Rogue Renewal: Newport Manager Bypasses Council on Beach Contract

Newport City Manager ​​Colin Kennedy​​ has unilaterally renewed ​​Audrain Hospitality​​’s concession contract at Easton’s Beach for 2025, sidestepping City Council consultation. The controversial decision follows Audrain’s replacement of Barry Botelho’s iconic 25-year-run snack bar and its famed twin lobster rolls.

​​Contract Terms:​​
◼ 72,000annuallease+10750,000
◼ ​​2024 Performance:​​ 207,774.89totalsales(288,103.70 from subcontractor Longade, LLC

This marks Kennedy’s third unilateral move in weeks, having previously installed:
◼ An unauthorized stop sign on Third Street
◼ Speed camera on Ruggles Avenue

​​Council Backlash:​​
➤ Mayor Charlie Holder: “A solution looking for a problem”
➤ Councilor David Carlin: “Another example of unilateral action… Decisions require council and community input, not one person playing traffic cop”

The pattern has ignited tensions between city administration, elected officials, and residents, spotlighting Kennedy’s leadership style.