Friendly’s Bought – Maine Location To Remain Open

It has been a rough few years for New England restaurant and ice cream chain Friendly's.  Once a staple of many moderate-sized and bigger communities in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, we've seen them slowly disappearing over the last few years.

For example, the Western Avenue, Augusta location closed without warning in April of 2019.  In that particular case, the employees allegedly did not find out they were closing until they showed up for work and found a sign on the restaurant's door.

Finally, we have some great news for fans of the chain.  A deal has been announced that will save the remaining Friendly's restaurants.

According to New England Cable News, a group of investors calling themselves Amici Partners LLC have announced they have purchased the chain and will keep all remaining locations open.

Craig Erlich, the group's president and CEO said:

The investors of Amici Partners Group, LLC have been involved with the Friendly’s Restaurant brand in many capacities over the years, not only as owners/operators and leaders in the system, but also as longtime loyal customers of this iconic brand.

Started eight decades ago in Springfield, Massachusetts, the chain currently has about 130 locations spread across the East Coast.  Additionally, their ice cream products are available for sale at grocery stores.

Some of their most-loved ice cream products are their special New England flavors and jubilee rolls.

The only remaining Friendly's Restaurant in Maine is on Maine Mall Road in South Portland.  There are two locations left in New Hampshire, and one location in Vermont.  Find out where the other locations are by clicking HERE