Methuen, Mass. Gets Fast and Friendly with New Friendly’s Express

WILBRAHAM, MASS.; September 21, 2010 – Friendly’s Express, a unit of Friendly’s new fast-casual concept, will open in Methuen, MA on September 28, 2010.

The newest Friendly’s Express, located at The Loop at 90 Pleasant Valley Street, will offer a fast, fun way for people on-the-go to get the food they crave. The short service time will make Friendly’s Express perfect for quick office lunch breaks, and easy for moms running errands with their children.  While guests will place orders at the counter, food will be delivered to each guest’s table. When guests are ready for ice cream, they can place a numbered tag on the edge of their table and a food runner will bring them their desserts.

The 2,338-square-foot restaurant seats 60 and includes additional seating on the patio for seasonal outdoor dining.

“The strong retail presence along with the movie theater and the customers they draw, attracted us to this location.  Friendly’s Express will provide families who are shopping or seeing a movie, as well as, local workers on their lunch breaks with fresh sandwiches, burgers and salads, and of course our signature ice cream treats.  We look forward to being a part of the community,” said Jim Sullivan, Friendly’s vice president of development and franchising.

The bright, cheery Friendly’s Express design incorporates the signature Friendly’s red elements throughout, along with bright tiles and custom pop-art of Friendly’s ice cream creations.  The restaurant features a limited menu of Friendly’s favorites – like SuperMelt™ Sandwiches, Friendly’s Big Beef^® Burgers, salads, Fribbles^® and kids’ meals and of course, great ice cream desserts.

Friendly’s Express in Methuen will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

About Friendly Ice Cream Corporation
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is a vertically integrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment with system-wide sales of $700 million and distribution through more than 4,000 retail locations. With a 75-year operating history, Friendly’s enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base. For additional information please visit www.friendlys.com.