Friendly’s Restaurant Chain Declares Bankruptcy, but Most Locations Will Remain in Business | Eater Boston

"This Peabody restaurant is part of a longtime regional family-friendly chain that began as an ice cream shop in 1935 and evolved into a full-service diner known for sundaes, milkshakes (notably the chocolate Fribble), pancakes and burgers. The parent company has faced repeated financial challenges — including a 2011 restructuring and pandemic-related losses — and has most recently filed for Chapter 11 and agreed to a sale to Amici Partners Group; company materials indicate nearly all of the roughly 130 remaining locations, a mix of corporate and franchised sites, are expected to continue operating. The brand retains a nostalgic identity and also distributes frozen novelties through major grocery stores." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal