Good Night John Boy Reopens Today in Flats East Bank

Disco is making a comeback, and Cleveland is getting groovy. Good Night John Boy returns May 1 with a soft opening, followed by a grand opening on May 8 in a new riverfront space at 1167 Front Ave. in the Flats East Bank.

First launched in Cleveland in 2021, the 1970’s bar quickly expanded nationwide. Now seven locations strong, the brand turns its focus back to where it began, doubling down on its presence in the Flats.

The move places Good Night John Boy beside Forward Hospitality Group’s other concepts, Welcome to the Farm, I Hate Cowboys, Glamper and Hi-5, creating a more connected nightlife hub along the bank.

Meanwhile, recent turnover has led to closures of nearby Flats East Bank establishments like Margaritaville, Inferno and Rum Runners.

In Good Night John Boy’s new home, a glistening disco ball still hangs overhead, holding its ground as the room’s unofficial beacon. 

The space builds on the brand’s signature energy with retro design touches, a revamped glowing LED dance floor and four bars in total, double what the previous location offered, along with a waterfront bar and expanded patio.

The disco-driven bar relocates to a new riverfront space with expanded food and drink options.

“We completely redid the sound and lighting. It’s a big upgrade, even compared to our most recent locations,” says Bobby Rutter, COO of Forward Hospitality. “The building also gave us the chance to do some unique things with the design. It still has that same fun, high-energy feel, but it’s far different from what we’ve done before.”

Behind the bar, fan-favorite drinks like the Dirty Ashtray, a Miller High Life with Tapatio, lime and a mezcal sidecar, and the Disco Punch, a rum-forward cocktail served in a take-home disco cup, make their return alongside a full lineup of beers, seltzers and bottle service. 

The move also brings new additions, including the debut of the “Johnny Meal,” a burger or chicken tenders served with fries and a nostalgic toy, marking the first time the Cleveland location will offer food. 

Its former home won’t be empty for long. It will soon take on a new life as Pour Lolas, a shot bar concept from Forward Hospitality Group, set to open later this month.

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