NYC's Oldest Tavern Hires Retired U.S. Marine as General Manager

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Loycent Gordon, Owner & CEO · info@neirstavern.com · (718) 296-0600

On Veterans Day, Historic Neir's Tavern names Ricardo Acuña to lead its "Road to 200 Years"

WOODHAVEN, Queens, N.Y. (Nov. 11, 2026) – Historic Neir's Tavern, New York City's oldest continuously operating tavern, has hired retired U.S. Marine Ricardo Acuña as general manager. He will build the systems, profitability and leadership team the 197-year-old tavern needs to reach its 200th anniversary in 2029.

Owner and CEO Loycent Gordon said the tavern, like the Marine Corps, needs "the best of the best." Neir's carries nearly two centuries of American history, and it now has to keep going through a hard stretch for the city's hospitality industry. New York City restaurants and bars have lost more than 15,000 jobs over the past year, according to the NYC Hospitality Alliance, as reported by PIX11. The same report described a survey of 275 city bars and restaurants that found half broke even or lost money in the third quarter of 2026.

"My goal is to bring on someone with the discipline and intelligence to set up operational systems for hiring top talent, find ways to increase profitability, and build a leadership team he can hand off to his replacement, or continue with us to 200 years or as long as he desires," Gordon said. "Neir's Tavern believes it's important to invest in our veterans, but we can only invest as much as we are supported by regular and new customers. It's about everyone doing their part."

Acuña leads the tavern's day-to-day operations alongside its assistant general manager.

For Gordon, the hire is personal. "We honor our veterans not with speeches but with actions: jobs and economic stability for them and their families," he said. "For me, it's about supporting veterans in ways I couldn't, because I didn't get to make it into the Marines after high school. That's why we show up for everything from Wreaths Across America to Memorial Day flag planting."

"The Marine Corps taught me that standards aren't optional and that the mission comes first. Neir's has stood for nearly 200 years because each generation held the line. My job is to build the team and the systems that carry it to 200 and beyond," said Acuña.

Neir's invites the community to support its Road to 200 Years by stopping in, bringing a friend, and following the journey at neirstavern.com.

Media assets: High-resolution photos, including the announcement graphic and a headshot of Ricardo Acuña (photo courtesy of Ricardo Acuña), are available here: Download press photos.

About Neir's Tavern
Historic Neir's Tavern, established in 1829, is proudly recognized as New York City's oldest continuously operating tavern and one of the oldest in America. In 2026, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce named Neir's to its CO—100 list of America's top 100 small businesses. Rich in history and local culture, the iconic venue served as the filming location for approximately 14% of the classic movie Goodfellas and has been honored with a United States flag flown atop the U.S. Capitol. Known for its award-winning burgers, recognized by the New York State Beef Council, and authentic historic tavern hospitality, Neir's remains a beloved neighborhood destination where guests can experience a true piece of local New York City history alongside great food and drinks. Neir's Tavern is located at 87-48 78th Street, Woodhaven, Queens, NY 11421. Learn more at neirstavern.com.

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