Rhode Island's last restaurant, Friendly, has closed



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Rhode Island's last restaurant, Friendly, is no longer in business.

The location on Mineral Spring Avenue in North Providence closed on Monday, according to company officials.

"As the changing demographics of consumers and market dynamics present challenges for the sector, it is incumbent upon us to regularly assess our restaurant footprint by focusing on long-term sustainability and strategic investments in the area." resources to reinvigorate the beloved brand of Friendly, "Friendly officials said in a statement. "Unfortunately, in some cases this process makes it difficult to close inefficient sites that can no longer be maintained by the local market. Following the closure on August 19 from our North Providence, Rotary site, severance benefits and transfers to other Friendly sites will be offered to employees. "

The first Friendly's ice cream store opened in Springfield in 1935, and the chain subsequently expanded to include approximately 800 restaurants.

There are 167 Friendly sites, 40 of which are located in Massachusetts, according to company spokeswoman Marie Espinel.

"Sad to announce that Friendly is no longer in Rhode Island," said one Twitter user wrote. "Your last place has closed after years of being so popular here. I hope you will re-open in this state because you have been so much loved! "


Emily Sweeney can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @emilysweeney.

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