WILBRAHAM, MA (December 21, 2005) -- Friendly's Restaurants celebrates the opening of a new franchised restaurant in Bradenton, Florida located at 6320 SR 64. The restaurant opened on Friday, December 16, 2005.

The restaurant is owned and operated by Central Florida Restaurants, LLC - managing members Joe Sandor and David Buchman. "The people of Bradenton have been waiting a long time for this Friendly's. This is the first Friendly's restaurant on the West Coast for Central Florida Restaurants, LLC. We are excited to be open and invite everyone in the area to stop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or an ice cream snack," said David Buchman.

The ice cream heritage that has made Friendly's a favorite for generations is reflected in the restaurant's look. A cream and natural exterior complements the interior featuring ice-cream inspired colors, classic soda fountain counter, and warm artwork. Guests at the Bradenton Friendly's can enjoy some old-time Friendly's favorites like Big Beefs and Fribbles or try one of the new entrees - Southwest BBQ Steak or Grilled Chicken Teriyaki. Guests can also indulge in a sundae made with the new featured ice cream flavor - Mint Mudslide.

The 4200-square foot restaurant has 159 seats. The hours of operation are 7:00am to 11:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 7:00am to 12:00am Friday and Saturday. The restaurant employs approximately 90 full and part-time people. Larry Petreault, the General Manager of the new restaurant, has 25 years experience in the restaurant industry.

Pete Bell, Vice President, Marketing for Friendly's Restaurants said, "Joe and David are veteran restaurant operators and great franchising partners. They understand what it takes to run a great restaurant and to give the guest an overall great dining experience. We are sure that this restaurant will be very successful in the Bradenton area."

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 525 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 70-year operating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base.