HAHAHA! Epic beginning, That was some great acting, right there!! Who doesn't want to go to Friendly's?!? J-Mass, you are funny, 16:38-16:47 ! "For worship and reflection!!" That was fun, thanks for taking us all along with you! There used to be about 10 near me, now there is one! I am surprised there are that many left. Good coverage, you are lucky to have gone through the app and picked up your food, everytime I go, I plan for 2 hours, service is slow and always short staffed. But, "Everything changes!"
Thank you so much haha, I’m glad you liked it! 🙌 I had a lot of fun making this one LOL! Yeah, nearly every restaurant I went into seemed short-staffed, sadly. I think takeout really is the way to go!
Haha the beginning skit was great! I was so excited to see that you were going to all the Friendly's in the state.. although disappointed you didn't film inside any of them! I would of love to see the atmosphere of each place and maybe even speak to an employee or two. I feel like it's just a matter of time until we no longer have Friendly's in the area and encourage anyone to visit Friendly's while we still can!
Thank you! I do regret not filming inside some of the restaurants that I stopped inside when picking up food-admittedly, I just felt awkward filming inside a Friendly’s with people staring at me 🤣 I agree though; at the rate things are going, these restaurants may not have much time left.
@@j-mass I’m from Worcester. We fought so hard. Protested even ! To keep the Friendly’s Restaurant open on Grafton Street in Worcester,Massachusetts. Now its a s
Damn, I’m sorry to hear that! 😭 I remember going to Friendly’s in Worcester back in the day (not sure if it was that location); those were good times. Sad that they are over!
Two classic legends in one video: Friendly's x J-MASS collab was ❤️🔥 Such a fun concept! My mom used to take me there for the giant Reese's Pieces sundaes, with gobs of hot fudge and peanut butter sauce, which is a great childhood memory. I want one now.
Ayy thank you! 🙏 That sundae sounds delicious! I always felt like their ice cream sundaes were top notch, I kinda wish I got one while I was doing this!
I’ve never had their ice cream cake, but I remember seeing it all the time in those refrigerators whenever I went. They looked so good, especially as a kid who loved sweets!
You forgot the Friendly's in Framingham, Massachusetts, located at the intersection of Route 9 and Temple Street. But don't bother coming. Because it totally sucked. My wife and I sat down and waited for a waitress for about 15 minutes with no one to take our orders. We walked out and on our way out, a teenager at the register sarcastically said "have a good day".
At first I thought mmm! What’s he doing? But then, I watched, and dude, you absolutely nailed it! Haven’t been to a Friendly’s in a long time, but for the sake of nostalgia, I have to try again🤤
Really loved the intro! Very creative! This was a fun and random adventure! Love your out of the box thinking! I did not know there were so many in MA… curious if there are locations in NH. Found myself chuckling a few times in this video! Thankful for you! Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Haha, thank you! If I’m not mistaken, I believe there are still a few locations left in NH-not many though. It’s definitely a slowly dying brand. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Nice job! very nostalgic for me as I worked at the Franklin store in high school (‘78). Maybe a follow up would be what became of the old Friendly’s locations. Franklin is a burrito joint, Medfield a Dunkin, Milford an IHOP, Foxboro a sushi joint last I checked
Partially true; while you are correct that it is in Florence, Florence is actually a village within the town of Northampton. I knew that going in, but didn’t want to confuse the average viewer. Most people don’t really know the difference between villages and towns, and it can be confusing (villages are smaller settlements located within the boundaries of a town, hence Florence is located within the boundaries of Northampton city limits). But you’re right, it’s in Florence!
As someone who grew up in Massachusetts, this is really heartbreaking for me. I lived a couple blocks from an old Friendly’s in Randolph (it’s now Sunnyside Cafe) while there was an old IHOP just a block down the street (already demolished). However I always have the pleasure of picking up orders from Weymouth and Pembroke locations from time to time as a Dasher. I would order something from one of those places while I’m doing deliveries.
Sad to hear that the Randolph location has been closed. So many locations have been lost over the years! 😢 If you don’t mind me asking, which Friendly’s location do you prefer, of the two: Weymouth or Pembroke?
@ Couldn’t agree more. I remember seeing Friendly’s in almost every town back in the days (mid 1980’s). The Weymouth and Pembroke locations are equally great. For ice cream, I would prefer the Weymouth location since the Pembroke one appears to have less to choose from but both locations make my meals equally delicious.
I lived up the street from the Billerica friendlys growing up. I remember being 13, stoned and eating a burger, fries and a fribble as we smoked butts in the restaurant on Friday nights after the mall closed.
Great video! Very nostalgic. As a kid I visited the Chelmsford and Billerica locations frequently. Chicken fingers, Vanilla Coke and a Conehead sundae ❤ Sadly, my most recent go-to Friendly’s in Amesbury closed a couple years ago, and was sadly torn down last week.
