Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC today announced that Anthony M. Lavely has joined the company as EVP, Chief Marketing Officer. In his role, Lavely will be responsible for company-wide marketing, including advertising, media, field marketing, digital, public relations, and product development.
Lavely comes to Friendly’s with extensive marketing experience in the food and restaurant industry. Most recently, he worked as a consultant to Friendly’s and other foodservice companies. From 2009 to 2011, Lavely was the EVP, Chief Marketing Officer for Church’s Chicken. Prior to Church’s, he was SVP, Marketing and Franchise Development, for Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Earlier in his career, Lavely held management roles at Domino’s Pizza, Long John Silver’s, Burger King, and Sara Lee.
“We are excited to have Tony join Friendly’s. He brings years of experience, a deep knowledge of the restaurant industry, as well as strong familiarity with the Friendly’s brand,” said Jim Parrish, Chief Operating Officer of Friendly’s Ice Cream. “Tony has also worked closely with franchisees and will bring additional support to that important aspect of our business,” Parrish added.
Lavely commented, “My professional enthusiasm in joining Friendly’s is only enhanced by vivid childhood memories of Friendly’s while growing up in New England.” He added, “I’m especially eager to work with franchisees who have expanded this iconic brand to other regions.”
Lavely is a graduate of Newton (MA) High School, and Yale University. He also attended Harvard Business School Executive Program. He has served on Parents Committees at Amherst College and Colby College and on the Board of Yale Alumni Association. Tony and his wife, Wanda, are parents of three adult children and grandparents of two girls.
Friendly’s Ice Cream LLC is a new, vertically integrated restaurant company, with a legendary brand name, serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment. Together with its broad franchisee base, the company has system-wide sales of over $550 million and distribution through over 7,500 retail locations. For over 76 years, Friendly’s restaurants and dedicated service teams have delighted generations of guests. For the future, Friendly’s has plans for new food and ice cream products, enhanced buildings, and new service channels. For additional information please visit www.friendlys.com.
