1935
130
$500,000
$35,000
$2,100,000
No
Friendly’s is a beloved all-American restaurant chain offering family-friendly dining with classic diner-style favorites, award-winning ice cream, and warm hospitality. With a legacy spanning nearly a century, Friendly's is a recognized brand synonymous with comfort food, indulgent desserts, and neighborhood connection. Entrepreneurs can now tap into this trusted brand through its franchising model and bring a taste of nostalgia and community-focused service to their own local market.
Founded in 1935 in Springfield, Massachusetts, by the Blake brothers, Friendly’s started as a small ice cream shop during the Great Depression. Over the decades, the brand expanded into full-service dining while retaining its core focus on premium ice cream and quality food. Today, Friendly’s continues its tradition with a modern twist, maintaining its family-focused mission while integrating innovative strategies for growth and sustainability.
Friendly’s offers extensive franchise support to ensure the success of every franchisee:
Initial Training Program: Comprehensive 6-week training covering operations, customer service, brand standards, food safety, and business management.
Site Selection & Build-Out Assistance: Guidance in choosing the right location and designing the restaurant to match brand aesthetics.
Ongoing Operational Support: Field consultants, regular evaluations, and performance reviews.
Marketing & Advertising: National marketing campaigns, local store marketing tools, digital presence, and promotional support.
Technology Support: POS systems, analytics tools, and online ordering integrations.
Friendly's seeks franchisees who are:
Experienced in foodservice or multi-unit restaurant operations.
Passionate about community engagement and guest satisfaction.
Financially sound with adequate capital and business acumen.
Committed to upholding the brand’s legacy and standards.
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Total Investment Range: $1,300,000 – $2,100,000
Minimum Net Worth Required: $1,500,000
Minimum Liquid Capital Required: $500,000
Royalty Fee: 4% of gross sales
Advertising Fee: 3% of gross sales
Franchise Units (Approximate): 130+ locations in the USA
Franchising Since: 1998
Company Founded: 1935
