President’s Message

cuisines of queens

MESSAGE FROM THOMAS J. GRECH, PRESIDENT & CEO AND HOWARD GRAF, CHAIRPERSON

During the month of August numerous individuals cast their cares aways and take a much-needed vacation away from the city. An opportunity to relax and unwind for moment. They might book travel overseas for a chance to tap into the lifestyles and customs of those outside of our community.

We ask ourselves, what’s more diverse than Queens County with representation from over 100 countries with 138 plus different languages spoken? Not to mention the vast majority of cuisines, which enable your tastebuds to be transported to lands thousands of miles away.

Queens Chamber is proud to present a special edition of our magazine devoted specifically to one of our most precious commodities, restaurants. Whether it’s a Mom-and-Pop shop, Chefs who pour love into every dish, a neighborhood staple or a brand-new establishment, we’ve got them all covered in this issue.

It goes without saying the restaurant industry was devastated when the COVID pandemic struck our community and nation back in March 2020. Unfortunately, we had to bid farewell to some that were not able to sustain their operations despite their best efforts. However, thanks in part to numerous strategies including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and the” Open Restaurants” plan, which introduced what we now know as outdoor dining thousands were able to keep their doors open as they pivoted to alternative modes of operation.

New Yorkers are resilient by nature, that’s who we are. The past 29 months has proven the resilience of our restaurant industry.

In case you haven’t ventured out into the neighborhoods of Queens lately to explore these cuisines nestled throughout, you’re missing out. They’re naturally as diverse as they come.

Here’s the list of cuisines awaiting your exploration: all continents of Africa, Canadian, Mexican, Fusion, South American, Central American, Caribbean, Central Asian, East Asian, South/Southeast Asian, Indonesian, Chinese, Northeast/South/West/East Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Central/ Eastern European, and Oceanic.

Throughout the pages of this issue, you’ll be introduced to numerous individuals and establishments all who are passionate about what they do on a daily basis. Many of whom we hope you’ll support and visit over the coming days, weeks, months and years.

As President/CEO and Board Chair we’re honored to serve in our roles. More specially because it contributes to the sustainability of this beloved industry known as our restaurants.

With all this just a short drive or train ride away, we ask you “Why travel overseas when you can travel around the borough to experience the customs and lifestyles of the world?”

On behalf of Queens Chamber, thank you for your continued support of our organization and most of all our ethnically diverse restaurant industry.

Remember Queens STRONG!

THOMAS J. GRECH, PRESIDENT

HOWARD GRAF, CHAIRPERSON