Biz Wrap: Friendly's Closes, New Merchants Downtown

In a tough economy, local businesses are doing what they have to do to survive. 

As always, we posted some jobs available locally. Here's a look at some of the top business stories from the past week:

• Friendly's Closes in Bellmore: After being on Merrick Road for more than 30 years, Friendly's closed its doors. A manager at a nearby Friendly's, who did not want their name published, said that the eatery closed due to lack of business.
• Wave of New Merchants in Downtown Farmingdale: A variety of new businesses have opened their doors in downtown Farmingale in recent months, a sign village officials say is the beginning of a rebirth downtown.
  
• Serving Merrick One Spine at a Time: Do you suffer from back pain or discomfort and don't know where to turn? Well Spine Care Club, which opened its doors at 2071 Merrick Road the first week of October, might be the place for you! Here are Five Things You Should Know About Spine Care Club.
  
• Muscle Maker Grill Expected to Open Friday: Muscle Maker Grill is expected to open Friday in the Retro Fitness shopping center on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow. The new restaurant will replace Sarku Japan at 2565 Hempstead Turnpike, which closed in July.
  
• Still Vacant One Year After Sandy: One year after Superstorm Sandy made landfall on Long Island, not much has changed at 1939 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow. The former location of the family-owned eatery, Zorn's, which first opened in East Meadow in 1998, shuttered because of the storm.