May 10, 2026 @ 3:43 PM | by Katie Belforta

As part of a shocking and fairly-concerning new development, Simon Property Group has confirmed their plan to move forward with replacing each department store in Newport Centre with a Hooters restaurant.

"We realized that our Jersey City customers deserve only the absolute best in cuisine... and company!" said CEO and COO Eli Simon enthusiastically in a Sunday press release. "Plus, the JCPenney complex will allow for the construction of a Hooters on a previously unheard-of scale. I'm quite excited. Like, really, really excited."