If seeing Quito’s restaurant go on the market last month at mid-seven-figures made you worry about what would become of the almost-70-year-old Bristol institution, you weren’t alone. “I got more calls,” admitted owner Al Quito — who also admitted the listing was a bit of a test of the market.

“Anything’s for sale,” he said. “If I got a big offer, I’d entertain it, sure.” He would also consider keeping the building while selling the business; he’s also interested in upgrading with a second floor and a bigger deck. “The property is not developed the way it could be,” he said.

So Quito’s fans, if you thought you were looking into a future without your favorite fried clams, for now, at least, it looks like you don’t have much to worry about. Al is working on updating the menu for next season; and he’s even starting a new venture at Hope & Main, a spinoff with the restaurant’s favorite sauces.

“There’s a 99 percent chance we will be opening our doors as usual in March,” Al said.