Friendly’s Announces Plans to Open Two New Jersey Restaurants

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The iconic dining and ice cream brand will introduce new locations in Voorhees and Blackwood

WILBRAHAM, MA (December 15, 2015) – Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC, the operator of Friendly’s restaurants and a manufacturer of ice cream products distributed in over 8,000 retail outlets, is pleased to announce the opening of two new Friendly’s restaurants in New Jersey. Amol Kohli, a Friendly’s franchisee, who owns and operates eight Friendly’s locations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, will open the new restaurants at 9103 Town Center Boulevard in Voorhees, New Jersey and 100 Premium Outlets Drive in Blackwood, New Jersey. The Voorhees location is slated to open in December 2015, followed by the Blackwood location in January 2016.

“We couldn’t be more excited for our brand to open two new locations in New Jersey,” said John Maguire, President and CEO of Friendly’s. “Over the last few years, we’ve worked hard to make exciting changes to our restaurants, not only improving the quality of our food and service, but also our overall appearance, and these openings are a true testament to the positive direction that Friendly’s is headed in for the future.”

Friendly’s in Voorhees will open on Town Center Boulevard and boast 2,922 square feet and offer 108 seats, while Friendly’s in the Gloucester Premium Outlets will be 3,332 square feet and offer 134 seats. Both locations will serve guests classic menu items such as Friendly’s Big Beef® Burgers, fresh salads, signature SuperMelt®sandwiches, and of course, a full dessert selection including premium ice cream flavors, sundaes and the popular Fribble®.

“We’re excited to expand the Friendly’s brand in New Jersey and allow even more guests to experience the quality food and ice cream that has becomes synonymous with the Friendly’s name,” said Amol Kohli, CEO and President of AARK Hospitality Voorhees II Inc. and AARK Hospitality Gloucester Inc. “As a teenager, working at Friendly’s was my first job, and I am proud to be able offer others that same experience. We look forward to the additional jobs that will result from the opening of these two new restaurants.”

Over the last three years, Friendly’s has improved its overall guest experience through a variety of initiatives, including updating menu items, retraining and recertifying staff members, and refreshing the interior and exterior appearances of its restaurants. In April 2015, Friendly’s opened a successful new quick-service restaurant at Logan International Airport in Boston, Mass. The opening of these two locations in New Jersey marks the first new brick and mortar Friendly’s restaurant to open since 2010. These openings are another key example of how Friendly’s is positioning itself for continued growth in the ever-changing family-friendly dining industry.

About Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC

Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC is a vertically integrated restaurant company, with an iconic brand name, serving signature sandwiches, burgers and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment.  Together with its broad franchisee base, the company has system-wide sales of over $500 million and distribution through over 8,000 retail locations.  For 80 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.  For additional information please visit www.friendlys.com. In July 2015, ABC’s ‘Made In America’ series celebrated Friendly’s 80th birthday by highlighting the brand’s Creamery in Wilbraham, Massachusetts during a broadcast of ‘World News Tonight with David Muir.’

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