This slang term was co-opted by the French from Russian invaders during the 1814 occupation of Paris. The term bistro was a mispronunciation of a similar Russian word that meant “hurry” something that Russian soldiers would often shout at cafe and restaurant owners during this occupation.

The etymology is unclear. The Dictionnaire de l'Académie française dates the word from the 19th century term, bistro, "innkeeper", and suggests that it may be linked to the Poitevin word bistraud ("little servant"), or to bistrouille ("cheap liquor"). It recommends the spelling "bistrot" in preference to "bistro".

Friendly's filed for bankruptcy in the fall of 2020 as chiefs said the chain had been hit by the “catastrophic impact of Covid-19.” The chain has been a staple of the American dining scene since 1935 when the first restaurant opened in Springfield.

This Miami Spot Was Just Named One of the Best New Restaurants on the Planet. The dishes prepared by Valerie Chang at her restaurant Maty's have won over the tastebuds of Condé Nast Traveler.