Friendly’s lays off 197 in Massachusetts due to coronavirus; more restaurants close in other states
The owners of Friendly’s laid off 197 full- and part-time employees at seven Massachusetts restaurants closed because of the coronavirus, but say they expect to reopen those and other shuttered locations when the crisis abates. Across the company, 43 restaurants are closed while 111 restaurants are operating with takeout, delivery and some drive-thru service, said Sylvia Becker, a spokeswoman for restaurant operator FIC Restaurants Inc., which has its headquarters in Wilbraham.