Goodbye Bickford’s
April 26th, 2009
Today we noticed that Bickford’s finally closed. I was never a fan but I know my Aunt and Uncle were so I’m “sad” for them. I actually thought it was okay when I was a student at FSC just for somewhere to go when it was open 24 hours a day but after it changed to Bickford’s Grille with limited hours it became useless as a culinary destination.
Of course I’m also sad for Framingham we’ve lost yet another business but hopefully something tasty will take over or at the very least won’t become another tax exempt operation.
I suspect this one will be sitting empty awhile. Another Bickford’s in Neeham burned down years ago and they only finally tore it down a few months ago. Redevelopment seems to have ceased for all intents and purposes.
There are plent of vacancies in the area, and I’m sure we’ll see more at the Mall… excuse me… “Collection” soon. Frankly I’m suprised this chain still exists, it’s mostly due to the habits of seniors who have their routine & don’t want to change it. You can say the same for Old Country Buffet (not in Framingham though).
Comment by Ray — April 27, 2009 @ 12:28 am
I was shocked. I didn’t know it was closing. My son loves the place, although I’m not a big fan. I DID like having a Bloody Mary at breakfast once in a while, though!
I really wish there was a House of Pancakes around. It looks like there used to be one on route 9.
Comment by Susan Wrublewski — April 27, 2009 @ 12:54 am
It’s sad to see another town establishment leave. There are so many store fronts empty. The only other “pancake house” I’m aware of is IHOP but that’s in Shrewsbury.
Perhaps, since there are so many empty locations, the town should STOP allowing more construction to take place. Fix up the existing empty locations. More building just means more empty stores.
Comment by Susie — April 27, 2009 @ 8:14 am
i didnt eat there often but when i did they had a spectacular western omelette. i guess i could make one myself and even cook it in a healthier manner! i never liked their bacon.. always was overcooked and smothered with salt (as if bacon needs salt added to it).
Comment by CherG — April 27, 2009 @ 8:38 am
Oh no! Where else am I going to get one of their awesome dutch pancakes? Their famous apple pancake was such a nice treat! (They also made the best hot cocoa!)
Comment by Tully — April 27, 2009 @ 8:46 am
Wow! That’s disappointing. There aren’t that many places left anymore where you can get a nice stack of pancakes.
Also, Ray, the Bickfords in Needham did not burn down “years ago.” It burned down June 2008 which is not even one year ago. There was even an article as recently in January in the Needham paper where the company stated they are committed to rebuilding:
http://www.wickedlocal.com/needham/archive/x1017438690/Needham-Bickfords-finally-razed-on-its-way-to-a-comeback
So all you Bickford’s lovers can take a drive over to Needham once the restaurant is rebuilt.
Comment by Michael — April 27, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
What’s really odd is when I heard of this closing, I called up Bickfords and was told that the landlord decided to take over the building and not renew their lease - Bickford’s had no intention of closing the restaurant - it was doing fairly well among the other Bickford’s.
I think this one will come back to bite the landlord since it doesn’t look like he had any plans for the building (or another tenant lined up).. In this economony, I would think a landlord would love to retain a rent paying client rather than search for a new one.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Bickford’s alcohol license and if a new restaurant will open in that location.
Comment by Barry — April 28, 2009 @ 7:05 am
It is sad to see another long-time business close. When is it going to stop? Hard to believe a landlord would not renew a lease, though - why would he do that? Is it the same landlord who owns Nobscot?
Comment by Bill Greenberg - Good Computer Guy — April 28, 2009 @ 8:34 am
I’m fond of Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe, on Rt 30 in Wayland. The yogurt Belgian waffle is tasty.
Joan and Eds is a little closer, but it’s a different kind of restaurant. I go there for the Wall Of Desserts and the egg creams.
Farewell, Bickfords! I’ll miss your dutch pancake.
Comment by Janet — April 28, 2009 @ 9:08 am
I wrote to Bickfords when I saw Michelle’s story. Here’s their response:
From: Bickfords [mailto:guestcomments@bickfords.com]
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2009 9:52 AM
Subject: re: Bickfords Comment Form
Dear Ms. Shapiro, Thanks for your email. Yes, Framingham was closed. The landlord reclaimed the property and would not renew the lease. We too will miss it. Thanks, Linda
Comment by Lisa S. — May 3, 2009 @ 9:24 am
I don’t like seeing established icons going away, but I’ll have to be honest; the dozen or so times I’ve eaten at Bickford’s, I never got a good breakfast there…always stone cold on delivery. My father, one of my sisters and her husband LOVED the place though. I’ll mourn for their loss.
Who remembers when Bickford’s was near the Speen St. Rte 9 intersection in Natick prior to the Beetleback? It was adjacent to Hebert’s Coach House Candy.
I wish that the iHOP (now Pizza Hut) in Natick never left. Never had a bad breakfast there, and I’ve never had a bad or cold breakfast at an iHOP anywhere.
Comment by Nostalgio — May 6, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
OH NO! Where will I get my Big Apple now when I come home to visit???????????
Comment by Sue — June 16, 2009 @ 4:46 pm