Nice! As a Chelmsford native myself, I have very fond memories going to the Chelmsford location! That one was great! The Conehead and Monster Mash sundaes were legendary when I was a kid! Very sad to hear about the Amesbury spot 😢
I was rained in Westfield. They had multiple locations. 1 in the westfield shops back in the 70s and also on Franklin street, now a car wash which is called ironically enough "friendly Car Wash". The one by the Pike entrance just closed a few years ago.
man my local friendlys is the agawam one. its always empty inside when i do go there to eat. also they just closed a friendlys in west springfield that id go to after hockey games at olympia which sucks, but they are replacing it with a chick fil a which is fucking amazing
I worked in the enginerring dept. In the 80's. And designed many of those buildings. The old fashioned J and K buildings. The malls were allways a little unique. Some if your fav's. Were actually prefabed at our Wilbraham factory. The walls were steel studs with thin brick only a half in thick. But you would never know . Thanks for the memories. To bad the Blakes sold to Hershey. Everything change as money became the bottom line and the start of the decline.😢
Wow, that is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing; that is an incredible story! I absolutely loved some of the old-fashioned ones I saw during this trip, which have always been my favorite. The modern ones tend to be a bit more hit-or-miss. Thank you so much for this insight!
One of my first jobs, maybe my second ever, was when I was 16 in 2003 at the Friendly's in downtown Plymouth. They closed it and opened the one where it is now. The one downtown was dope. It had a walk up window and was always poppin. It was always hella busy. I had a lot of fun there honestly. I made crap money but it was fine for a high schooler.
YOOOO dude I remember Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse! I used to go to the one in Nashua, NH all the time as a kid. They closed down several years ago now… that brings back memories! Those animatronics were wild!
There used to be two in Hanover but now there are zero. Friendly's is mainly a northeast chain but there are two random Friendly's in Florida (one in Melbourne and one in Orlando) and there's also a random Friendly's in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Yeah I had thought there was 1 in west Springfield on Riverdale road But it seems That 1 just closed this weekend According to mass live. A great video. Kudos to you for all that driving. Now I have a craving for ice cream cone.
Oh wow, so I just barely missed another Friendly’s location? Wow! I’m sure this video will quickly be outdated as more and more locations close… thank you for watching! 🙌
Have a Dope and Friendly Thanksgiving!!! My fondest memory of Friendly's in my youth was watching horror movies and eating the "Ebenezer PLeaser", now known as the Jubilee Roll. I like the old name waaaay better. I distinctly rememder watching Kingdom of The Spiders with William Shatner with the "Pleaser", and countless flicks presented by Elvira, mistress of the Dark.
Sounds like a good time man! I do recall seeing the Jubilee Roll quite often when at Friendly’s. The watermelon roll was good, too! Happy Thanksgiving man, and thanks for sharing those memories! 🦃
Cool trip. Your older subscribers might have noticed that the Leominster store was originally a Howard Johnson's - a nostalgic twofer! A challenge highlighting some of the more interesting former locations might be fun. There is a mosque in Framingham, an Italian bistro in Sudbury, and a convenience store on Appleton St in Holyoke (which was a hangout for my high school.)
... they also have a non listed one in Wilbraham. It's their warehouse that ships to grocery stores, but there is an active restaurant there i believe.
I’ll admit, I was very much on-the-fence about including the Wilbraham one (in fact, that drone footage you see included in the intro and outro is the Wilbraham spot). Ultimately, since it’s more of a corporate HQ and warehouse as you said, I opted to leave it out, and it’s also not mentioned as an official restaurant on the Friendly’s website. That being said, still a cool building and I wanted to make sure I showed it off in the video! Good point!
@@j-massYes. There was a lot more restaurants spread out through the mall rather than in a food court. There was a York's Steakhouse and a Papa Gino's and an Orange Julius.
As a food critic, my biggest problem with friendlys in recent years and why i stopped covering them in my reviews has been their portion sizes. For the price you pay for food, i didnt feel the portion was worth it, especially when you go to places like applebees where the prices are similar and you get more food.
I’ve noticed that as well! With that Honey BBQ Chicken Supermelt that I ordered, it looked way smaller than how the advertising portrayed it. I absolutely agree that other family chains tend to give you better portions for an equal price.
you should go to the abandoned friendlys in bridgewater lol edit: when i was a kid, thats all id ever eat at friendlys. The chicken quesadilla. I miss the friendly's I went to as a kid, the one in Hyannis, MA.
*I used to go to Friendly's in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It was the greatest experience of my life. But, I found out in 2020 that Friendly's moved out of Gloucester. So I was disappointed.*
Must have got pretty tedious after the first day but great persistence trudging thru day 2 especially with the nasty weather we had to boot. I used to love going to the one inside the Dedham mall with my mom as a kid and I remember they used to have one up in west Roxbury and and another one in Dedham as well. Great memories,u definitely have a future in media so keep it up.
I actually found that the quicker back-to-back restaurants were the most tedious since I kept hitting them one after the other with few breaks in between 🤣 That’s interesting that they used to have Friendly’s locations inside of malls!
I haven't had a fribble in forever it seems. Decades. Wareham Friendly's closed a while back. The Middleboro one is close to me, but DQ always wins out
Interesting concept for sure! I grew up in Worcester and used to frequent the Friendly's near Webster Square and on Goldstar Boulevard when I was younger. Both are long gone now sadly. However, the Auburn location is doable for me so I might have to swing by there sometime and enjoy a Fribble. I enjoyed the video - brought back nostalgic memories.
