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The rise and fall of Friendly’s, which just filed for bankruptcy after 85 years in business
Since its founding in 1935, Friendly’s has had gains and losses. The chain has now filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
By Erin McDowell
Friendly’s, then known simply as Friendly, was founded in 1935 by brothers Curtis and Prestley Blake.
Built on the premise of creating a family-friendly dining experience, Friendly’s won over customers with its lengthy ice cream list, diner-style atmosphere, and grounded menu of burgers, sandwiches, and more.
However, the coronavirus pandemic has sent the restaurant industry into a tailspin, mainly affecting restaurants that struggled to transition to delivery and curbside options.
Friendly’s CEO George Michel said in a statement that the company had made “important strides toward reinvigorating our beloved brand” during a time of great change, yet “like many restaurant businesses, our progress was suddenly interrupted by the catastrophic impact of COVID-19.”
Now, Friendly’s has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Here’s the story of how Friendly’s went from a family-favorite establishment to one of many struggling restaurant chains.
