Company in search of new restaurant for former Friendly’s

December 6, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

POLAND

The closing of a popular chain restaurant in town caught many by surprise, but now it is time to for a new restaurateur to move into Town One Square.

The former Friendly’s, at 3 W. McKinley Way, is up for lease by the McBarscot Co., which owns the property and operates the plaza in Poland Village.

“It is set up for a restaurant,” said John Scotford Jr., president of the McBarscot Co. “We are going to try to do our best to find the right tenant.”

Friendly’s, a popular after- school hangout for Poland students, opened in 2001.

Apex Eagle Hospitality Inc., a Friendly’s franchisee, announced the closing of the Poland Friendly’s in mid-November.

Since that announcement, more Ohio Friendly’s locations have closed, and now all Friendly’s locations operated by Apex in Ohio have closed. A statement provided to The Vindicator by Friendly’s indicates 14 other Ohio Friendly’s locations have closed.

“These closings are regrettable; however, continuing operation was no longer viable,” the statement said.

The 4,300-square-foot restaurant seats about 160. Scotford said there have been a few inquiries about the property.

For information on the property, call 330-757-3761.