Auburn and Marlborough are definitely your closest options if you’re still living in Worcester! I do remember that old one in Worcester as well, I believe I actually went there once when I was a kid! Thanks for watching man! 🙏
@@j-mass Just curious - you ever been to WonderBar in Worcester on Shrewsbury Street? Wonderful place and like stepping back in time - excellent pizzas!! The wait staff are phenomenal as well.
You want to come check out some of the abandoned property that I manage in MA? I’ll gladly show you around, one is right down the road from the first friendly’s!
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend breakfast at Friendly’s. Their breakfast potatoes are so good! I go to the Norwood one, although, haven’t been in a minute. Need to go back soon!
As a little kid one of the only places i would eat was friendlys, they had tasty chicken fingers in the 90s. They change them, still good but not as good
You just missed the Friendly's in Greenfield, it closed In September 2024 after being open for 42 years. I worked with a former manager of that store and he once told me it was the busiest one in the chain. Not sure if that's true but a great location where Rt 91 and Rt 2 meet.
Oh wow, so I just barely missed that one by two months? That makes me wonder how quickly this video will become outdated as more locations inevitably close down…
Ouch........your video made me real sad...........the Friendlys i use to go to was in Palmer, Ma.....i guess that one is now closed........BUT i did go out and buy Friendly's Mint chocolate chip ice cream from a grocery store.............Good memories......thanks
Yeah, Massachusetts used to have WAY more locations, up until recently. The one in my hometown closed down years ago as well. Very nostalgic chain, it’s sad to see the current state the business is in.
I'm from Alabama and one of my childhood memories are going to New Bedford to visit family. We always ate Friendy's at least once per trip. My mom lives down here now, but sometimes the family discusses that restaurant. We have one like that here, instead of MA its from TN. Its called Shoney's. Its not that good (imo), but a lot of people have a lot of nostalgia for it. I hear they have them in TN, but they are super rare elsewhere now. Seems similar to Friendly's as far as being well remembered and drying up slowly. By the way, the Friendly's we would have frequented would have been around New Bedford to Fall River.
Very interesting about Shoney’s! If I ever get down there myself someday, I’ll have to try them out. Still, very interesting to hear that they’re similar to Friendly’s in that way, almost like a southern version of it.
Good Video! (Bonus Points Since It Was Uploaded On My Birthday!) I Love Friendly’s! Even Though I Just Turned 14 I Love The Cheesywich & Monster Mash! I Live In New Hampshire Though So I Go To The One In Concord When I Have A Chance!
Good morning from Cape Cod ⛵ Happy Thanksgiving Jason 🦃 This was a great adventure, I've always liked friendlies and I've been to several locations. I've been to Attleboro many times having lived in Pawtucket and darkness many many times having lived in New Bedford. How about you doing A&W Root beer at some point, there are still many locations and they have awesome food ✌️🇺🇲
Thank you for checking in and Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 I’ve been to the A&W in Rhode Island a few times, that place is great! I wonder if there are any others in New England? I know there is in New York.
@j-mass when I lived in chepachet I used to go to the one on 44 in Smithfield all the time because they had a classic car night, which one have you been to?
so uh i was js wondering if u could make a video focused on longmeadow its not very interesting but i js wanna see what u have to say about it only a suggestion :]
There were a lot more friendlys locations in Springfield a good ten years ago.. They’ve been dropping like flys since. Sad, I’ve always loved friendlys, I just think they need to hire older staff.
I honestly do regret that too! Looking back, I should have ended it off with a classic sundae inside. I think I was just a bit sick of eating so much Friendly’s by the time I reached the Pittsfield location 😂
They only just opened that Westfield Friendly's last summer? I think? Oddly they closed 2 other Friendly's shops in wastefield, 1 by the interstate and 1 in a stripmall just down the street from that one....this town makes NO sense!! Edit: ...bro, can't believe you missed the opportunity to get footage of the giant "FRIENDLY'S" shrubbery on the side of I-90...
Personally, I think the food quality has declined over the last few years. That being said, the food itself varies. I still really liked the ice cream, and the chicken quesadilla I had was solid!
Here to leave the predictable "This doesn't count, you didn't eat inside a single one" comment. Friendly's is a sit-down restaurant. Go in, have a meal, rate the experience, get a sundae!
You’re right! It was difficult to do that for the sake of time (and because I admittedly felt quite awkward filming inside lol), but you are right, that is part of the experience!
@@j-mass That's the biggest draw of the Friendly's experience. Need to do it again over the course of a month. You've rated the outsides, now rate the insides.
That’s interesting, thanks for sharing! I was definitely being a bit tongue-in-cheek with my teardown of it haha, I’m sure it is a pretty solid restaurant, and I’m very intrigued to hear it’s one of the oldest still standing!
