Friendly's Launches First Fast-Casual Concept Cafe

WESTFIELD, MA — The first Friendly's Cafe opened in Westfield over the weekend, showcasing a new concept aiming to streamline service and cut down on long waits for your favorite burgers and ice creams.

The new concept provides guests the flexibility to order and pay at their own pace, a spokesperson told Patch. Guests will now have the option of ordering directly at the counter or through a QR code at their table where the food and ice cream will be delivered to them once ready - eliminating servers altogether.

The 2,700 square-foot Westfield location of the Friendly's Cafe will have seating for 45 guests and a dedicated side of the building with four parking spots reserved for curbside pick-up.

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

"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," said Craig Erlich, CEO of Friendly’s Restaurants. "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 Cafe will also feature new menu items, including Tater Kegs appetizer, $100,000 Cobb Salad, Legendary Honey BBQ Chicken SuperMelt, Dorito's Cool Ranch ChoppedCheese Burger, and Bangin' Beef Stroganoff.

This concept is a fresh try for Friendly's, which was sold to Amici Partners last year for less than $2 million after declaring bankruptcy again.

A grand opening event is planned for April 6 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, free giveaways, and more, a spokesperson said.

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