Colin Jost and Pete Davidson Buy Decommissioned John F. Kennedy Ferry for Comedy Club Restaurant

Colin Jost and Pete Davidson, both longtime New York City residents and regular performers on “Saturday Night Live,” have purchased the decommissioned ferry John F. Kennedy with plans to convert it into a comedy club restaurant. The vessel once carried commuters between Manhattan and Staten Island and now has a new purpose that pays tribute to the city’s entertainment scene.

Historic Ferry With Roots in New York Harbor

The John F. Kennedy ferry has been operating between South Ferry in Manhattan and St. George on Staten Island since 1965. For decades it served as a familiar part of daily life for many New Yorkers, including Jost and Davidson, who frequently used ferries to travel to and from Manhattan. The ferry was recently taken out of service and put up for auction after being decommissioned.

Auction, Purchase and Condition

When the John F. Kennedy was listed at auction last week, officials described its condition as “poor,” citing mechanical problems with the vessel’s propulsion system. Despite those issues, the ferry carries historic and sentimental value. Jost and Davidson teamed up with comedy club owner Paul Italia to acquire the vessel, paying $280,000 at auction.

Plans to Transform a Ferry Into a Venue

The new owners plan to dock the ferry and begin renovations to repurpose it as a comedy club restaurant. The concept blends live comedy with dining aboard a historic vessel, preserving the ferry’s legacy while creating a unique entertainment destination. Renovation work will focus on addressing mechanical issues, ensuring the boat is secure and accessible while converting interior spaces to accommodate a stage, seating, kitchen and other restaurant facilities.

Timeline and Goals

While the ferry requires significant work to bring it up to a usable standard, the owners have expressed optimism about the timeline. They hope to complete the necessary repairs and renovations and open the comedy club restaurant within a year. The plan includes docking the ferry at a suitable pier and adapting the boat’s layout to meet safety and building codes for a hospitality and entertainment venue.

Why This Project Matters

This project combines preservation and reinvention. Rather than scrapping the decommissioned ferry, Jost, Davidson and Italia are investing in a creative reuse that honors the vessel’s role in New York City history. For fans of live comedy and local culture, the conversion offers a chance to experience performances in an unconventional setting tied to the everyday lives of the city’s commuters.

What to Expect

Details about specific performers, the menu, capacity, exact dock location and ticketing have not been announced. The initial focus will be on making the ferry structurally sound and safe for public use, followed by interior construction to build out a stage and dining areas. Once those foundational steps are complete, the team will be able to provide a clearer schedule and more operational details as they prepare for opening.

Community Interest and Cultural Value

The purchase has drawn attention because it links two high-profile comedians to a tangible piece of New York infrastructure. Beyond celebrity involvement, the project highlights an approach to preserving maritime history through adaptive reuse. Converting a decommissioned ferry into a public venue keeps the vessel visible in the harbor and provides a new gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

As work begins, the team behind the John F. Kennedy ferry conversion will focus on safety, accessibility and the logistics of running a restaurant and live entertainment space on a boat. Supporters and curious New Yorkers will be watching as the historic ferry moves from retirement toward a second life as a floating comedy club restaurant.