I live in agawam. Not going to argue on The fact that agawam is the worst friendly restaurant around. It is by far. I Haven't been there in over five years. All friendlys have gone downhill it's a shame. Thanks for posting video
The Blakes were great people. Prestley was unique. He built an exact replica of " Montecello" the castel in Somers ct to live in. He loved classic cars and was as down to earth. Very kind and generous unlike some millionairs. @@j-mass
Shout out to all my Hadley co-workers and ice cream window customers from 2000-2004. Lot of great memories from that place. If any of you out there read this and remember….ya boy “DJ Fribble” (look up DJ Skribble if you’re too young to get the reference…still kind of obscure either way tbh😝) is still out here, and please believe I could still walk in and mix a mean one right off the street like I was a young buck again. Miss y’all, thanks for the memories❤️🫡 “g-g-g-g-g-G.L.G. U-NIT!!!!” (iyknk)
HAHAHA! Epic beginning, That was some great acting, right there!! Who doesn't want to go to Friendly's?!? J-Mass, you are funny, 16:38-16:47 ! "For worship and reflection!!" That was fun, thanks for taking us all along with you! There used to be about 10 near me, now there is one! I am surprised there are that many left. Good coverage, you are lucky to have gone through the app and picked up your food, everytime I go, I plan for 2 hours, service is slow and always short staffed. But, "Everything changes!"
Thank you so much haha, I’m glad you liked it! 🙌 I had a lot of fun making this one LOL! Yeah, nearly every restaurant I went into seemed short-staffed, sadly. I think takeout really is the way to go!
@@j-mass The Agawam review was great and then how you added to it as you ended the video, made me laugh!
Haha the beginning skit was great!
I was so excited to see that you were going to all the Friendly's in the state.. although disappointed you didn't film inside any of them! I would of love to see the atmosphere of each place and maybe even speak to an employee or two. I feel like it's just a matter of time until we no longer have Friendly's in the area and encourage anyone to visit Friendly's while we still can!
Thank you! I do regret not filming inside some of the restaurants that I stopped inside when picking up food-admittedly, I just felt awkward filming inside a Friendly’s with people staring at me 🤣 I agree though; at the rate things are going, these restaurants may not have much time left.
@@j-mass I’m from Worcester. We fought so hard. Protested even ! To keep the Friendly’s Restaurant open on Grafton Street in Worcester,Massachusetts. Now its a s
Its a dam Starbucks 😞😒
Damn, I’m sorry to hear that! 😭 I remember going to Friendly’s in Worcester back in the day (not sure if it was that location); those were good times. Sad that they are over!
Bro the middleboro friendly's is the one I went to when I was a little kid. I'll always have love for that one. Great effing video!
The Middleborough one was pretty solid, that's where I got my first Fribble! Thanks man!
Friendly's is definitely nostalgic. Thanks for the video.
Agreed! Thank you for watching! 🙏
Two classic legends in one video: Friendly's x J-MASS collab was ❤️🔥 Such a fun concept! My mom used to take me there for the giant Reese's Pieces sundaes, with gobs of hot fudge and peanut butter sauce, which is a great childhood memory. I want one now.
Ayy thank you! 🙏 That sundae sounds delicious! I always felt like their ice cream sundaes were top notch, I kinda wish I got one while I was doing this!
Interesting! wouldn't expect this on your channel but I'm here for it!
Lol thanks man! Wanted to try out something new and a little bit crazy!
I really love Friendly, I'm a big Birthday Cake Fan it was like the only ice cream I would want from Friendly as a kid because it was so good
I’ve never had their ice cream cake, but I remember seeing it all the time in those refrigerators whenever I went. They looked so good, especially as a kid who loved sweets!
@@j-mass they actually have them in a cup almost like a Dairy Queen Blizzard I definitely recommend it
Oh aren’t those called Friend-Z’s? I saw those on the menu!
@@j-mass yeah that's it
Thank you!!!
You forgot the Friendly's in Framingham, Massachusetts, located at the intersection of Route 9 and Temple Street. But don't bother coming. Because it totally sucked. My wife and I sat down and waited for a waitress for about 15 minutes with no one to take our orders. We walked out and on our way out, a teenager at the register sarcastically said "have a good day".
At first I thought mmm! What’s he doing? But then, I watched, and dude, you absolutely nailed it! Haven’t been to a Friendly’s in a long time, but for the sake of nostalgia, I have to try again🤤
Haha, it’s absolutely worth a visit even if just for nostalgia’s sake! It really brought me back to my childhood!
I was expecting a big dinner at the final one, with a huge spread of food! Great episode!
I know, I regret not doing that! Unfortunately, in that moment, I was just so sick of eating Friendly’s 😂 Thanks man!
Really loved the intro! Very creative! This was a fun and random adventure! Love your out of the box thinking! I did not know there were so many in MA… curious if there are locations in NH. Found myself chuckling a few times in this video! Thankful for you! Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Haha, thank you! If I’m not mistaken, I believe there are still a few locations left in NH-not many though. It’s definitely a slowly dying brand. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Nice job! very nostalgic for me as I worked at the Franklin store in high school (‘78). Maybe a follow up would be what became of the old Friendly’s locations. Franklin is a burrito joint, Medfield a Dunkin, Milford an IHOP, Foxboro a sushi joint last I checked
That’s a good idea! Would be fun to visit all of the former locations sometime!
