Friendly's Long Island Franchisee J&B Restaurant Partners of NYDMA LLC Purchases 32 Company-Owned Restaurants in the Tri-State Area

By: Friendly’s Restaurants | 1 Shares 3,281 Reads

May 23, 2011 // Franchising.com // Wilbraham, Mass. -- Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, which operates more than 500 company-owned and franchised family dining restaurants, announced today that J&B Restaurant Partners of NYDMA LLC, an existing Friendly's franchisee, has purchased an additional 32 company-owned restaurants.

The restaurants in the refranchising will include some restaurants in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. J&B Restaurant Partners will remodel and refresh all 32 restaurants and has made a commitment to build 19 new restaurants over the next seven years. Friendly's locations can be found online at www.friendlys.com/locations.

Joseph P. Vitrano, President and CEO of J&B Restaurant Partners, along with his Executive team, Gerry Snearly, Chief Financial Officer, Greg Alagna, Senior Vice President, Operations and Dawn Petite, Vice President, Operations, will assume operation of the restaurants on May 23. Based in Ronkonkoma, New York, J&B owns and operates numerous national-brand franchises throughout Long Island. A Friendly's franchisee since 2001, J&B has operated 33 Friendly's franchises, bringing their total to 65. The company is deeply rooted in the Long Island community and supports a number of nonprofit and community organizations throughout the area.

"Friendly's is positioned for the future, with an eye toward expansion and menu innovation. We are pleased to partner with J&B Restaurant Partners in the important Tri-State market as we write the next chapter in the company's story," said Friendly's Senior Vice President, Development and Franchising, Jim Sullivan. "Joe and his team are outstanding operators and their managerial strength will be an asset to all of our restaurants in the region. We look forward to continuing to grow and prosper together."

"This is an exciting opportunity for us to expand the Friendly's brand throughout the region," said J&B Restaurant Partners President and CEO Joseph P. Vitrano. "As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Friendly's on Long Island, we are excited to extend the success of our decade-long relationship with Friendly's through this transaction."

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 4,000 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.

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