When it comes to Albany’s restaurant scene, an industry trailblazer is clearly the Stewbos Group. 

Indeed, next month, Stewbos owners Stewart Campbell and Bo Henry will unveil the name, logo and concept for the company’s sixth Albany restaurant. 

The new restaurant -- a drive-thru with walk-up service and outdoor seating -- will be located in the former Wagner’s BBQ location at 2408 Dawson Road. 

In addition to owning Merry Acres Inn and Event Center, Stewbos owns and operates Harvest Moon, The Catch Seafood Room & Oyster Bar, Henry Campbell’s Steakhouse, Merry Acres Restaurant and Manor House Pub at Merry Acres Inn. 

Stewbos initially planned to revive the former Arctic Bear eatery concept. Some family members of the Arctic Bear’s former ownership said they would rather the Arctic Bear name remain dormant, prompting Campbell and Henry to explore other restaurant themes. 

Campbell and Henry said that their latest venture establishes an imaginative, fun and family-centric restaurant brand that creatively embraces Albany’s history. 

“While recreating a part of Albany’s history generated a ton of enthusiasm in the community, we were more interested in doing the right thing,” said Campbell. 

“As it turns out, going back to the drawing board resulted in a creative process that enabled us to think outside the box and come up with some great ideas that we think the community will embrace,” added Henry. “We are working out the final details and can’t wait to tell the community about it.”