Friendly's

Friendly's is an American restaurant chain based on the East Coast. Founded in 1935 in Springfield, Massachusetts, by brothers S. Prestley and Curtis Blake, Friendly's started as a small ice cream shop and has since grown into a well-known family restaurant chain.

History

Friendly's was established during the Great Depression by the Blake brothers. Despite the economic downturn, the brothers managed to grow their business by maintaining a commitment to quality and friendly service. The first Friendly's ice cream shop sold double-dip cones for 5 cents. By 1940, a second Friendly's restaurant was opened in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

During the World War II, Friendly's continued to thrive, with the brothers often serving ice cream to soldiers at nearby Westover Air Force Base. After the war, the company began to expand rapidly, reaching 500 locations by 1974.

Menu

Friendly's menu primarily consists of American cuisine, including burgers, sandwiches, and an array of ice cream flavors and desserts. The restaurant is particularly known for its ice cream sundaes, including the iconic "Fribble" and "Jim Dandy" sundaes.

Financial Challenges and Bankruptcy

Despite its early success, Friendly's has faced financial challenges in the 21st century. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2011 and again in 2020. Each time, the company was able to restructure and continue operations.

Current Operations

As of 2021, Friendly's operates over 130 restaurants in the United States. The company continues to focus on providing a family-friendly dining experience with a menu that emphasizes its ice cream heritage.

See Also

• List of restaurant chains in the United States
• List of ice cream parlor chains