Friendly Ice Cream Corporation Launches Fundraising Drive for Massachusetts Tornado Relief Efforts

Wilbraham, Mass., June 15, 2011 — Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, which operates more than 500 company-owned and franchised family dining restaurants, announced today that the company will raise money through customer donations at over 140 restaurants throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut to benefit the Pioneer Valley Red Cross’ tornado relief effort.

Collection drop boxes will be placed at the cash register of each restaurant. Friendly’s will match all of the donations collected from customers. The fundraising effort will begin on June 15 and continue through July 10.

The devastation of the tornado that ripped through Western Massachusetts hit close to home for those at Friendly’s support center, which is located just outside of Springfield in Wilbraham, Mass. Friendly’s has been located in Wilbraham for over 50 years.

“The tornado impacted our home territory, and it is our duty to support those affected by this horrific event,” said Friendly’s Chairman and CEO Harsha V. Agadi. “We are proud of the way our community has banded together during these tough times. We are pleased to support the efforts to help families get their lives back on track.”

Since the tornado struck on June 1, Friendly’s has contributed to a variety of relief efforts including giving water and food to the first responders and residents at the Red Cross shelters, including downtown Springfield and the Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield. The company has also provided thousands of gallons of ice cream to organizations, students at local schools, and to children staying at the Mass Mutual Center. Friendly’s is also supporting The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts by collecting food donations from employees at the company cafeteria at its Wilbraham support center. Friendly’s has also reached out to all its vendors and will match those donations as well.

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 6,500 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.