Rhode Islanders will now need to leave the state for a Fribble. The final Friendly’s location in Rhode Island has closed.
The location in North Providence features a sign on the door confirming the closure. “We apologize for disappointing you on this visit, but this location is now closed for business.”
Customers were encouraged to visit locations in Southeastern Massachusetts, including Attleboro and Swansea.
Additionally, the company said they’re placing team members in other Friendly’s locations and providing short-term financial assistance to those seeking opportunities outside of the company.
Friendly’s was founded eight decades ago in Springfield by brothers Prestley and Curtis Blake. The brand was sold to Dean Foods for $155 million in 2016. The Texas-based dairy conglomerate makes ice cream for Friendly’s restaurants under a 10-year contract and sells ice cream, under the Friendly’s brand and store brands, to supermarkets.
Dean Foods announced plans to restructure and possibly sell all or parts of its business in February. It received offers for several parts of its business, including Friendly’s in weeks following, the company said, adding that the offers were rejected.
Friendly’s restaurants are owned Sun Capital, a Florida-based investment firm.
The company announced more than 20 location closures earlier this year, including in Framingham, Holden and Waltham.