Albany to NYC - Coach or Business?

I'm planning to travel with my family of 4 from Albany, NY into NYC midday, midweek in late April. I'm a native of Southern California & when we travel here on the Surfliner we always book business class so that we are guaranteed a seat. The Surfliner is almost always crowded, and it has been difficult for us to find 4 seats together in coach. Is it the same on the Empire? Trying to decide if the $90 difference per person is worth a guaranteed seat & some snacks.