If you grew up in New England then you likely have been to a Friendly’s. It’s been around for generations. We would go on special occasions or when Dad was out of town and Mom didn’t want to cook. I used to take my kids when they were little. But honestly, I thought most of them had closed. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2011, and did close many locations. But, I had no idea there were quite a few still open and driving distance away. I will share with you 14 Friendly’s restaurants that are still open, and within an hour from Boston(depending on traffic and your speed of course).
When I think Friendly’s, I think Fribbles! Fribbles always tasted way better than your average milkshake, for some reason. I think it’s thicker and it could be the glass they serve it in. Friendly’s brings fond memories for so many of us, and I’m happy it’s still open to serve yet another generation of families.
Fun facts: Did you know Friendly’s is a Massachusetts company? They first opened in 1935. Two brothers, Presley and Curtis Blake (all of 20 and 18 years old) opened an ice cream shoppe in Springfield, MA. They named it Friendly because they wanted people to know it would be a friendly place for families to enjoy a meal together (friendlysrestaurant.com). Also, Friendly’s was the first the first restaurant in New England to offer a take home half gallon of ice cream.
So, here are 14 Friendly’s restaurants that are still open and within an hour from Boston (roughly speaking). I will include each location’s local website page. Happy Fribbling!
