Would love to try this. Would turkey bacon work for non-red meat eaters?

If you like the idea of this recipe, make it for home use to enjoy first and maybe for guests after you check their preferences.
Better ask them (not us) before you make it for the non-red-meat eaters.

Yes you can. In fact you could omit the bacon completely.

Most Manhattan clam chowder recipes don't include it; it's not an essential ingredient. Manhattan clam chowder is essentially clams in a tomato chowder.

Personally I would probably leave the bacon out.

Your dinner table, your call.

I imagine so! You might just need to add a bit more fat to the pan. Or you could skip the bacon altogether and just melt some butter instead.