NEW BEDFORD — After closing in 2019, the historic Kruger Brothers Ship Supply building will become a restaurant named after the iconic family.

"It's really the last piece of the puzzle for lower Union Street," said Jay P. Lanagan, co-owner of the new eatery.

"The entire block will be developed for the first time in 100 years."

Lanagan said they've owned the building for 10 years and have discussed multiple options for the property including demolishing the building and turning it into a parking lot. The historic commission subsequently shot down that idea.

They also considered making it into affordable housing, but the timing wasn't right, said Lanagan.

Now the plan is to convert the 2,800 square-foot, one-story building, into a bar and dining area, potentially to be an upscale fried seafood spot.

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Lanagan will be working alongside his partners Howie Mallowes, Pat Long and Al Peters, who have opened other area restaurants including Rose Alley Ale House.

"It's probably something that's going to take us anywhere from 12 to 18 months," said Mallowes.

The entire building will be renovated to include high end finishes and design details. Mallows says they want to bring in a lot of natural light and build large windows for guests to see the Whaling Museum from their seats.

Kruger Brothers Supply Company

For 100 years, the Kruger Brothers Supply Company was a staple in the New Bedford community. Originally opened in 1919, on Pier Three, the shop moved to North Second Street in the 1950's and then Union Street in the 1970's.

The business was mainly a purveyor for fishing boats. When boats would go on long scalloping trips, they would order groceries such as steaks, cereal, utensils and cigarettes from the Kruger Brothers.

William "Billy" Kruger, took over his brother's business and ran it with his sister Elfreida, for 74 years. "Billy was a legend on the waterfront, one of those guys that everybody knew," Lanagan said. Tom Krueger, Billy's son, joined the business in 1983.

"It was as nostalgic a fishing business as they come," Lanagan said, adding that his father grew up with Tom Kreuger.

As the years went on, Lanagan said the shop became a hang out for people to come in and say hello, eat lunch and chat about what was going on in the world. Tom Kruger would sell a seafood stew every day.

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"I'm glad to have been able to experience the authenticity that the Kruger Brothers maintained up until they closed in 2019," Lanagan said.

They plan to name the restaurant after the Kruger Brothers.

"Tom gave us his blessings," said Lanagan. "To be able to pay homage to the Kruger family and do something special with that building; it's really nice for me personally.

"His family is deep rooted in the community."

Lanagan, who had offices at 29-35 Union St., said he also got to see the area transition from a predominantly fishing neighborhood to an entertainment/arts and cultural district.

"In keeping with what's happening down here, if you build a restaurant, it has to be to a high standard," Lanagan said.

He's excited to take on the challenge, hoping to open by the end of 2022. "To open a restaurant in New Bedford, it has to be high-notch.

"The bar has been raised."

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Kruger Brothers Ship Supply on Union St; becomes seafood restaurant