FER Restaurant Expands to Jackson Park as Long Island City Population Grows Over 75%
FER, the popular Long Island City restaurant specializing in southwest Chinese cuisine, is opening its third location at Jackson Park, reflecting the area's significant population growth and demand for diverse dining options.
FER, the Long Island City restaurant known for its southwest Chinese noodle dishes and authentic tastes of southwest China, is opening a third neighborhood location inside Jackson Park, Tishman Speyer's luxury residential development on Jackson Avenue. The 2,482-square-foot space marks another step forward for the fast-growing restaurant group, which has built a steady following from its original outposts on 29th Street and Crescent Street.
The expansion comes as Long Island City continues to evolve, with the area's population growing more than 75 percent over the past decade. This growth has brought with it a steady demand for new local restaurants and retail options, making FER's expansion strategically important for meeting the needs of the expanding community.
FER's menu, rooted in family recipes and hometown nostalgia, includes hot and cold noodle dishes, fried rice, and handmade wontons. Owner and founder Nigel Huang stated that FER was born out of the desire to serve New York City's growing communities of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, connecting people with intricately made dishes. The restaurant's expansion into Jackson Park, which includes 1,871 apartments across three glass towers and extensive amenities, positions FER to reach an even broader customer base in the rapidly developing neighborhood.
Thomas Galo, EVP and Partner at RTL, represented FER in the 15-year lease at 28-10 Jackson Avenue, marking his second property transaction with the restaurant team. Galo emphasized that Long Island City's vibrant neighborhood character makes it an ideal location for FER's growth, adding to the community's rich fabric. Jackson Park's ground floor retail already hosts established businesses including Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters, Dozo Dog, and the recently opened Serafina, creating a dynamic retail environment that will benefit from FER's addition.
The new location across from Tishman Speyer's 1.2 million-square-foot creative office tower, the JACX, provides FER with access to both residential and commercial customers, ensuring sustained demand throughout the day. This expansion demonstrates how local businesses can grow alongside their communities, particularly in areas experiencing rapid demographic and economic transformation.