WILBRAHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 2005--Americans justcan't seem to get enough chicken. Whether it's hearty barbecue or alightly grilled fillet, chicken is a universal favorite that's sodelicious and nutritious the average person eats 89 pounds of it everyyear. And from August 29 through October 30, Friendly's offers chickenlovers five special reasons to dine out, with an expanded menu ofchicken dishes in flavors ranging from the Deep South to the Far East.

"When looking for a relaxing place to eat after finishing up backto school shopping, returning from that last day at the beach, orcoming home after a fall football game, guests can stop off atFriendly's to enjoy one of our tempting chicken meals--and top it offwith our delicious ice cream," said Pete Bell, Senior Director BrandMarketing at Friendly's.

Featured on the Friendly's menu are:

• Firecracker Chicken Basket -- this brand new addition to the Friendly's menu crackles with flavor. Crispy chicken strips tossed in our spicy BBQ glaze. Served with salsa ranch dressing for dipping, golden fries and creamy cole slaw.

• Oriental Sesame Chicken Basket -- back by popular demand! Strips of crispy chicken breast tossed in our oriental ginger glaze and lightly sprinkled with sesame seeds. Served with a bold wasabi ranch dipping sauce, golden fries and creamy cole slaw.

• Honey BBQ Chicken Basket -- here we go again! Crispy, sweet and tangy. Tender chicken strips tossed in our honey BBQ sauce, with a cool ranch dip. Served in a basket with golden fries and creamy cole slaw.

• Alpine Chicken Platter -- tender grilled chicken breast with a creamy mustard sauce, lightly smoked ham, and melted Swiss Cheese. Served with mashed potatoes, garden vegetables and grilled garlic bread.

• BBQ Chicken Platter -- grilled chicken breast in BBQ sauce topped with Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses and scallions, served over crispy Fronions, with mashed potatoes, corn and grilled garlic bread.

   

"Two out of three Americans dine out on chicken at least twice amonth," added Bell. "Our featured chicken dishes offer them anotherreason to choose Friendly's."

Another incentive for anyone to come to Friendly's is the HappyEnding Sundae offered free with any featured chicken dish. ThisFriendly's favorite is now available in a mouth-watering, brand newflavor -- Peanut Butter Brittle. Peanut butter ice cream mixed withpeanut brittle and a rich peanut butter swirl. Loaded with fudgesauce, whipped topping and a cherry, a Peanut Butter Brittle sundae isan unbeatable ending to any meal.

Guests at participating Friendly's restaurants can upgrade thefree Happy Ending size Sundae to a three- or five-scoop treat thatwill satisfy the most ravenous ice cream lover.

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (Amex: FRN) is a verticallyintegrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entreesand ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment in more than525 company and franchised restaurants throughout the Northeast. Thecompany also manufactures ice cream, which is distributed through morethan 4,500 supermarkets and other retail locations. With a 70-yearoperating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and iscurrently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products togrow its customer base. More information on Friendly's can be found atfriendlys.com.