TURNER – A local restaurant that has been an institution for more than 70 years is trying to spread its wings.

The Chick-A-Dee restaurant on Route 4 has served up its seafood specialties and traditional American fare since 1935. Now it’s scouting a new location in Lewiston for a second restaurant.

“It’s a different side of town, a different market,” said owner Bill Hird. “We think this is a great opportunity.”

Hird was reluctant to say exactly where he hopes to open a new restaurant, although he has a site in mind. He’s waiting to get his finances lined up before announcing anything firm.

“I hope to hear within three weeks,” he said.

He expects the new restaurant will have a menu similar to the Chick-A-Dee’s, which is renowned for its two kinds of fried clams.

The restaurant just finished a very strong summer and Hird said he wanted to seal the deal on a new site during the restaurant’s traditionally slower period.

But he knows there are rumors about an expansion.

“Just the other day, five little old ladies asked me about it,” he said. “They’d heard rumors at the beauty parlor.”