BOSTON -- The recession is taking a bite out of a New England restaurant chain's revenue and forcing it to declare bankruptcy after more than 100 years in business.

Brigham's Ice Cream plans to file for bankruptcy by the end of the week.

Last week the company shut the doors of one of its best-known locations downtown in the financial district on High Street.

Despite a rich history, the chain fell victim to the 'not-so-sweet' economic conditions of the past year.

Slumping sales and rising dairy and gasoline prices have all combined to force the company to focus on a 'leaner' future.

A company executive told the Boston Herald that the company hopes to reopen eight of the most profitable locations once the company emerges from bankruptcy.