Monday, Sept. 29 is National Coffee Day. To celebrate, many coffee shops are giving away free coffee and have bargains on coffee drinks and specials on coffee and machines to make drinks at home.
Coffee prices may be rising, but the pick-me-up remains a daily ritual for two-thirds of Americans. With National Coffee Day brewing on Monday, Sept. 29, many coffee shops will be serving up freebies and specials for those who love coffee.
Coffee’s popularity remains secure with 66% of Americans saying they drink at least one cup daily, up nearly 7% from 2020, according to a survey from the National Coffee Association, released ahead of National Coffee Day. Most coffee drinkers consume more – about 2.8 cups daily – according to a survey of 1,862 U.S. adults conducted in June 2025 for the group by Dig Insights.
While grabbing coffee on the run remains high – 36% of coffee drinkers consume the beverage away from home – most (82%) had the beverage at home over the past day, the survey found.
“Coffee’s staying power as a beloved touchstone in Americans’ daily lives is remarkable, and its contributions to our health and our economy give Americans even more ‘grounds for celebration’ this National Coffee Day and every day,” said National Coffee Association president and CEO Bill Murray in the survey’s news release.
Nostalgia meets value as America’s iconic diner-style family chain rolls out latest menu addition
Dallas, TX (RestaurantNews.com) Friendly’s is keeping the 90th birthday celebrations going with a sweet partner, Coca-Cola®. From Sept. 3–30, guests can enjoy a Fantastic Mini Float for just 90 cents – a nostalgic nod to nine decades of family fun, delicious ice cream and shared memories.
Served in a limited-edition Friendly’s and Coca-Cola® collector’s cup, the 12-ounce float combines a scoop of Friendly’s signature ice cream with guests’ choice of Coca-Cola flavors – Coca-Cola®, Coke Zero Sugar, Diet Coke® or Cherry Coke®. Other soft drink favorites like Root Beer and Sprite® are also available.
“This year’s been all about celebrating the generations of guests who’ve made Friendly’s part of their traditions and shared moments,” said Dawn Petite, president of Friendly’s Restaurants. “Our partnership with Coca-Cola continues that story, bringing people together over something timeless, refreshing and delicious.” (more…)
Friendly’s is marking a sweet milestone this month with a classic treat priced to match.
In recognition of the restaurant chain’s 90th anniversary, this month customers can enjoy 90-cent Coca-Cola Fantastic Mini Floats at Friendly’s restaurants, including the Gettysburg location at 445 Steinwehr Ave., through Sept. 30
The nostalgic 12-ounce floats are served in a limited-edition collector’s cup and include a scoop of Friendly’s signature ice cream paired with the guest’s choice of Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, or Cherry Coke. Other Coca-Cola beverages like root beer and Sprite are also available, according to a release from Friendly’s Restaurants.
“It’s such a simple, refreshing treat that immediately takes people back to childhood memories,” said Dawn Petite, president of Friendly’s Restaurants.
Petite said the Gettysburg Friendly’s has a “unique charm” and feels like a “true gathering spot” for families.
“The history of the area, paired with the classic Friendly’s experience, makes it a place where multiple generations come together to share those traditions and memories,” Petite said.
Founded in 1935 in Springfield, Mass., by brothers S. Prestley and Curtis Blake, Friendly’s has long been known for its diner-style meals, ice cream, and family-friendly atmosphere, according to the Friendly’s website. The Fantastic Mini Float is the latest in a series of 90th anniversary celebrations, which have included seasonal menus, nostalgic Conehead sundaes, and other 90-cent promotions, Petite said.
“This year’s been all about celebrating the generations of guests who’ve made Friendly’s part of their traditions and shared moments,” said Petite.
Friendly’s began 2025 by relaunching classic menu items like the Tuna Salad SuperMelt and has continued reintroducing fan favorites throughout the year, Petite said.
“There are more sweet surprises in store for the remainder of the year,” Petite said.
