By LOLITA AVILA
Contributing Writer
The owners of Bob & Ron’s Fish Fry on Central Avenue are looking for investors to revamp the 65-year-old business. The restaurant is best known for its fresh seafood and tasty fish fries. Dan and Christine Zonca hope to sell the property and lease the business from a new owner. The Zoncas also plan to expand their franchise to other parts of the Capital District. Dave Zonca said his original plan has always included creating additional locations for growth.
The 1007 Central Ave property is on the market for $699,000 with listing agent NAI Platform.
“The advertisement has been up for only about 10 days,” said, Don Cepiel real estate agent for NAI Platform. Cepiel says he is in the process of contacting developers and nearby neighbors to inform them of the sale.
“Yes I have had financial problems,” said Dan Zonca. He said there are many factors that affect the success of a business. “The taxes in Albany are not sustainable” he said. Zonca said the taxes las
t year were up 12 percent and as a stand-alone business, it his responsibility to shoulder the cost and provide sufficient wages for his employees.
“The taxes are more per month than I should be paying in a lease” said Zonca. Minimizing the tax is a priority for the Zoncas. The vision is to have a buyer who will modernize the location. They want to remodel the fish fry while still maintaining the quality of the food.
Approximately, 250 customers visit the restaurant daily, except Fridays when a whopping 500 make their way to dine at the fish fry. The business emphasizes the freshness of their seafood. Everyday a boat is sent out, and within 12 to 14 hours the food is served. Customers not only rave about their seafood, but also their delicious macaroni salad, tartar and cocktail sauce.
Bob and Ron’s Fish Fry opened in June of 1948 and was well-established before Zonca purchased it on May 26, 2009. With a background in insurance risk management, it was a difficult transition for Dave Zonca.
“I probably bought the place in the worst economy since the depression” he said.
However, in the last five years, the fish fry has developed a new slogan and logo for their T-shirts. A larger selection of grilled seafood was added to the menu as a healthier choice. Also, the business was named the number one fish fry in the Capital District by the Times Union.
“The number of loyal customers that come here is astronomical” said Donny Nedeau, general manager¬ at Bob and Ron’s Fish Fry. Nedeau works as Zonca’s right-hand man and fully supports the expansion. He says he is excited and thinks the business will thrive.
The fish fry prides itself on the care of customers and values their opinions. The Zoncas are launching the “Help us grow” campaign which will give customers a voice in the business. They are in the process of making 2,000 surveys that provide location choices of Colonie, Delmar, Niskayuna, and Guilderland. There will also be an “other” option where consumers can suggest a different region.
The Zoncas plan to keep the fish fry a family owned business. Their two oldest children currently work as part time employees. While placing their property for sale may have caused confusion, Dave Zonca makes it clear that Bob and Ron’s Fish Fry is not shutting down. “We are in expansion mode” he said. The Zoncas plan to hire an interior designer to present the fish fry with a more nautical style. “The quality that happens at Bob and Ron’s Fish Fry must and will be replicated in the other locations.”
