NEW HARTFORD — After 15 years on the harbor, Aqua Vino Restaurant and Banquets will be moving to a new location in January.

The restaurant will be taking over the former Outback Steakhouse building, 8655 Clinton St. in The Orchard plaza.

Aqua Vino owner Robert Esche, president of Mohawk Valley Garden and the Utica Comets’ AHL team, believes the new location will allow Aqua Vino to expand into a larger facility and to accommodate a larger crowd, where patrons can expect the traditional Italian-American fare, as well as newer offerings that will be added to the menu.

“There’s a lot more seating and parking capacity, the place was built extremely well for a restaurant,” Esche said. “There’s a lot of amenities that we have there, the ability to expand our menu.”

“With the big bar at the Outback location, we’re going to be able to have much more different options. ... You’re going to have a real good turn out for a menu that hits everybody, not just a certain demographic,” Esche added.

The restaurant’s current location, 16 Harbor Lock Road, will be taken over by Roser Development, effective Jan. 18.

According to officials with Roser Development, the company has been searching for interested parties who will help the facility continue to offer waterfront dining and banquet services.

Roser Development plans on renovating the interior of the building upon taking over the facilities and to have a re-opening with a new restaurant by May 2023.

Aqua Vino Restaurant and Banquets will continue to stay open at its current location until Jan. 7.