaningful way. We are thrilled to welcome the historic tavern to the terminal. This is an example of how JFK continues to evolve into a gateway that feels distinctly connected to New York.”
Through collaboration with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines, and ASUR, the redevelopment has prioritized access, diversity, and economic participation by pairing local entrepreneurs with experienced operators to ensure small businesses are set up to succeed in the airport environment.
