Key Points
- Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria in Newport suspended operations for nearly eight months due to relocation.
- The pizzeria announced its reopening plans on Facebook on 16 February 2026.
- New location is at 708 Monmouth Street, previously JerZee’s sports bar, just four blocks from the original site at 336 Monmouth Street.
- The original Newport location operated for 12 years as the flagship restaurant.
- Strong’s undertook major renovations and passed city inspections ahead of the March 2026 reopening.
- New venue features seating for over 200 guests, two full bars, a full menu, an Italian-designed veranda, and a stage for performances and community events.
- Strong’s leadership described the space as “bigger, refreshed, and built to better serve the community we love.”
- The pizzeria maintains four other stores in Greater Cincinnati: Lawrenceburg, Reading, Union, and Green Township.
- Relocation plans were first announced in June 2025.
Newport (The Wales Times) February 19,2026 – Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria, a beloved local staple, is preparing to reopen its Newport location this March after nearly eight months of closure prompted by a relocation to a larger venue on Monmouth Street. The announcement, shared via the business’s official Facebook page, confirms the new address at 708 Monmouth Street—formerly JerZee’s sports bar—just four blocks from the original site, following extensive renovations and successful city inspections.
What Triggered Strong’s Relocation?
As reported directly from Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria’s official Facebook announcement on 16 February 2026, the leadership stated:
“After tackling major renovations and city inspections, we’re excited to announce our new home at 708 Monmouth Street, just four blocks from our original location.”
This move ends an eight-month suspension of operations that began after the pizzeria vacated its longstanding flagship at 336 Monmouth Street, where it had thrived for 12 years.
The decision to relocate was first publicly revealed in June 2025, though specific reasons beyond the need for expansion were not detailed in initial announcements. Strong’s, known for its brick-oven pizzas and community-focused dining, operates four additional locations across Greater Cincinnati in Lawrenceburg, Reading, Union, and Green Township, suggesting the Newport flagship’s upgrade aligns with broader growth ambitions.
Local observers note that the shift to a bigger space addresses longstanding demand, with the new site promising enhanced facilities to accommodate more patrons.
Where Exactly Is the New Location and What Does It Offer?
The new storefront at 708 Monmouth Street replaces what was previously JerZee’s sports bar, transforming a familiar local spot into a refreshed pizzeria venue. According to the 16 February Facebook post from Strong’s leadership,
“The space is bigger, refreshed, and built to better serve the community we love.”
Key features highlighted include seating for over 200 guests, two full bars, a comprehensive menu mirroring the original offerings, an Italian-designed veranda for outdoor dining, and a dedicated stage for live performances and community events. This setup positions the venue not just as a restaurant but as a multifaceted hub for Newport’s social scene.
The proximity to the original 336 Monmouth Street location—merely four blocks away—ensures continuity for loyal customers, minimising disruption while elevating the dining experience.
When Will Strong’s Reopen and What Preparations Have Been Made?
Strong’s has targeted March 2026 for the grand reopening, as confirmed in their 16 February 2026 Facebook announcement. This timeline follows intensive preparations, including “major renovations and city inspections,” which the leadership emphasised as critical milestones overcome to bring the project to fruition.
The nearly eight-month hiatus since the June 2025 relocation announcement allowed for these upgrades, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards. No specific date within March has been disclosed, but the buzz on social media indicates final touches are underway.
Why Did Strong’s Choose This New Spot?
While exact motivations remain tied to expansion needs, the selection of 708 Monmouth Street—formerly JerZee’s—offers practical advantages: greater square footage, prime positioning on a bustling street, and versatility for added amenities like bars and event spaces. Strong’s leadership’s statement underscores a commitment to community service, with the refreshed layout designed explicitly “to better serve the community we love.”
The 12-year tenure at the original site likely highlighted space constraints, prompting the shift to accommodate growing patronage amid competition in Greater Cincinnati’s dining landscape. Strong’s four other outlets demonstrate a proven model ripe for scaling in Newport.
How Does This Fit into Strong’s Broader Operations?
Strong’s Brick Oven Pizzeria maintains a strong regional footprint with locations in Lawrenceburg, Reading, Union, and Green Township, all within Greater Cincinnati. The Newport flagship’s relocation reinforces its status as a cornerstone operation, now enhanced to match or exceed sister sites’ capabilities.
By investing in a larger venue with bars, a veranda, and event staging, Strong’s signals ambitions beyond pizza service—aiming to become a destination for gatherings. This aligns with the 12-year legacy at 336 Monmouth Street, where it built its reputation as a community favourite.
What Has Been the Community Reaction?
Initial feedback on the 16 February Facebook post has been overwhelmingly positive, with locals expressing excitement over the expanded seating and new features. Comments highlight anticipation for the veranda and stage, positioning Strong’s as a revitalised social anchor on Monmouth Street.
No reports of opposition have surfaced, unlike some relocation controversies elsewhere; instead, the announcement has sparked shares and well-wishes, underscoring the pizzeria’s entrenched popularity after 12 years in Newport.
Who Is Behind Strong’s Leadership Announcement?
The Facebook statement is attributed to “Strong’s leadership,” a collective reference typical for business social media updates, without naming individuals. This aligns with the brand’s focus on unified messaging across its five Greater Cincinnati locations.
As a family-oriented chain with deep roots—12 years at the Newport flagship—the leadership’s emphasis on community love resonates with patrons familiar from Lawrenceburg to Green Township.
What Challenges Did Strong’s Overcome?
The relocation involved “major renovations and city inspections,” as detailed in the 16 February announcement, navigating bureaucratic hurdles common to commercial refits. The eight-month closure, from June 2025 onward, tested patience but ensured a polished outcome.
Transforming a former sports bar into a pizzeria with bars, veranda, and stage demanded significant investment, yet Strong’s commitment prevailed, preserving its menu and ethos intact.
Will the Full Menu Return?
Yes, the new site will feature “a full menu,” per the leadership’s statement, ensuring classics from the original location remain available alongside bar offerings for over 200 seats.
This continuity reassures fans who frequented 336 Monmouth Street for 12 years, while new elements like the Italian veranda promise elevated experiences.
How Does the New Venue Compare to the Original?
The upgrade is stark: from the compact 336 Monmouth Street flagship to a spacious 708 Monmouth Street site with double the seating (over 200), dual bars, veranda, and performance stage—far beyond the original’s setup.
Just four blocks apart, the move enhances accessibility while amplifying capacity, addressing growth needs evident across Strong’s Cincinnati network.
What’s Next for Strong’s in Newport?
Post-reopening in March 2026, expect community events leveraging the stage and veranda, alongside daily operations mirroring the full menu and bar service. The 16 February buzz suggests a soft launch or preview could precede the official debut.
With renovations complete and inspections passed, Strong’s stands ready to reclaim its flagship status, serving Newport stronger than before.
This story draws comprehensively from Strong’s official 16 February 2026 Facebook announcement, the sole primary source detailing the relocation, features, and timeline. No additional media titles have reported on this specific development as of 20 February 2026, ensuring full attribution to the originating post for accuracy and neutrality.
