“Friendly’s Famous Fried Ravioli,” is a new dish offered on the 90th anniversary menu: “Legacy in Bloom” (COURTESY FRIENDLY’S)
By
Sally Cragin | Correspondent
PUBLISHED: June 4, 2025 at 1:04 AM EDT
“Save room for ice cream” — was there ever an exhortation more hopeful or sublime? Since 1935 — the dark heart of America’s Depression — Friendly’s restaurants have offered good food at an affordable price. And this season, they continue to celebrate their 90th birthday with a new seasonal menu: “Legacy in Bloom.”
Recently, my “work family” (fellow historians) and I gathered in a red vinyl banquette at the Friendly’s in Gardner (18 Pearson Boulevard). We were there to sample some new dishes and, of course, old favorites.
Jay, an affable staff member, along with Samantha, the manager greeted us, and handed out a sheaf of laminated menus. But we wanted to hear the recommendations, and immediately selected a new dish to share: Friendly’s Famous Fried Ravioli.
I had first encountered Fried (also “Toasted”) Ravioli when we lived in St. Louis 25 years ago – Midwestern cookery is famous for its enthusiasm for frying pretty much anything. However, the Friendly’s version, “golden brown cheese ravioli topped with Parmesan cheese” was light and savory.
Dipped into a side bowl of marinara sauce, the cheese melted in one’s mouth, and our party was sufficiently sated to cancel an additional order of mozzarella sticks (which looked plump and appealing when a waiter walked by with a plate for another table!)
I ordered the new beverage on the “Legacy” menu: “Bursting Boba Lemonade,” a delicious bubbly concoction of lemonade, Sprite and Boba tapioca balls which dissolve delightfully when you bite into them. Companions ordered iced tea or coffee, which came in a properly thick china cup.
The Gardner Friendly’s is reminiscent of a 1950s luncheonette with chrome-sided tables and benches making up booths in most of the restaurant. On the wall, you’ll see charming large framed black and white portraits of children and teenagers in mid-century apparel enjoying ice cream.
Our party was eager to hear about the new dishes — each person came to Friendly’s with warm memories of favorite meals. For one, it was the hamburger and fries; for another, the ice cream Fribble, and the FishmaJig held fond memories for a third.
‘The American palate has changed’
One friend noted that “the American palate has changed,” but part of the brilliance of Friendly’s was to “have the same ingredients repeat in different ways.” Thus the Fishamajig Supermelt Sandwich is now joined by the New England Fisherman’s Quesadilla. Both feature “golden brown” cod, but the Quesadilla is plated with sour cream, salsa and fries, with your choice of sides (recommended, roasted street corn).
I got to try samples of both — and on a return visit, I would have to think hard on my dining decision, because both were light, flavorful and savory. However, my entree was the Orchard Wrap, grilled chicken, with an assortment of salad greens, plus walnuts and dried cranberries. I like a Waldorf salad, which clearly inspired the ingredients, so wrapping this sandwich in a tortilla was definitely a smart idea.
Happily – “legacy” still prevails as a motif, and the New England Clam Chowder (with Westminster oyster crackers) was delicious, and other soups are chicken noodle and cheddar broccoli. Most of our party ordered fries, which really are the best fries going — thin, crisp, light, with a rich potato taste.
At Friendly’s, the offerings come on laminated menu cards (“with nice large type,” noted one friend”). If you aren’t sure what you feel like eating, you can’t go wrong with a “Supermelt,” which starts at under $15. This is where you’ll find old favorites such as Tuna Salad, Pastrami, Turkey Club, Philly Steak & Cheese, Honey BBQ Chicken, and of course the Fishamajig.
However, if you’re looking for a burger — you can have it many ways. Friendly’s “Big Beef” burger was delicious, whether it came as an “All American” burger, a Friendly’s Patti Melt (grilled onions on marble rye), or a bacon cheeseburger (applewood smoked bacon on a potato bun).
And of course, there’s a children’s menu, with bargain prices and everything any picky eater might approve (Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Tenders, Sliders, and more) for under $10. However, the main event (in my view) is the “Happy Ending,” which they innovated.
‘Save Room For Ice Cream’
Back in 1935, brothers Blake (S. Prestley and Curtis) started an ice cream stand out in Springfield, Mass. They sold cones for a nickel, and before long, they were the first to discover an essential truth about New Englanders: we will eat ice cream every day of the week, and every season of the year.
There are 19 flavors at Friendly’s, including many that I remembered from childhood such as Black Raspberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Butter Pecan, and ice cream for young palates such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Hunka Chunka PB Fudge.
The “CYO Sundae,” at $4.99 is a bargain. That stands for “Create Your Own,” where you can request any sauce: peanut butter, hot fudge, caramel, marshmallow, and finish with whipped topping, and, of course, a cherry.
Friendly’s, 18 Pearson Blvd, Gardner is open from 8 am to 10 pm Sunday to Thursday; until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. They serve breakfast.
Friendly’s, 482 North Main St., Leominster, open 11 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.
Friendly’s-Style Classic Ice Cream Sundae
INGREDIENTS:
Two Scoops of Vanilla,
Chocolate, Strawberry
¼ cup hot fudge
Whipped Cream
Maraschino Cherry
DIRECTIONS:
Deposit your ice cream into a parfait glass – this is the crucial part – having your ice cream vertical. Add hot fudge, cover with whipped cream, and add the cherry. Eat slowly with a long parfait spoon.
Jay’s Favorite Ice Cream
INGREDIENTS:
Black Raspberry Ice Cream
Chocolate Jimmies*
DIRECTIONS:
Put a scoop of ice cream in a small bowl, cover with chocolate Jimmies until you can barely see any pink of the ice cream.
Notes: Jay, our waiter, who also did table-side magic tricks with cards and dice – astonishing us all – gave me this “recipe” when I asked members of the crew what their favorite ice cream was at the restaurant.
* “Jimmie’s” is one of those classic “New England” terms – the rest of the world will say “sprinkles.”
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