Meanwhile, there are no plans to close any of the other 18 Friendly's he owns on Long Island, President of J&B Restaurant Partners Joe Vitrano told Daily Voice.
Vitrano is looking to find a property to rent with seating and a minimum of 28,000 square feet to re-establish the location at 848 Middle County Road in the neighborhood.
"We're closing this location because the rent is not affordable," Vitrano told Daily Voice. "I am looking to relocate.
"It's hard to find affordable rents on Long Island. I'm a lifelong Long Islander. I love it here. I'm hoping someone who knows of a property will walk into one of my stores and ask for me."
"We love Friendly's. We love the neighborhood. We love the food, the brand, the customers. None will be closing. Only this one until we move into a new space. Everyone has jobs," Vitrano added.
The Middle Island Friendly's will close at its current location Sunday, May 12 at 10 p.m.
A manager said the employees found out this week about the closing and would be reassigned to other Friendly's for now.
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