The Whitinsville location became a Japanese restaurant
Whats a shame is there was a location in west Springfield along route 5 but it just closed within the past month or so
Oh no way. I loved that one. I used to go there and then the swap meet that was hosted in the back parking lot
The North Hampton friendlys is actually Florence Ma. 24:34
Partially true; while you are correct that it is in Florence, Florence is actually a village within the town of Northampton. I knew that going in, but didn’t want to confuse the average viewer. Most people don’t really know the difference between villages and towns, and it can be confusing (villages are smaller settlements located within the boundaries of a town, hence Florence is located within the boundaries of Northampton city limits). But you’re right, it’s in Florence!
I went there as a kid a ton after doctors appointments because my office is up in Northampton
@@j-massI miss friendly s
As someone who grew up in Massachusetts, this is really heartbreaking for me. I lived a couple blocks from an old Friendly’s in Randolph (it’s now Sunnyside Cafe) while there was an old IHOP just a block down the street (already demolished).
However I always have the pleasure of picking up orders from Weymouth and Pembroke locations from time to time as a Dasher. I would order something from one of those places while I’m doing deliveries.
Sad to hear that the Randolph location has been closed. So many locations have been lost over the years! 😢 If you don’t mind me asking, which Friendly’s location do you prefer, of the two: Weymouth or Pembroke?
@ Couldn’t agree more. I remember seeing Friendly’s in almost every town back in the days (mid 1980’s).
The Weymouth and Pembroke locations are equally great. For ice cream, I would prefer the Weymouth location since the Pembroke one appears to have less to choose from but both locations make my meals equally delicious.
I lived up the street from the Billerica friendlys growing up. I remember being 13, stoned and eating a burger, fries and a fribble as we smoked butts in the restaurant on Friday nights after the mall closed.
Great video! Very nostalgic.
As a kid I visited the Chelmsford and Billerica locations frequently. Chicken fingers, Vanilla Coke and a Conehead sundae ❤
Sadly, my most recent go-to Friendly’s in Amesbury closed a couple years ago, and was sadly torn down last week.
Nice! As a Chelmsford native myself, I have very fond memories going to the Chelmsford location! That one was great! The Conehead and Monster Mash sundaes were legendary when I was a kid!
Very sad to hear about the Amesbury spot 😢
@@j-massnice, Billerica native here !
The Chelmsford vs. Billerica high school football rivalry was unmatched!
I was rained in Westfield. They had multiple locations. 1 in the westfield shops back in the 70s and also on Franklin street, now a car wash which is called ironically enough "friendly Car Wash". The one by the Pike entrance just closed a few years ago.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing! It’s crazy to think that there used to be so many at one point.
Makes me sad knowing them being permanently out of business is inevitable at this point. One of my favorite childhood restaurants.
man my local friendlys is the agawam one. its always empty inside when i do go there to eat.
also they just closed a friendlys in west springfield that id go to after hockey games at olympia which sucks, but they are replacing it with a chick fil a which is fucking amazing
Your a riot this was a good one
MORE SKITS ❤PLEASE MR MASSACHUSETTS!
I will definitely film many, many more in future videos! 🙌
I worked in the enginerring dept. In the 80's. And designed many of those buildings. The old fashioned J and K buildings. The malls were allways a little unique. Some if your fav's. Were actually prefabed at our Wilbraham factory. The walls were steel studs with thin brick only a half in thick. But you would never know .
Thanks for the memories. To bad the Blakes sold to Hershey. Everything change as money became the bottom line and the start of the decline.😢
Wow, that is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing; that is an incredible story! I absolutely loved some of the old-fashioned ones I saw during this trip, which have always been my favorite. The modern ones tend to be a bit more hit-or-miss. Thank you so much for this insight!
One of my first jobs, maybe my second ever, was when I was 16 in 2003 at the Friendly's in downtown Plymouth. They closed it and opened the one where it is now. The one downtown was dope. It had a walk up window and was always poppin. It was always hella busy. I had a lot of fun there honestly. I made crap money but it was fine for a high schooler.
We are chillin
😎
@ 💪
I grew up right down the street from the Friendlys in the north end of New Bedford. Great memories.
This is another level of boredom 😂 but I commend you on the dedication
Friendly’s
RIP Stoneham friendlys, been 5+ years and they haven’t done anything with the building since
You should trek and seek every former buggaboo creek location. That place horrified me as a kid…
YOOOO dude I remember Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse! I used to go to the one in Nashua, NH all the time as a kid. They closed down several years ago now… that brings back memories! Those animatronics were wild!
There used to be two in Hanover but now there are zero. Friendly's is mainly a northeast chain but there are two random Friendly's in Florida (one in Melbourne and one in Orlando) and there's also a random Friendly's in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Yeah, it’s interesting to see which states have Friendly’s, it’s almost pretty random which do and which don’t.
Yeah I had thought there was 1 in west Springfield on Riverdale road But it seems That 1 just closed this weekend According to mass live. A great video. Kudos to you for all that driving. Now I have a craving for ice cream cone.
Oh wow, so I just barely missed another Friendly’s location? Wow! I’m sure this video will quickly be outdated as more and more locations close… thank you for watching! 🙌
theyre replacing that with a chick fil a which i am hyped for
Have a Dope and Friendly Thanksgiving!!! My fondest memory of Friendly's in my youth was watching horror movies and eating the "Ebenezer PLeaser", now known as the Jubilee Roll. I like the old name waaaay better. I distinctly rememder watching Kingdom of The Spiders with William Shatner with the "Pleaser", and countless flicks presented by Elvira, mistress of the Dark.
