Contact:

Maura C. Tobias Friendly's Restaurants 413-543-2400, ext. 2814

FRIENDLY'S DISHES OUT ECONOMIC BENEFITS AS WELL AS ICE CREAM AT NEW RESTAURANT IN MIDDLETOWN, DELAWARE

Wilbraham, MA (April 8, 2005) - The arrival of a Friendly's Restaurant will mean some sweet economic benefits for Middletown, Delaware, as well as the best ice cream in town.

The restaurant, which opens April 11, 2005 at 350 Dove Run Drive, will bring jobs, tax revenues, and other benefits, according to Brian Myers, President of R.R.C. Restaurants, Inc, which owns the restaurant.

"When people see a new Friendly's Restaurant, they think of family-friendly dining, and favorites like our Big Beef Hamburgers and Fribbles®. People in Middletown probably don't realize that the franchisee will hire approximately 100 full and part-time employees for the new restaurant and is buying local services like construction and landscaping," said Larry Rusinko, Senior Vice President, Marketing for Friendly's. "They also support area schools and charities through programs such as the Easter Seals 'Cones for Kids' program".

For a limited time, guests at the Middletown Friendly's can also enjoy some extra special treats: a free Happy Ending Sundae with the purchase of any of our three featured SuperMelts. Guests can also indulge on the featured ice cream flavor - Chewy Gooey Chocolate Brownie.

The 160-seat restaurant will be open from 6am to 11pm Sunday through Thursday and 6am to 12am on Friday and Saturday.

"Morris Williams, General Manager of the new restaurant, has over 15 years of experience in the food and hospitality business," Brian Myers said.

The Middletown restaurant is one of approximately 19 new Friendly's Restaurants that has opened or is planned for opening this year throughout the chain.

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (Amex: FRN) is a vertically integrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment in more than 540 company and franchised restaurants throughout the Northeast. The company also manufactures ice cream, which is distributed through more than 4,500 supermarkets and other retail locations. With a 69-year operating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base.