Contact:

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

FRIENDLY'S CELEBRATES 70TH YEAR WITH OPENING OF SEVENTH SPRINGFIELD RESTAURANT

WILBRAHAM, Mass (June 20, 2005) - Friendly's, which opened its very first restaurant in Springfield on July 18, 1935, is getting ready for its 70th birthday by opening another location in its "home town."

The new restaurant, at 430 Cooley Street in the Five Town Plaza, will open on June 23, in time to help celebrate Friendly's 70th anniversary. This is Friendly's seventh location in the city of Springfield and its 26th in the greater Springfield area.

"Friendly's is proud to have been part of the Springfield community for three generations, providing delicious food and famous ice cream in a family atmosphere to guests of all ages," said Pete Bell, senior director brand marketing. "This new restaurant will be especially convenient for those from southeast Springfield, as well as the Hampden and East Longmeadow areas, and it's only fitting that we're opening just a few weeks before our 70th birthday."

Guests will be able to choose from a wide variety of menu selections - from burgers, melts, and salads to Fribbles, sundaes and other ice cream treats that appeal to kids, adults and seniors.

The ice cream heritage that has made Friendly's a favorite for generations will be reflected in the restaurant's new look. A cream and natural exterior will complement the interior featuring ice-cream inspired colors, classic soda fountain counter, and warm artwork.

"Friendly's is excited and pleased to be enhancing our presence in Springfield and to be providing jobs for about 100 area residents," said Shanna Rhodes, region director. "This is one of 19 Friendly's restaurants planned to open this year."

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 530 company and franchised restaurants throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. 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. Additional information on Friendly Ice Cream Corporation can be found on the Company's website, www.friendlys.com.