Friendly’s revamps menu for SummerFest with 16 new items, including an ice cream sundae with french fries

Friendly’s, a restaurant chain I know best from my younger days as “the place you go after you did well on a math test,” has revamped its menu for summer with 16 new items, including three new, permanent items to the menu – and one of them is an ice cream sundae with french fries.

“We are thrilled to offer Friendly’s guests a range of new summer staples — perfect for creating unforgettable memories for what we all hope will be the best summer yet!” said Dawn Petite, president of Friendly’s Restaurants, via a press release provided to Guilty Eats. “Our team has worked exceptionally hard to create an exciting menu featuring beloved family favorites and new, innovative dishes, to create a summer that’s both memorable and delicious.” 

Okay, let’s talk about this because there is a ton to sift through here. First of all, it is important to note that these menu items are available now, but only until October 2, 2024 – per the name SummerFest, once October (lobster) rolls around it’s not summer anymore.

I’m going to post the full breakdown of the new items, provided by Friendly’s PR, in a second, but I wanted to highlight a few things here for you all because 16 new menu items is a lot of menu items. Heck, some restaurants only have 16 menu items!

The main item that caught my eye as a fan of “what the what” when it comes to food? The Fries N’ Ice Cream Dipper. And it is exactly what it sounds like: vanilla ice cream, covered in chocolate sauce, with french fries covered in powdered sugar on the side. Look, I’ve been known to partake in dipping fries in a shake every now and then, but this is a step up. And though there’s a level of “huh” to this dish, everyone loves fries, everyone loves an ice cream sundae… So why not? This will, by the way, join the menu as a permanent item.

Otherwise, everything looks pretty delicious, and there are plenty of fresh items featuring strawberries, watermelon, etc. But the big trend here seems to be a number of lobster items. Full disclosure: lobster does nothing for me. It may be a genetic defect, I don't know. But I’m obviously aware that people go gaga for lobster, and if you are a fan there’s a Maine Style Lobster Roll, a Connecticut Style Lobster Roll, a Lobster & Shrimp Quesadilla, and a Lobster Bisque Soup.

Can you get a scoop of lobster next to your scoop of ice cream and dip fries in it for some sort of monstrous take on surf and turf? Maybe! Ask your server!

Anyway, enough out of me. Here’s the full breakdown of the new items from Friendly’s, which I just want to mention again for no particular reason were sent to Guilty Eats by PR for the brand. You can check out all of the items at your local Friendly’s now. And if you try the fries and ice cream dish, please let us know how it is! I bet: real good.  

SummerFest Menu Items:

• Maine Style Lobster Roll: Enjoy fresh, chilled lobster meat lightly tossed in mayo served in a grilled, buttery roll.
• Connecticut Style Lobster Roll: Delicious chunks of lobster meat served warm with a side of melted butter on a classic grilled roll.
• Lobster & Shrimp Quesadilla: Grilled to perfection on the outside and melty on the inside, this craveable quesadilla is stuffed with lobster, shrimp and a mix of your favorite cheeses.
• Lobster Bisque Soup: Available in a warm bowl or a cup, this soup features savory lobster flavors in every spoonful. 
• Strawberry Salad: Spring mix with fresh strawberries, topped with walnuts, feta cheese crumbles and tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for those looking for a refreshingly light option. 
• Double Stack Burger: Nothing says “summer” like a burger with two juicy beef patties layered with melted American cheese on top of Green Leaf lettuce, Roma tomatoes and mayo on a tasty grilled potato roll. 

New Desserts:

• Sugar Cone Nachos: Friendly’s vanilla ice cream, sugar cone pieces, fresh banana and strawberries all topped with chocolate and caramel sauces sure to tantalize the taste buds.
• PBJ Croissant: A flaky croissant filled with peanut butter, grape jelly and vanilla and chocolate ice cream topped with diced Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and almonds.
• French Toast A La Mode: This dessert-style take on a popular breakfast comes drizzled in maple syrup with vanilla ice cream and bacon.
• Fresh Berry Slammer: Raspberry sherbet blended with fresh strawberry puree and seltzer water topped with whipped cream.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Fribble: Friendly’s famous Fribble® comes loaded with chocolate cheesecake and chocolate syrup, drizzled with fudge, topped with graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream.
• Strawberry Sparkler: This sweet drink for the summer heat comes with fresh strawberry puree and Sprite, topped with whipped cream. 
• Wattamelon Sherbet Cake is back by popular demand! Crafted with Friendly’s Lemon sherbet and Watermelon sherbet with chocolate chips, confectionery coating, for a sweet and refreshing bite this summer season.

New, permanent menu items:

• Fries N’ Ice Cream Dipper: This sweet and savory combo comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce and served with golden fries and powdered sugar.
• Cherries Jubilee: Vanilla ice cream with layers of graham cracker, cherry topping, caramel sauce and blood orange syrup is perfect for those who love the fruitier side of summer.
• S’Mores Sundae: Just like sitting by the campfire, this dish is served with vanilla and chocolate ice cream with graham crackers, chocolate sauce, marshmallow topping and a layer of toasted mini marshmallows.