The Chain Gang

Friendly’s Won’t Become Panera

Can't get this at Panera.
Can’t get this at Panera. Photo: istockphoto

John Maguire, the freshly minted Friendly’s CEO who used to run Panera, won’t transform the struggling family chain into beige Wi-Fi huts that sell pricy chicken salad sandwiches. Instead, Maguire wants to make Friendly’s great again by playing up its nostalgic, ice-cream parlor roots. Maguire—who is, naturally, a longtime Friendly’s patron—wants to focus on “breakfast, hamburgers, and ice cream.” Clearly someone was reading Grub Street when we questioned their earlier ideas about iPad ordering, “trendy” decor, and healthy menu options! [Globe, Earlier]

Friendly’s Won’t Become Panera