How was Neirs Tavern saved?

A lot of people have been asking us, how EXACTLY was Neirs Tavern saved?

While most of this story is already well documented, no one comes close to recounting detail by detail, like our dear friend, fellow #Neirs190 Committee member, and all around Queens advocate Ruben Ramales.

Here’s his account via his Instagram page @rubentaughtme this past Sunday:

“Friday, January 10, 2020, 10:30PM – Loy and Neirs supporters listening to the NY1 coverage of Neirs Tavern being saved How did we end here?

In early 2009, Loycent Gordon and partners stepped in to save Neirs from closing its doors. Restored the mahogany bars and reopened as Neirs Tavern.

Fast forward 10 years…. Wednesday, Jan 8, 2020, Loycent, owner of Neirs Tavern makes an emotional announcement that he would have to shut down on Sundat after a tough year of paying higher rent and therefore losing money and another rent hike imminent.

Everyone in the room was heartbroken.

Thursday, Jan 9, 2020, Loy makes a public statement, a letter he writes to his customers via email. The letter starts getting picked up by outlets and NYTimes publishes their article. By Thursday evening, every local and NYC paper has reported on Neirs. The community is active on the ground and social, trying to get the word out and hoping for a last minute save.

At this point, folks at the Queens Chamber of Commerce were already trying to see what could be done meanwhile the New York City Department of Small Business Services was also about to play their part Friday, Jan 10, 2020, Loy calls in to the Brian Lehrer Show and gets through, getting the opportunity to speak about Neirs to the New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio. DeBlasio says on air he will help out Neirs.

By Friday afternoon, a meeting was taking place between local electeds Assemblymember Mike Miller, Councilmember Bob Holden , Queens Chamber CEO, the Queens Economic Development Corporation, NYC Small Business Services, property owner, and Loy to strike a deal, and a handshake deal ensues.

By Friday late afternoon, rumors start leaking of this deal but nothing official.

By 5pm, we start hearing that Mayor DeBlasio will be making an announcement at 8pm at Neirs.

Just after 8pm, Loy walks in with the mayor and it is announced that Neirs was saved. And just like that, history is made and Neirs lives to see another day.

Today, Sunday, Jan 12, 2020 was supposed to be the last day, and instead we can embrace this moment in history that reminds us that the little guy can win and miracles can still happen, but most importantly COMMUNITY is EVERYTHING! #NeirsforYears”

Words and photograph by Ruben Ramales.