Friendly's Declares Bankruptcy, Clark Franchise Will Remain Open

Yesterday, Friendly's announced what many reports suggested was in the near future: the company filed for bankruptcy and reported the closing of 63 stores as the restaurant chain restructures amidst financial trouble.

Patch checked in with Clark Friendly's owner-operator Will Haiback to see if the filing would affect the Clark location and found all to be well. Not only is the Clark branch safe from closings (in fact, the Trenton location is the only New Jersey store that will close), but Haiback has plans to renovate.

"We're working on the designs right now," said Haiback, who took over the Clark franchise just a few months ago. "I'm meeting with my architect and we’re coming up with something a little different for the Clark and New Providence stores."

Haiback says the renovations will take place sometime this winter or spring.