Contact:

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

FRIENDLY'S BRINGS JOBS AND ECONOMIC BOOST TO JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA WITH OPENING OF NEW RESTAURANT

Wilbraham, MA (June 18, 2004) - The arrival of a new Friendly's Restaurant in Jacksonville means some sweet economic benefits for the community, as well as the best ice cream in town.

The restaurant, which opens June 21, 2004 at 5085 University Boulevard West, will bring jobs, tax revenues, and other benefits, according to Anthony Kurnellas, franchise owner.

"When people see a new Friendly's Restaurant, they think of family-friendly dining, and favorites like our Big Beef HamburgersT and Fribbles®. People in Jacksonville probably don't realize that the franchisee hired140 employees for the new restaurant and will be buying local services like construction and landscaping," said Larry Rusinko, Senior Vice President, Marketing for Friendly's. "They will also support area schools and charities through programs like 'Cones for Kids'".

The new 4900 square-foot restaurant has a cream and natural brick exterior. Inside, ice cream colors, a soda fountain counter, and dark wood wainscoting evoke the heritage that has made Friendly's a family favorite for decades. Guests can choose from a wide variety of products, from old-time favorites like burgers, shakes and sundaes to new items like the new Baja Chicken Sandwich and Baja Colossal Burger. Guests can also indulge on the featured ice cream flavor - Nuts over Caramel.

The 168-seat restaurant will be open from 7 AM to 11 PM everyday.

General Manager, Mark Whitted has more then 20 years of experience in the food and hospitality business. "We're looking forward to serving the people of Jacksonville the great food and ice cream that Friendly's is known for and to being an active member of the community," said Anthony Kurnellas. The Jacksonville restaurant is one of approximately 15 new Friendly's Restaurants planned for opening 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 540 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 68-year operating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base.