The Humble Origins of Friendly's Ice Cream

What started as a simple ice cream stand in 1935 grew into a massive chain. The founders opened their first shop selling cones for just five cents during the Great Depression.

Brothers S. Prestley and Curtis Blake launched their dream in Springfield, Massachusetts, with a starting investment of only 547 dollars. They originally focused on selling ice cream to provide a small, affordable treat during tough economic times. Today, the chain is famous for combining diner-style meals with their classic frozen desserts. Many locations still maintain the tradition of a dedicated ice-cream window for quick take-out service.