Friendly’s Closes Last Rhode Island Location

It was the end of ice cream as Rhode Islanders know it when Friendly's suddenly closed their last restaurant in the state.

As a kid I lived close enough to walk to a Friendly's. And I certainly did.

I actually have a scar on my chin from the time I slipped off my stool and whacked my face on the ice cream counter in front of me.

And though my mother does not have fond memories of that day, my family certainly has lots of memories from Friendly's. So it's a little hard to believe that as of August 19, 2019 there are no longer any Friendly's restaurants in Rhode Island.

Yes, the last ice cream shop standing closed it's doors suddenly on Monday morning. So suddenly in fact that customers who thought they were heading in for breakfast instead found a note on the door saying "We are sorry to disappoint you on this visit, but this location is now closed for business."

The sign still said "Kids Eat Free Wednesdays" for goodness sake. Why the closure?

According to NBC10, the reason for closing is a lack of business. Not too shocking I suppose.

Still sad news for fans of Friendly's in the Ocean State. The closest locations to the state at this point are Attleboro and Swansea. Or driving further to Fall River and North Dartmouth.

The good news for former employees at least is that the company is trying to place them at other locations and are even offering short term financial aid for those looking to work elsewhere.