Friendly's, Smoothie Factory, Trying Out Combo Shop In Vernon

VERNON, CT — Smoothie Factory has brought its first two locations to Connecticut — and the Northeast for that matter — with a new partnership with friendly's involving restaurants in Vernon and North Haven.

On Friday, Smoothie Factory formally announced the grand opening of its first two Northeast locations inside the Vernon Friendly's (103 Talcottville Road) and the North Haven Friendly's (140 Universal Drive). The have both been open for about a week.

The "store-in-store" footprint is the first from the partnership. Officials said the move is based on an extension of a current connection and "a value proposition that is faster than new construction and stronger than a ghost kitchen to deliver time-tested menu offerings."

Both locations will offer the Smoothie Factory menu for online ordering and delivery, which includes a selection of specialty smoothies and Power Bowls, made with a blend of "superfruits" and topped with whole fruits, coconut and granola.

"We are uniquely positioned to capitalize on existing real estate and increase foot traffic by using our Friendly's kitchen to prepare and serve Smoothie Factory items for online ordering and delivery," says Craig Erlich, president and CEO of Friendly’s Restaurants and BRIX Holdings, the parent company of Smoothie Holdings FC, LLC. "Now both our loyal patrons and new customers alike will have access to the best menus in both categories, with convenient online ordering."

Smoothie Factory menu items will be available to order online at both order.smoothiefactory.com and order.friendlysrestaurants.com for delivery and pickup from both Friendly’s locations, officials said.

Smoothie Factory bills itself as "the brand for athletes and everyone who is trying to lead a healthier lifestyle, aiming for the cleanest recipes while giving customers the ability to customize their smoothie to their own preference."

The smoothie menu features whole fruits and vegetables, natural options for sweeteners, and vegan and non-dairy options.

Erlich said the success of the co-branded relationship could extend to other Friendly's locations in the future following these two introductions in Connecticut.

Last fall, the iconic Friendly's restaurant and ice cream chain was sold amid a filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Friendly's parent, Massachusetts-based FIC Restaurants Inc. announced then it had reached an agreement to sell "substantially all of its assets" to New Britain-based Amici Partners Group. Amici is an entity "comprised of experienced restaurant investors and operators who have been involved with some of the most well-known (quick service) and casual dining chains for more than 25 years."

Amici is affiliated with BRIX Holdings, a multi-brand franchising company with "national and international experience in the restaurant industry." In addition to Smoothie Factory, Brix-owned brands include Red Mango Yogurt Café, Smoothie & Juice Bar, Souper Salad, RedBrick Pizza and Greenz.