NORTH PROVIDENCE -- The last remaining Friendly’s restaurant in Rhode Island has closed.



A sign on the door of the restaurant in on Mineral Spring Avenue in North Providence announces the news.



“We apologize for disappointing you on this visit, but this location is now closed for business,” the sign says.



The note invites potential customers to visit their nearest Friendly’s locations, in Attleboro and Swansea.



It says Friendly’s is trying to place as many employees in other locations and providing short-term financial assistance for those who want to find other work.



In April, Friendly’s announced it was closing 23 restaurants, leaving 174 open.



The restaurant started in 1935 in Springfield, Massachusets, with a pair of brothers selling ice cream.



-- Reported by Journal Staff Writer Kevin Andrade