Taco Bell and Smoothie King are set to replace Friendly’s in Miller Place, introducing a new dining experience to the community.

After years of being a familiar presence, Friendly’s has bid farewell to its longtime location in Miller Place. Stepping into the vacated space will be Taco Bell and Smoothie King, introducing a fresh dining experience to the area previously occupied by Friendly’s. The change marks a significant transition in the culinary landscape of the community.

According to the leasing agent for North Country Plaza, two of the six new tenants set to occupy storefronts in the Route 25A shopping center are Taco Bell and Smoothie King. This information, available on their website, sheds light on the upcoming additions to the commercial landscape in the area.

As per a report by Greater Port Jefferson, Daisy’s Nashville Lounge is scheduled to open in early 2024, occupying the space previously held by Recipe Seven bar and restaurant, which closed last summer after seven years. Additionally, other new tenants slated for the location include Lighthouse Veterinary Center, Body20, and a Pediatric Dentist, according to information provided by the property's leasing agent, RIPCO. This diversification of businesses indicates a varied and dynamic commercial landscape for the area.

Despite the presence of 24 Taco Bells across Long Island, Smoothie King has only established itself in two other locations on the island—in Melville and Carle Place. Notably, the nearest Taco Bell to North Country Plaza is located almost four miles away in Port Jefferson Station, indicating a strategic expansion of these popular chains in the region.

It's a somber farewell to Friendly’s, as the last Fribble was served at North Country Plaza on Sunday, December 17, marking the conclusion of a longstanding relationship with the Miller Place community.

Currently, there are fewer than a dozen Friendly’s restaurants still in operation on Long Island. The remaining locations include Coram, Commack, East Islip, East Meadow, Riverhead, Ronkonkoma, Sayville, Shirley, Stony Brook, Massapequa Park, and Medford. The presence of these establishments reflects the ongoing legacy of Friendly’s in specific communities across the region.

The vacant Miller Place storefront bears a sign conveying gratitude for patronage, stating, "Thank you for your patronage. This restaurant is permanently closed. Please come visit Jenn and the Miller Place team at Lake Ronkonkoma Friendly’s." The message provides a redirection to another Friendly’s location for those seeking the familiar experience in a different venue.

The forthcoming arrival of Smoothie King and Taco Bell marks the latest in a series of noteworthy business developments in the vicinity of North Country Plaza. Notably, last month saw the closure of Rite Aid in the neighboring Miller Place Square, adding to the evolving commercial landscape in the area.

Furthermore, the Brookhaven Town Planning Department is currently considering the construction of a new 12,500-square-foot food market on vacant land across the street from North Country Plaza, situated just west of Walgreens. This potential addition signifies ongoing developments that may further shape the commercial environment in the vicinity.

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