Sounds like a good time man! I do recall seeing the Jubilee Roll quite often when at Friendly’s. The watermelon roll was good, too! Happy Thanksgiving man, and thanks for sharing those memories! 🦃
We had one in Greenfield, Mass. It closed back in the September of 2024.
Cool trip. Your older subscribers might have noticed that the Leominster store was originally a Howard Johnson's - a nostalgic twofer!
A challenge highlighting some of the more interesting former locations might be fun. There is a mosque in Framingham, an Italian bistro in Sudbury, and a convenience store on Appleton St in Holyoke (which was a hangout for my high school.)
That’s a very good idea, thanks for the tip! I might have to check those out for a future video! 🙌
... they also have a non listed one in Wilbraham. It's their warehouse that ships to grocery stores, but there is an active restaurant there i believe.
I’ll admit, I was very much on-the-fence about including the Wilbraham one (in fact, that drone footage you see included in the intro and outro is the Wilbraham spot). Ultimately, since it’s more of a corporate HQ and warehouse as you said, I opted to leave it out, and it’s also not mentioned as an official restaurant on the Friendly’s website. That being said, still a cool building and I wanted to make sure I showed it off in the video! Good point!
@j-mass No worries, it's got a cool ass sign on the Mass Pike though.
There used to be a Friendly's in the Auburn mall a long time ago.
Oh interesting, was that at the same time as the stand-alone location in Auburn?
@@j-massYes. There was a lot more restaurants spread out through the mall rather than in a food court. There was a York's Steakhouse and a Papa Gino's and an Orange Julius.
As a food critic, my biggest problem with friendlys in recent years and why i stopped covering them in my reviews has been their portion sizes. For the price you pay for food, i didnt feel the portion was worth it, especially when you go to places like applebees where the prices are similar and you get more food.
I’ve noticed that as well! With that Honey BBQ Chicken Supermelt that I ordered, it looked way smaller than how the advertising portrayed it. I absolutely agree that other family chains tend to give you better portions for an equal price.
you should go to the abandoned friendlys in bridgewater lol
edit: when i was a kid, thats all id ever eat at friendlys. The chicken quesadilla. I miss the friendly's I went to as a kid, the one in Hyannis, MA.
*I used to go to Friendly's in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It was the greatest experience of my life. But, I found out in 2020 that Friendly's moved out of Gloucester. So I was disappointed.*
Damn, that’s sad to hear! They also moved out of my hometown too just a few years ago!
Must have got pretty tedious after the first day but great persistence trudging thru day 2 especially with the nasty weather we had to boot.
I used to love going to the one inside the Dedham mall with my mom as a kid and I remember they used to have one up in west Roxbury and and another one in Dedham as well.
Great memories,u definitely have a future in media so keep it up.
I actually found that the quicker back-to-back restaurants were the most tedious since I kept hitting them one after the other with few breaks in between 🤣 That’s interesting that they used to have Friendly’s locations inside of malls!
I haven't had a fribble in forever it seems. Decades. Wareham Friendly's closed a while back. The Middleboro one is close to me, but DQ always wins out
I’m a huge milkshake fan, so I really liked it!
@@j-mass great job on the video
Interesting concept for sure! I grew up in Worcester and used to frequent the Friendly's near Webster Square and on Goldstar Boulevard when I was younger. Both are long gone now sadly. However, the Auburn location is doable for me so I might have to swing by there sometime and enjoy a Fribble. I enjoyed the video - brought back nostalgic memories.
Auburn and Marlborough are definitely your closest options if you’re still living in Worcester! I do remember that old one in Worcester as well, I believe I actually went there once when I was a kid! Thanks for watching man! 🙏
@@j-mass Just curious - you ever been to WonderBar in Worcester on Shrewsbury Street? Wonderful place and like stepping back in time - excellent pizzas!! The wait staff are phenomenal as well.
I’ve never been before, but I have heard of it! I really wanna get over there soon, it looks so good!
I worked that the Attleboro location, was hoping you would show the interior
You want to come check out some of the abandoned property that I manage in MA? I’ll gladly show you around, one is right down the road from the first friendly’s!
Oh really? That sounds fascinating, I’m definitely interested!
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend breakfast at Friendly’s. Their breakfast potatoes are so good! I go to the Norwood one, although, haven’t been in a minute. Need to go back soon!
I haven’t had breakfast at Friendly’s in ages! Good idea, I’ll have to try that out very soon!
Good heavens Jmass! 22:21 you went 32 in a 25 🙁
Um… that sign was wrong! 😅
You said it, not me. (I did see it though!)
