Friendly's in West Babylon Closes its Doors

By Adina Genn

Friendly’s – the iconic restaurant that serves up frozen treats, burgers and more – has abruptly closed several Long Island locations in recent days.

Friendly’s locations in Bay Shore, Wantagh, Farmingdale, North Babylon, West Babylon, East Northport and Patchogue are no longer open for business, J & B Restaurant Partners of NY, the Friendly’s franchisee in New York, said in a statement released Tuesday.

“These closings are regrettable; however the franchisee concluded that continuing operation was no longer viable,” the statement reads. “Guests can still find 18 operating Friendly’s restaurants in Nassau and Suffolk counties.”

Several other Long Island Friendly’s restaurants, including locations in Copiague, Massapequa, Selden, Medford and Hicksville, have shut their doors over the past year.

Friendly’s, based in Wilbraham, Mass., filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2011. At that time, a corporate executive said that J & B Restaurant Partners would be keeping Long Island Friendly’s locations running with plans to open new restaurants on the island, Newsday reported.

Google Maps Photo: The Bay Shore Friendly’s is one of seven to close in recent days on Long Island.

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