Mediocre food, but great sundaes and even better memories. http://blogs.wsj.com/deals/2011/09/29/friendlys-near-bankruptcy-great-moments-in-history/?mod=e2fb I hope the reorg goes well.
Amusing how there are no events on the timeline between 1935 and 1979. Something to be said for lack of corporate drama. barfo
How about a history of the price increases for Cracker Jack? And animal crackers? What happened to Howard Johnson's motels, and their delicious food like pecan pies? Ice cream parlors (soda fountains) in the 30s were replaced by the juke box in the 40s and hamburger joints in the 50s. Friendly's should have been friendlier to a big conversion each decade. There is probably still time to do it. Loan me a billion dollars and I'll make them another A&W or Dairy Queen, heavy on the desserts. It's easy. Add a gimmick on all the food, like almonds or green stripes or something that appeals to idiots. Advertise on kids' programs.
The guy certainly slants the site politically whenever he gets a chance. He doesn't like the 70s, Red China, and motels that aren't part of chains. To name a few.
I love Cracker Jacks. Got my wife's wedding ring in one. There is a place in Vancouver (I think it's called Igloo) that is still the same as it was in the 1950's when they opened. It's a bit rough around the edges, but is has a very nostalgic feel about it. Baloney! If Obama gave a friend $530,000,000.00 (or so) to have while he bankrupted a solar energy plant, I think you can get by with about half that much.
I'll take your offer and you know you'll get paid. As Wimpy used to tell Popeye, if you give me a hamburger now, I'll gladly repay you Tuesday. There I go again, taking it back 50-70 years. Cracker Jack used to be a dime at the commissary but now it's about 3 bucks. Anyway, with 514 restaurants, Friendly's (it's East Coast, so I've never been to one) should carry enough economic gravity to survive. Just add to each location hamburgers, chicken, a coffeeshop, internet connections, miniature golf, a hippie bookstore, a dirty bookstore, a shooting range, and a NASCAR track. Easy. Don't forget the field to fly the model airplanes. They're on my mind for some reason.
