BANGOR – After a more than four-month hiatus, the Sea Dog will reopen under new ownership April 8 on the city’s waterfront.

As the waterfront eatery enters its next chapter, the emphasis will be on family, General Manager Larry Killam said this week.

“We’re very family-friendly,” he said. “We definitely want families to come in and we want them to feel comfortable. This is going to be a place for 6-year-olds to whatever age.”

Jim Bunting, operations manager, said the new owners are eager to get into the swing of things.

“This is a long-term deal for us,” he said. “Our first focus will be to offer world-class food, world-class service and world-class atmosphere. We see a great opportunity to be a part of the riverfront and downtown Bangor.”

According to Killam, opening night, which falls on a Tuesday, will be part open house and part fund-raiser for a yet-to-be chosen local organization, preferably one that benefits youth.

Also on opening night, the Sea Dog will debut its new beer, Bangor Pale Ale, Killam said. It’s described on the beer menu as “an English style classic pale ale brewed with all English grains including pale and crystal malts, the latter of which gives the beer a nice coppery hue and nutty flavor overtones.”

The revamped menu includes fresh seafood, chowders and traditional pub fare. Take-out service will be available.

In anticipation of next month’s opening, Killam said, the company plans to hire a staff of about 80 for starters. He said the management is working to rehire as many former Sea Dog employees as possible and eventually add jobs once growth warrants.

While the new owners have kept the Sea Dog’s original name and logo, Killam said, some things patrons will see when the brew pub reopens are a new overall layout and a reconfigured and updated kitchen designed with an eye to efficiency.

Another change is that the Sea Dog will be smoke-free, though smokers can indulge in designated outdoor areas, including the back deck, which will be equipped with a small bar of its own.

“How can we invite families here if we’re allowing smoking?” Bunting said, adding that smoking also would be harmful to staff.

Despite some initial trepidation, Bunting said, the decision to go smoke-free proved popular in Topsham, where it was “99.9 percent well-received. Even the smokers have said they enjoy eating there more without the smoking.”

For those wondering if mug club memberships will be honored with the new ownership, the answer is yes, Killam said. Club members can reclaim their old mugs, which will be replaced by marking the restaurant’s new chapter.

The Bangor Sea Dog, which opened in 1994, is one of three in various stages of reopening.

The Topsham Sea Dog reopened in early February. The Camden site, owned by MBNA, is inadequate for the company’s long-term needs. The company is looking for larger quarters in that area, Bunting said.