Friendly’s Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Friendly’s is a well-known American restaurant franchise with a strong family focus. It began in 1935 in Springfield, Massachusetts, founded by brothers S. Prestley Blake and Curtis Blake. The first Friendly’s started as an ice-cream shop during the Great Depression, offering nickel cones and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for families.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Friendly’s is owned by Brix Holdings LLC, which acquired the brand in 2021. The company continues to modernize and expand beyond its traditional Northeast U.S. base. Its franchise program is designed to attract new operators and bring Friendly’s comfort food and ice-cream favorites to more communities.
Friendly’s menu features classic American dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and its signature ice-cream sundaes. The brand stands out for its nostalgic charm, friendly service, and dessert-centered dining experience. Each visit aims to create lasting memories for guests of all ages.
Franchising began in the mid-1990s, and the brand has since launched the “Friendly’s 2.0” model. This modern restaurant design offers improved efficiency and a fresh look while preserving the brand’s heritage. Friendly’s continues to evolve as a trusted name in casual dining with a legacy built on family, flavor, and fun.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Friendly’s franchise? It costs on average between $1,111,000 – $2,682,000 to start a Friendly’s franchised restaurant.
This includes expenses for construction, restaurant equipment, furnishings, inventory, and initial operating costs. The total investment varies based on several factors, such as the restaurant size, site location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or buy the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Site Selection Fee | $3,500 |
| Project Management Fee | $3,500 |
| Lease, Deposits & Rent | $25,000 to $50,000 |
| Architect, Engineer, Drawings | $16,000 to $30,000 |
| Construction of Restaurant (excluding malls) | $400,000 to $1,567,500 |
| Furniture, Equipment, Signs and Computers | $327,500 to $460,000 |
| Grand Opening Campaign | $10,000 |
| Miscellaneous Pre-Opening Expenses | $13,420 to $36,960 |
| Insurance (3 months) | $6,000 to $7,500 |
| Inventory of Food, Supplies, Small-wares and Uniforms | $39,000 to $65,000 |
| Transportation and Living Expenses for Management Training | $10,010 to $33,825 |
| Opening Team Expenses | $24,750 to $78,650 |
| Professional Fees | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Additional Funds for 3 Months of Operation | $200,000 to $300,000 |
| Total (excluding land, royalties and marketing fees) | $1,110,680 to $2,682,435 |
Friendly's Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Friendly’s locations are there?
As of the latest data, Friendly’s operates 100 restaurant locations across the United States.
What is the total investment required to open a Friendly’s franchise?
The total investment required to open a Friendly’s franchise ranges from $1,111,000 to $2,682,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Friendly’s franchise?
Friendly’s franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee of 4% of gross sales. In addition, they contribute 3% of gross sales to a marketing and advertising fund that supports national and regional promotional campaigns.
Who owns Friendly’s?
Friendly’s franchise is owned by Brix Holdings LLC, a Dallas-based multi-brand franchising company.
Disclaimer
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