Local Friendly’s Employee Honored for Exemplary Guest Service

Ludlow, Mass. (Grassroots Newswire) May 24, 2012 – Linda Savoia, a Ludlow resident who has been serving local Friendly’s customers for more than 27 years, has been selected as a winner of a “Howdy Award” by the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB). Begun in 1995, the GSCVB’s Hospitality Excellence Awards (HOWDY!) program recognizes the very best restaurant servers, cab drivers, attractions attendants, hotel personnel, retail clerks and others across the three counties of Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley.

Savoia grew up in Ludlow and began her tenure at Friendly’s 27 years ago. She has been serving up Friendly’s meals and ice cream treats to families in the Ludlow restaurant at 471 Center Street for the past nine years.

“Friendly’s is a big part of my life,” said Savoia. “In fact, my co-workers and the families who come in to our restaurant are like a big, extended family to me. I live for my family, granddaughters and Friendly’s.”

The HOWDY! Program seeks to recognize those individuals who’ve gone “above and beyond” in serving guests at Pioneer Valley events and attractions. Each year, the Howdy Award Committee identifies finalists in various categories, like food, retail and transportation. Savoia was selected as a winner from a field of 45 finalists.

“Linda not only exemplifies the tradition of hospitality that is alive and well in the Pioneer Valley,” said Laurie Gramarossa, District Manager for Friendly’s, “she is a true credit to the family-friendly values that are at the heart of the Friendly’s experience. We are proud that a member of the Friendly’s team has been selected to receive this award.”

About Friendly’s Ice Cream LLC
Friendly’s Ice Cream LLC is a new, vertically integrated restaurant company, with a legendary brand name, serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment. Together with its broad franchisee base, the company has system-wide sales of over $550 million and distribution through over 7,500 retail locations. For over 76 years, Friendly’s restaurants and dedicated service teams have delighted generations of guests. For the future, Friendly’s has plans for new food and ice cream products, enhanced buildings, and new service channels.