CHARLESTON — The Boat Basin Café’s new owners hope to avoid the struggles that most new business owners experience in their first year. They have a secret to attracting a crowd: big portions.

“Actually, business has been picking up every day,” said Jon Goudeau. “We’re giving them big portions at a reasonable price, so that’s what brings them in.”

Since they opened on Nov. 3, the owners, Goudeau and his wife, Helen Goudeau, have seen a steady flow of customers.

The restaurant offers a different dinner special nightly. Goudeau, who has fished locally himself, said that except for the cod he uses in fish and chips, he only uses fresh local fish.

“We won’t ever have a fish dinner unless it comes off the boats — I mean, direct from the boats,” he said.

The Goudeaus also are offering a Friday night special — always a prime rib dinner.

Other nights’ dinners have featured chicken, steak, pot roast and prawns. At $8.95-$10.95, they come with large baked potatoes (3/4 pound, he said), fresh vegetables and soup or salad.

The couple also is trying to draw in customers by offering free coffee with every order. And coffee is unlimited. They often set a pot at the table.

“We cater to local people,” he said. “When tourists come, it’s just a plus.”

Goudeau had frequented the restaurant and bar, that was built in the 1960s, for eight years before he bought it. He has repainted it, installed new floors, remodeled the bathroom and kitchen, including putting in new appliances.

He hopes to continue working with other marina businesses to keep the area a desirable place for visitors.

“This used to be my hangout when I was a fisherman,” Goudeau said. “We turned it into a place where all kinds of people can come — families feel welcome.”

The Goudeaus moved to Coos Bay eight and a half years ago. Originally from agricultural Modesto, Calif., Jon was a farmer for more than a quarter century. The couple built Fisherman’s Wharf, across the parking lot from the café, and ran it for about two years before selling it. They partnered on Buffalo Bill’s Steakhouse, but recently sold it.

The Boat Basin Café employs a staff of 16. It has a full bar adjacent to the restaurant that is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m daily.

The café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Because the fishermen come in at all hours day or night, Goudeau wants to increase his hours to 24 hours a day starting next summer.

“That will give those guys a chance to eat,” Goudeau said. “When they’re coming in starving to death, it makes for a long night.”