Friendly's opens 1st fast casual prototype

Nearly a month after announcing that Friendly's would open a fast casual version, the 86-year-old company has opened its doors to Friendly's Cafe in Westfield, Massachusetts.

The concept serves Friendly's menu items in a fast casual environment, allowing guests the flexibility to order and pay at their own pace, Craig Erlich, CEO of Friendly's Restaurants, said in a company press release.

"Friendly's Cafe will deliver our time-tested Friendly's menu, putting an emphasis on fresh ingredients, convenience, to-go and delivery in a fun and joyful environment," he said. "We envision Friendly's Cafe as an opportunity for further menu and technology innovation to meet our customer's changing desires, while also still adhering to our mission of bringing family and friends around the table to make new memories."

The 2,700 square-foot Friendly's Cafe seats 45 guests and has four parking spots reserved for curbside pick-up. Upon entering Friendly's Cafe, guests may order at the counter or through a QR code at their tables where the food and ice cream will be delivered.

Customers will also be able to order food online in advance and pick-up their items from the designated to-go area or have it delivered.

Friendly's Restaurants has 130 full service restaurants.