That's why those chains are struggling. We know that Friendly's shuttered a large amount of units last year, and there may be more closings on the way. Restaurants in this niche are battling with countless local diners, and, newer chains like Applebees, TGI Friday's and others. HJ does have a reputation for delicious ice cream, plus, the costs to open and operate an ice cream shop are obviously far less than a restaurant. They will survive by executing a new venture, one based on an old idea.
Restaurant is on right side of entrance.
The dining room windows at the new restaurant. Note the giant ice cream cones in the window. The HoJo Hotel where the new restaurant is located. Many over the years remember enjoying delicious Howard Johnson's Ice Cream while at the beaches of lovely Cape Cod, Massachusetts. You'll definitely notice the taste difference between the HJ ice cream served at the Cape Cod location, as opposed to other, cheaper, less tasty ice creams.