Newport Narrows Riverfront Site to Two Finalists
Two riverboat operators remain in contention to take over the former Hooters floating restaurant site on the Ohio River.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Should your city prioritize riverfront business leases over preserving public land for future use?
Newport has narrowed the search for a replacement of the former Hooters riverfront site to two finalists, BB Riverboats and Queen City Riverboats, after receiving three applications. The floating Hooters restaurant closed, and the city is currently negotiating lease terms with BB Riverboats.
Why it matters
The site has been leased for 35 years, and the city stands to earn significantly more in lease payments than the approximately $1,000 a month it received from Hooters. The city also wants to preserve future land-based development options at the riverfront.
The city received three applications for the riverfront site and narrowed them to two finalists, compared with the approximately $1,000 a month it collected under the former Hooters lease. Final lease terms remain under negotiation and no selection has been announced.
The players
BB Riverboats
BB Riverboats is a riverboat operator seeking to consolidate its operations at the former Hooters riverfront site in Newport.
Queen City Riverboats
Queen City Riverboats is a Dayton-Bellevue area operator proposing a floating bar and water shuttle at the Newport site.
The details
BB Riverboats proposes relocating its operations, including the USS Nightmare attraction, to the Newport site from its current location farther west. Queen City Riverboats, based in the Dayton-Bellevue area, proposes a floating bar and a water shuttle linking the site to the Cincinnati waterfront. Both proposals mention public docks for private boats.
Timeline
35 years ago: Hooters lease deal was struck with the city
Last March: Hooters' parent company filed for bankruptcy protection
More than a year before November 2026: Floating Hooters restaurant in Newport closed
Monday, November 9, 2026: Assistant City Manager announced the two finalists
Market Landscape
The Hooters closure followed its parent company's bankruptcy filing last March, leaving the riverfront site open for new operators. Newport's process reflects how cities are reassessing long-term waterfront leases as legacy restaurant tenants retreat.
Newport residents and visitors may see a new riverboat attraction or water shuttle at the former Hooters site depending on which finalist is selected. The lease outcome will also determine whether the public docks proposed for private boats become available.
The takeaway
Waterfront leases tied to a single restaurant tenant can leave cities exposed when that tenant's parent company faces bankruptcy, so diversifying tenants can protect public revenue.
Further reading
Track more Newport openings and closings as the riverfront lease decision develops.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKRC.
Live Poll
Should your city prioritize riverfront business leases over preserving public land for future use?