Clean Juice, a USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise, has rolled out what it says are the first USDA-certified organic cold-pressed juice vending kiosks. Located at Dulles International Airport near gates A20 and C17, the two kiosks dispense beverage shots in flavors such as Kiwi Green, Spicy Peach and Elderberry shots. The dispensing technology used is designed to preserve freshness and nutrition.
Brix Holdings owns the Friendly’s restaurant chain. Multi-unit franchisee Amol Kohli bought Brix Holdings, the company announced this week.
As a child of immigrant parents, Amol Kohli learned the importance of hard work while growing up.
He displayed that work ethic as a teenager when he landed a gig as a server at a newly opened Friendly’s and worked his way up to a shift manager before attending Drexel University in Philadelphia. At the time, he aimed to work on Wall Street with his business degrees.
His former boss offered him a job working in the back office to help run a few Friendly’s locations and Kohli grew to be a 30-unit Friendly’s operator.
“This is an industry that will humble you over and over and over,” Kohli said. “Every time you think you want to celebrate a win, what I’m going to tell you is that if the win makes sense, there’s nothing to celebrate. You just keep going.”
Responding to guest feedback and a rising demand for increased protein-packed options, Clean Juice unveiled an expanded menu designed to meet diverse nutritional goals.
“We knew it was time to evolve,” Roberto De Angelis, Chief Experience Officer of BRIX Holdings, told Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine. “The original menu had great intentions, but over time it became a bit overwhelming for both our guests and our operators. The goal was to simplify, clarify, and introduce more craveable, functional options without losing sight of what makes Clean Juice special.” Clean Juice, which has has more than 60 stores across 19 states, is owned by CJ Fresh Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of BRIX.
From initial strategy through testing and rollout, the implementation took approximately nine months, De Angelis said, adding it was a team effort across culinary, marketing, operations, and franchisees.
“It was worth every step. Change is always a challenge, especially across a growing system. We’re focused on making sure every franchisee feels confident and supported. That means training, communication, and being responsive to feedback. Sustaining it will come down to how well we continue to listen to our guests feedback and evolve. We’re not treating this as a one-and-done. It’s the beginning of a more dynamic, responsive approach to menu innovation.”
Amol Kohli, a multi-unit Friendly’s franchisee, heads new Brix Holdings owner, the Legacy Brands International investment group
Friendly’s and the rest of the Brix Holdings brands are now under new ownership.
What propels someone from serving breakfast at Friendly’s to owning the entire company? For Amol Kohli, now owner of Friendly’s parent company Brix Holdings through his investment group Legacy Brands International, the long journey required patience, hard work, and good timing.
Kohli comes from a first-generation Indian-American immigrant family and said he was taught the value of hard work at a young age. As a teenager, one of his first jobs was working as a breakfast shift waiter at his local Friendly’s on the weekends, where by age 18 he had worked his way up to store manager. Kohli went to business school at Drexel University during a time of economic downturn, and while in school, he received a call from his boss at Friendly’s who was acquiring stores and wanted help running the back office.
Legacy Brands International, led by Friendly’s franchisee Amol Kohli, has acquired BRIX Holdings, a Dallas-based multi-brand franchising platform.
The deal includes ownership of Friendly’s, Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, Souper Salad and Humble Donut Co. Terms were not disclosed. BRIX will remain headquartered in Dallas under CEO Sherif Mityas and its existing leadership team. The acquisition positions BRIX for further national expansion, particularly in the South and Southeast, while also pursuing additional brand acquisitions.
Dilworth Paxson advised Legacy Brands International, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advised the sellers.
Friendly’s will still operate under the same leadership team.
Brix Holdings — the 250-unit parent company to Friendly’s Restaurants, Clean Juice, Red Mango, and Orange Leaf — has been acquired by Legacy Brands International, an investment group managed by multi-unit Friendly’s franchisee, Amol Kohli.
