March 20, 2020 By Michael Dorgan
The Queens Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website to help small local businesses battle the impact coronavirus is having on trade.
The new website, QueensBest.org, lists restaurants throughout the borough that are offering delivery and takeout service during the crisis.
The government has already shut most businesses down in an effort to curtail the virus–although bars, restaurants, and cafes are allowed to provide delivery and takeout.
The Chamber said it is important to do whatever is necessary to help small businesses and the people they employ.
“QueensBest.org will make it easy for you to find the best food that our borough has to offer, and support our hard-working neighbors during a challenging time,” said Thomas J. Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
The website groups businesses into separate neighborhood pages for easier navigation. Bayside, Sunnyside, Jamaica, Jackson Heights, Astoria and Flushing each have their own dedicated pages that lists which businesses are open and what services they are providing. There are also dedicated pages for Queens coffee shops, pizza joints and even ice cream parlors.
Rob MacKay, Director of the Queens Tourism Council, said the website provides tremendous information at a time when people need to dine out and restaurants need the business.
“There are many great things about Queens, but the cuisine is probably the best. We are blessed with so many diverse, high-quality, and authentic dining options that make our borough unique,” he said
“Yet again, the Queens Chamber of Commerce deserves much respect for taking on this initiative,” he added.
The restaurants listed on the website will be updated regularly, the Chamber said.
In addition, the Queens Chamber has also launched a new page on its website to help keep local businesses up to date on the latest business-related coronavirus news. The page also outlines what resources are available to them to help them get through the pandemic.