NEWPORT — Don Bates has been in the auction business for 49 years, but Monday he'll use his auctioneering skills for the first time to sell a floating restaurant complex.

        Barleycorn's, a fixture on Newport's Riverboat Row since 1984, closed in September after a protracted fight with the city over rent payments and a new parking lot. At noon Monday, bidders will buy everything owner Ken Heil has assembled at the river's edge in 16 years.

Barleycorn's owner Ken Heil (left) talks with Tom Kunz, manager of the Grand Slam Cafe in Reading, in the banquet hall of Barleycorn's restaurant on Newport's Riverboat Row. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        “This is going to be something new for me,” Mr. Bates said Friday when the boat was open for public inspection. “I've auctioned hotels and I did the auction at Union Ter minal, but I've never auctioned anything that floats.”

        There was no rush to inspect the Barleycorn's property, which includes the headboat, formerly known as the tug Neville and then Newport Yacht Club. People drifted in and out in ones and twos, strolled around for a few minutes, asked some questions and left.

        One man, who said he worked for restaurateur Jeff Ruby, came to the Barleycorn's inspection Friday and said he was interested only in the kitchen equipment.

        “I'm sorry, but the equipment in each section goes with that section,” Mr. Bates said. “We're not selling pieces individually.”

        When Mr. Bates, whose office is in downtown Cincinnati, opens the bidding about noon Monday, he will accept bids for the complex in its entirety, and then will open bids on the seven separate sections:

        • The headboat, the main portion of the restaurant which includes the kitchen, bar, chairs and tables, and electrical parts.

        • The patio barge, which includes some restaurant equipment.

        • The quarterdeck barge, which has restaurant equipment.

        • The storage barge, rigging and equipment including walk-in refrigerators.

        • All the ramps and floats, including movable boat docks.

        • The Kentucky state liquor license.

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