Approximately 20 Friendly's Employees in Acton Lose Job, Uninformed About Closing

As of Wednesday morning, 424 Friendly’s are still operating. A total of 63 went out of business as of Tuesday night because they were underperforming, according to Maura Tobias, Friendly’s Restaurant spokesperson. 

The Acton Friendly’s located on 387 Massachusetts Avenue, was one of the 63 underperforming Friendly’s that went out of business Tuesday night. According to Tobias, approximately 20 employees at the Acton location were affected by the closing.

When asked if the 20-or-so employees were informed about the closing in advance (a month or week in advance), Tobias replied:

“I can’t speak for all the employees, but we are encouraging them to seek employment at the other restaurants in the area that are operating.”

Acton Patch: Did the employees know the restaurant was closing before Tuesday night?

Tobias: “I do not believe so. It’s a tough decision to close any restaurant. The thought process was a long and thought out process. With the restaurant closings, it’s going to help us realize important cost savings and operational efficiencies and it’s going to improve our financial footing.”

According to a press release from Friendly’s:

“Friendly’s, has secured approximately $70 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing, which, along with the Company’s cash flow, will provide the working capital necessary to meet its ongoing obligations during the restructuring.  The Company expects to be able to continue paying employee salaries and benefits, meet the needs of its guests and retail customers and honor all gift cards.”

For a complete list of Friendly’s Restaurant closing, click here.