As part of the transaction, which was finalized by the now-former owner, Jamco Interests, for an undisclosed sum, Brix will remain headquartered in Dallas and will continue to be led by the existing leadership team, including CEO Sherif Mityas. Kohli will continue to manage his 30 franchised locations and will join the Brix board as chairman.
UPDATE: This story has been updated to include same-store sales figures for some Brix concepts.
Brix Holdings, the owner of Friendly’s, Clean Juice and other restaurant brands, has been acquired by a Friendly’s franchisee.
Legacy Brands International operates more than 30 Friendly’s on the East Coast, or about a third of the chain. It will take over Dallas-based Brix, which has more than 250 locations across Friendly’s, Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, Souper Salad, and Humble Donut Co.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Legacy owner Amol Kohli will become chairman of Brix, and the Brix leadership team, including CEO Sherif Mityas, will remain in place. Brix’s majority owner JAMCO Interests will also remain involved as an investor in Legacy Brands. (more…)
Brix Holdings — the 250-unit parent company to Friendly’s Restaurants, Clean Juice, Red Mango, and Orange Leaf — has been acquired by Legacy Brands International, an investment group managed by multi-unit Friendly’s franchisee, Amol Kohli.
As part of the transaction, which was finalized by the now-former owner, Jamco Interests, for an undisclosed sum, Brix will remain headquartered in Dallas and will continue to be led by the existing leadership team, including CEO Sherif Mityas. Kohli will continue to manage his 30 franchised locations and will join the Brix board as chairman.
“Amol is the ideal candidate for ownership of Brix Holdings; he has a long history of success and dedication to Friendly’s,” John Antioco, managing member of Jamco Interests, said in a statement. “His broad experience in the restaurant industry and in-depth understanding of multi-brand franchising systems and development will contribute greatly to the continued growth of the BRIX brands and its franchisees.”
Multi-unit franchisee and private investment group acquires BRIX portfolio with over 250 locations, expands franchise development goals and seeks complementary acquisitions
Multi-unit franchisee and private investment group acquires BRIX portfolio with over 250 locations, expands franchise development goals and seeks complementary acquisitions
In a significant move in the franchise world, a multi-unit franchisee, along with a private investment group, has acquired the BRIX portfolio, which boasts over 250 locations across multiple brands. This acquisition is led by Legacy Brands International, managed by Amol Kohli, a dedicated franchisee of Friendly’s Restaurants. The group aims to bolster its franchise development and actively seek additional complementary acquisitions in the market.
Multi-unit franchisee and private investment group acquires BRIX portfolio with over 250 locations, expands franchise development goals and seeks complementary acquisitions
From 5-cent cones to family traditions, the iconic brand celebrates nine decades of operations and looks ahead to the future under a leader who knows it best.
For 90 years, Friendly’s has been more than a place to grab an ice cream sundae. It’s been a symbol of comfort and connection for generations of families. Leading the brand into its next chapter is Dawn Petite, president of BRIX Holdings and a 40-year veteran of Friendly’s who started as an operations manager in 1981. With experience as vice president of operations and chief operating officer, Petite has witnessed the brand evolve through industry shifts, economic challenges, and changing consumer habits while staying true to its promise of value and hospitality. Now, she’s focused on ensuring that Friendly’s nine-decade legacy continues to thrive for years to come.
It’s been nearly two decades since the taco began its star-studded journey across menus, categories and cuisines. No longer restricted to Mexican and Tex-Mex-leaning concepts, the now ubiquitous carrier is as seamlessly filled with bulgogi or tikka masala as it is with carnitas or al pastor. By contrast, the taco-adjacent quesadilla has remained on the fringe in terms of innovation, beloved and craveable as it may be.
Jun 12, 2025, 11:23am EDT Jun 12, 2025, 08:51pm EDT
National Lobster Day is celebrated on June 15. While steamed lobster on a plate is always appealing – isn’t this holiday a great opportunity to kick the creativity up a notch? Restaurants nationwide are giving lobster the special treatment, as it so richly deserves. Spicy, fried, or with pasta – there’s endless creative and delicious ways to enjoy the most luxurious of crustaceans as you never have before.
