On January 7, 2015, tragedy struck Long Island. J&B Restaurant Partners, the company that had owned Long Island Friendly’s Franchises, filed for bankruptcy. Eleven stores have closed, leaving only eighteen open. Stores not only on Long Island, but all around the tri state area have been closing as well.

“The closing of restaurants is a very difficult but necessary step in positioning J&B for financial health and a key component of the restructuring plan.” stated Dawn Petite, Chief Operating Officer of J&B.

In another interview, the company reportedly said that while the locations are shut down, they will be renovating and hopefully, reopening, the eleven locations which include: Bay Shore, Wantagh, Farmingdale, North Babylon, East Northport, Patchogue, Copiague, Massapequa, Selden, Medford and Hicksville.

“I’m upset that Friendly’s is closing but thankfully they haven’t shut down my favorite locations in Hampton Bays and Riverhead.” senior Connor Federico said. This is an unfortunate loss to the whole of Long Island, as everyone enjoys a good sundae from Friendly’s every now and then.

Luckily, the company that owns the Hampton Bays Friendly’s has no affiliation with all of the other companies that own the rest of the Friendly’s on the island. We’re in good hands for now.