@@j-mass don’t worry Jmass, we forgive you. Just make sure next time you go a little faster 🚗 💨
The one in greenfield Massachusetts closed down a few months ago
I heard about that, apparently I just missed it by a month or two! 😭
Was excited to see friendlys in greenfield to learn it closed permanently in september 🙃
Yep, I just barely missed it by two months… 😬
As a little kid one of the only places i would eat was friendlys, they had tasty chicken fingers in the 90s. They change them, still good but not as good
You just missed the Friendly's in Greenfield, it closed In September 2024 after being open for 42 years. I worked with a former manager of that store and he once told me it was the busiest one in the chain. Not sure if that's true but a great location where Rt 91 and Rt 2 meet.
Oh wow, so I just barely missed that one by two months? That makes me wonder how quickly this video will become outdated as more locations inevitably close down…
Ouch........your video made me real sad...........the Friendlys i use to go to was in Palmer, Ma.....i guess that one is now closed........BUT i did go out and buy Friendly's Mint chocolate chip ice cream from a grocery store.............Good memories......thanks
Yeah, Massachusetts used to have WAY more locations, up until recently. The one in my hometown closed down years ago as well. Very nostalgic chain, it’s sad to see the current state the business is in.
I'm from Alabama and one of my childhood memories are going to New Bedford to visit family. We always ate Friendy's at least once per trip. My mom lives down here now, but sometimes the family discusses that restaurant. We have one like that here, instead of MA its from TN. Its called Shoney's. Its not that good (imo), but a lot of people have a lot of nostalgia for it. I hear they have them in TN, but they are super rare elsewhere now. Seems similar to Friendly's as far as being well remembered and drying up slowly.
By the way, the Friendly's we would have frequented would have been around New Bedford to Fall River.
Very interesting about Shoney’s! If I ever get down there myself someday, I’ll have to try them out. Still, very interesting to hear that they’re similar to Friendly’s in that way, almost like a southern version of it.
Friendly’s is awesome ❤
go to bellingham mass and look up an old mill hidden in woods entrance is near petes blue bird near rose ave.
Oh interesting, I’m not familiar with this spot! Thanks, I’ll definitely check it out!
Good Video! (Bonus Points Since It Was Uploaded On My Birthday!) I Love Friendly’s! Even Though I Just Turned 14 I Love The Cheesywich & Monster Mash! I Live In New Hampshire Though So I Go To The One In Concord When I Have A Chance!
That’s awesome, happy birthday! 🎉 The Monster Mash was my favorite sundae when I was a kid, it was so good!
@ I Know Right! Also Thank You!
I remember when there were a lot more than 24! The food was never great ... just basic diner food. It was always about the ice cream!
Agreed, the ice cream is the best part!
You're crazy for this one! I haven't even watched it yet but wanted to say this is hilarious. Love it!
Hahaha thank you so much! 🙏 I’m excited to see what you think!
There's nothing hilarious about this at all.
Nice video, cool idea! You had me puzzled with your community update.
LOL, I was trying to come off as cryptic and mysterious with that one! 😂 Thanks so much, man!
Also, there was a Friendly’s in West Newton years back. Last time at that chain for me.
The Vernon, CT Friendly's is the best one left in the chain.
I’ll have to check that one out!
Good morning from Cape Cod ⛵ Happy Thanksgiving Jason 🦃 This was a great adventure, I've always liked friendlies and I've been to several locations. I've been to Attleboro many times having lived in Pawtucket and darkness many many times having lived in New Bedford. How about you doing A&W Root beer at some point, there are still many locations and they have awesome food ✌️🇺🇲
Thank you for checking in and Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 I’ve been to the A&W in Rhode Island a few times, that place is great! I wonder if there are any others in New England? I know there is in New York.
@j-mass when I lived in chepachet I used to go to the one on 44 in Smithfield all the time because they had a classic car night, which one have you been to?
That’s the same one I’ve been to! If I’m not mistaken, that’s actually the only one in all of New England!
@j-mass actually there's one here on Cape Cod in Harwich
so uh i was js wondering if u could make a video focused on longmeadow its not very interesting but i js wanna see what u have to say about it only a suggestion :]
I didn't realize they closed the Fair Haven location 😮
The Leominster one is a dump and is on life support.... I couldn't believe some of the nicer locations you showed. Thanks for the video!
Yeah, the Leominster one was rough… 😅
I use to live in Attleboro, love that friendlys locations by emerald square mall you must not live too far from me dude I live in Mansfield now
That's a lot of driving!! Do you like driving? That's a random question, I know!
I actually do love driving haha! I’m a big fan of long-distance driving-honestly, I just love traveling in general!
@j-mass That's awesome! I like when other people do the driving haha I don't like driving lol
Gardener is a great friendlys
Damn, the one near me in Stoneham closed in 2019. I didn't know the company was in such financial trouble. Only got to visit it once, sadly.
That’s a shame. Yeah, the one in my hometown also closed a few years ago. They’ve been in some deep financial trouble for a few years now.
There were a lot more friendlys locations in Springfield a good ten years ago.. They’ve been dropping like flys since. Sad, I’ve always loved friendlys, I just think they need to hire older staff.
I think its funny i got to see you drive past my street on the video
Haha nice! Which town was that in?
@j-mass Springfield
I grew up in Grafton Massachusetts now Rhode Island there is a Friendly s in South Attleboro ma .
I had no idea any were still open (I’m from Maine) Looks like I have a road trip to do
If I’m not mistaken, I believe the only one in Maine is in South Portland, correct?
