Despite Bankruptcy, Perry Hall Friendly's to Remain Open

No Friendly's franchises in Maryland are expected to close following the company's announced Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing last week, a franchise owner said.

Bruce Fried, who owns the along Belair Road, as well as nine others across the state, said the company's franchises are kept largely separate from corporate operations. All of Maryland Friendly's restaurants are franchises, he said.

"That was all corporate," Fried said, regarding the filing. He added that he was optimistic about the success of his franchises.

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According to bankruptcy documents, Friendly's Ice Cream Corp. plans to close 63 weaker restaurants, while retaining 424, Reuters reported.

Rising prices for cream, high rents and a shrinking customer base were cited as problems leading to the company's bankruptcy filing, the article stated.

A manager at the Perry Hall location declined to comment on bankruptcy reports when contacted by Patch last week. Friendly's corporate offices also did not return a request for comment.

Fried said customers shouldn't expect any major changes to the Perry Hall restaurant's menus or atmosphere.

"For us, it's business as usual," he said.