HAMPTON -- For more than 40 years, Farr's Famous Fried Chicken has been a treat for beach visitors and local residents alike.

What these same folks may not know is that, as of early April, the business is under new management. Mike Lawton, the restaurant's new owner, promises more of what has been keeping diners coming back for more, while adding new features to get them to want to stay.

"A lot of people know this place," said Lawton. "But, it's 'to go,' and never to eat here. We want to keep the same clientele by keeping the same menu and recipes and we want to invite new clientele to Farr's for what we offer."

As for updates to the restaurant, well known for its fried chicken and slow-cooked ribs, is a new look featuring bright colors and a Caribbean/ Key West theme. A recently added bar is decorated in bamboo. The restaurant will also be offering beer on tap and a variety of wines. The tropical theme is made complete with steel drum and Jimmy Buffet-style music. Televisions have been added to the inside for those who want to partake in what Farr's has to offer while watching the game — whether it be the Red Sox, or other major sporting events such as NASCAR.

Café style tables will be placed outside with umbrellas for those who wish to relax under the sun. For additional convenience a take-out window will also be added to ease the traffic and efficiency inside.

Also for the first time, Farr's Famous Fried Chicken will be serving breakfast. According to Lawton, the morning meal service will revolve around a quality premium coffee.

"We're not going to branch out too far beyond eggs," he said. "Our goal is to make it really good and quick. It has to be better than the average breakfast."

Farr's will also offer fresh rolls, bagels and muffins as part of its breakfast menu. Fresh salads will be added to the lunch menu. The eatery also offers free WiFi for those who are looking to keep in touch while they dine.

All of these enhancements have been added to make Farr's Famous Fried Chicken not just a great place to order a bucket of chicken and some Jo-Jo potatoes, but also a great place to sit down and have a meal after a day at the beach or just a treat for the whole family.

"We want people to figure out that this is a place where they want to be for a couple of hours a night," Lawton said.

Farr's Famous Fried Chicken remains at its well-known 47 Ashworth Avenue location on the corner of C Street, in Hampton. For more information on the restaurant or to order take out call (603) 926-6497 or visit them on the Web at www.farrsfriedchicken.com and see what's happening on the restaurant's Web camera.