A star of the new summer menu at Friendly’s restaurants, this seafood-centric upgrade on the classic quesadilla is made with mixed cheese, lobster, and shrimp wrapped in flour tortillas, served with salsa, sour cream, of course, a side of fries.
Just in time for the sunny season, Friendly’s is turning up the heat (and the nostalgia), celebrating 90 years of delicious memories with the launch of its Summer Sizzle Menu, available now through September 30. This limited-time lineup brings back fan-favorite flavors, bold new bites and some particularly jaw-some treats fans have been awaiting the return of!
Back by very popular demand, and after countless social media requests, this wildly popular drink is swimming back onto the menu — the Shark in the Water is a sweet, bubbly ocean-blue mix of Sprite, blue raspberry syrup, gummy sharks and a splash of shark bait for the ultimate summer sip and fruity bite. Also making a splash is the Shark Fribble, our famous vanilla shake turned deep-sea treat with gummy sharks swimming in blue raspberry waves and drizzled with shark bait.
“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.”
(more…)
moothies and frozen yogurt are coming to Prosper with two restaurants in one: Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and co-branded Red Mango is now open at 1470 W. Frontier Pkwy. #102, with a grand opening celebration on May 17.
On the Smoothie Kitchen side, they’ll serve smoothies, juices, fruit power bowls, toasts, and grilled sandwich folds.
On the Red Mango side, they’ll serve frozen yogurt with a self-serve model featuring four flavors, two additional swirl combinations, and 13 toppings.
Smoothie Factory was founded in the 1980s; Red Mango was founded in Dallas in 2007 had has 60 locations in the U.S. and internationally. The concepts are siblings — both part of the franchise portfolio of Dallas-based franchising company Brix Holdings, LLC.
Local smoothie and frozen yogurt brands announce new store opening event featuring giveaways, raffles and fun promotions
Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, a smoothie and kitchen QSR, is celebrating the grand opening of its newest co-branded Red Mango in Prosper, Texas. The opening event is on May 17 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at 1470 W. Frontier Parkway, Suite 102. In celebration of the opening, guests can expect day-of promotions, giveaways and activities for all to enjoy.
Clean Juice Celebrates Earth Day. Clean Juice recognized and the first and only national USDA certified organic juice bar franchise offers and Earth Day Deal.
Every year, the Fischetti family hosts a posthumous birthday gathering for matriarch Genevieve in her honor.
The Fischetti family celebrated Genevieve Fischetti’s 100th birthday posthumously at Friendly’s in February 2025.Courtesy Trisha Burke and the Fischetti Family
March 21, 2025 // Franchising.com // DALLAS — Clean Juice is helping customers enhance their wellness routines with the launch of “The Relaxation One.” The new lavender-infused smoothie is designed to promote relaxation and better sleep in line with the popular “sleepmaxxing” trend.
Available for a limited time, The Relaxation One is crafted with USDA-certified organic ingredients that create a delicious and soothing blend of almond milk, blueberries, banana, avocado, honey, collagen and lavender.
Plus innovation at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Chip City Cookies, Clean Juice, HTeaO, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Kura Sushi, Moxies, Next Level Burger, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Playa Bowls, Portillo’s, Salad & Go, South Block, Tacodeli, Thirsty Lion, Tim Hortons, Torchy’s Tacos, Tous Les Jours, Velvet Taco, and Ziggi’s Coffee.
Valentine’s Day, one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, is upon us and many chains have special items, some just for a day or two, such as BJ’s, which has a special version of its signature Pizookie and of its rotating lineup of cocktails in a bathtub with a rubber duck. (more…)
“Friendly’s Famous Fried Ravioli,” is a new dish offered on the 90th anniversary menu: “Legacy in Bloom” (COURTESY FRIENDLY’S)
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