Get into acting. Should have gotten Friendly's as a sponsor. 16:12 that's my Friendly's.
I’m expecting an Academy Award for my performance here! 🤣 And I agree, where’s Friendly’s at with a sponsorship?
Damn you really did agawam friendly’s dirty 😂 it hasn’t always been so bland but it has changed like most others
That’s a shame to hear; I bet it truly was a great restaurant back in the day! Still, I couldn’t hold back with that one compared to the rest 😂
Cody it sucks there. The truth really hurts 😂 Agawam in the house !!!!!
Unfortunately the Seekonk friendly's closed around the same time as the Chelmsford location, the old Seekonk building is left vacant and boarded up.
That's a shame that it's still sitting there abandoned and unused! I have noticed quite a few abandoned Friendly's like that over the years.
I from fall river and i went to Friendly's every Friday
Great to see you with family and friends. You are absolutely a hot 🔥 looking guy J.Mass.
Wait, you went to 24 Frienly’s and didn’t get a sundae?! I was expecting a celebratory sundae inside Pittsfield.
I honestly do regret that too! Looking back, I should have ended it off with a classic sundae inside. I think I was just a bit sick of eating so much Friendly’s by the time I reached the Pittsfield location 😂
that westfield spot is weird lol, friendly’s cafe ???
Yeah, that was strange one lol. The Attleboro, Westfield, and Marlborough spots were very modern and sleek compared to the others.
They only just opened that Westfield Friendly's last summer? I think? Oddly they closed 2 other Friendly's shops in wastefield, 1 by the interstate and 1 in a stripmall just down the street from that one....this town makes NO sense!!
Edit: ...bro, can't believe you missed the opportunity to get footage of the giant "FRIENDLY'S" shrubbery on the side of I-90...
I know! Ugh, I regret that as well! Should’ve at least gotten some drone shots of that!
J-mass I’m in mass as well would love to tag along with you sometime
Never been to one is the food good?
Personally, I think the food quality has declined over the last few years. That being said, the food itself varies. I still really liked the ice cream, and the chicken quesadilla I had was solid!
One just closed here sigh
RIP! I lost my hometown Friendly’s a few years ago, too…
Here to leave the predictable "This doesn't count, you didn't eat inside a single one" comment. Friendly's is a sit-down restaurant. Go in, have a meal, rate the experience, get a sundae!
You’re right! It was difficult to do that for the sake of time (and because I admittedly felt quite awkward filming inside lol), but you are right, that is part of the experience!
@@j-mass That's the biggest draw of the Friendly's experience. Need to do it again over the course of a month. You've rated the outsides, now rate the insides.
you missed 3 😢
Maybe they closed down recently? On the Friendly’s official website, they only list 24 open locations in Massachusetts currently…
You should’ve went in and ate in everyone of them. Rated the inside and service. All the outsides just look the same
I've gone to that friendly's 17:14
bro roasting that friendlys
🤣
Hey Jay I know the Agawam Freddy's is ugly but it opened in 1957 and is one of the oldest.
That’s interesting, thanks for sharing! I was definitely being a bit tongue-in-cheek with my teardown of it haha, I’m sure it is a pretty solid restaurant, and I’m very intrigued to hear it’s one of the oldest still standing!
Which Friendly's gave you food poisoning? Or did all do this? Also RIP to the Watertown Friendly's
I live in agawam. Not going to argue on The fact that agawam is the worst friendly restaurant around. It is by far. I Haven't been there in over five years. All friendlys have gone downhill it's a shame. Thanks for posting video
Yeah, I have to agree-I do think the food at Friendly’s has largely been on the decline, sadly. And the Agawam one was definitely rough haha
Like this comment if you’re also from Haverhill!!
Despicable showing from Agawam
Agawamians punching the drywall right now 🗣️
Aren’t the Berkshires beautiful? I live in Pittsfield and we have far better restaurants than that friendlys.
Oh believe me, I agree! In fact, one of my all-time favorite Mexican restaurants is actually located in Downtown Pittsfield-Tito’s!
Haha the Agawam Friendly's is ugly - but it has been in that same plaza for over 50 years
Each Friendly’s that are still around that I’ve ever been to are always grubby, horrible service and the food is subpar. Gross!
i live 5 minutes from one...they have good food but just to overpriced...
Friendly's suck. They should all close. That music is horrible. Interesting that the co-founders died at the age of 102 and 106.
I know right? It’s shocking how long-lived both brothers were!
The Blakes were great people. Prestley was unique. He built an exact replica of " Montecello" the castel in Somers ct to live in. He loved classic cars and was as down to earth. Very kind and generous unlike some millionairs. @@j-mass
dr. barasmuti
Shout out to all my Hadley co-workers and ice cream window customers from 2000-2004. Lot of great memories from that place.
If any of you out there read this and remember….ya boy “DJ Fribble” (look up DJ Skribble if you’re too young to get the reference…still kind of obscure either way tbh😝) is still out here, and please believe I could still walk in and mix a mean one right off the street like I was a young buck again.
Miss y’all, thanks for the memories❤️🫡
“g-g-g-g-g-G.L.G. U-NIT!!!!” (iyknk)