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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K


ý

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002

OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                              to                             

Commission File No. 0-3930


FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Massachusetts
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  04-2053130
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

1855 Boston Road
Wilbraham, Massachusetts

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

01095
(Zip Code)

(413) 543-2400
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)


Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Title of class
Common Stock, $.01 par value

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o    No ý

        The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sales price of the registrant's common stock on February 3, 2003 on the American Stock Exchange was $34,835,477. For purpose of the foregoing calculation only, all members of the Board of Directors and executive officers of the registrant have been deemed affiliates. The number of shares of common stock outstanding was 7,420,695 as of February 3, 2003.

Documents incorporated by reference:

        Part III of this 10-K incorporates information by reference from the registrant's definitive proxy statement which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 29, 2002.





PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

        Friendly's, founded in 1935, was publicly held from 1968 until January 1979, at which time it was acquired by Hershey Foods Corporation ("Hershey"). In 1988, The Restaurant Company ("TRC"), an investor group led by Donald N. Smith, the Company's current Chairman of the Board, acquired Friendly's from Hershey (the "TRC Acquisition"). In November 1997, the Company completed a public offering of 5,000,000 shares of its common stock (the "Common Stock Offering") for gross proceeds of $90 million and a public offering of $200 million of Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes") (collectively, the "Offerings"). In December 2001, the Company successfully completed a financial restructuring plan (the "Refinancing Plan") which included the repayment of the $64.5 million outstanding on its term loans and revolving credit facility (the "Old Credit Facility") and the repurchase of approximately $21.3 million in Senior Notes with the proceeds from $55 million in long-term mortgage financing (the "Mortgage Financing") and a $33.7 million sale and leaseback transaction (the "Sale/Leaseback Financing"). In addition, FICC secured a new $30 million revolving credit facility. The $30 million commitment less outstanding letters of credit is available for borrowing to provide working capital and for other corporate needs (the "New Credit Facility"). In connection with the Mortgage Financing, three new limited liability corporations ("LLCs") were organized. Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is the sole member of each LLC.

        Unless the context indicates otherwise: (i) references herein to "Friendly's" or the "Company" refer to Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, its predecessors and its consolidated subsidiaries; (ii) references herein to "FICC" refer to Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and not its subsidiaries; and (iii) as used herein, "Northeast" refers to the Company's core markets, which include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Company's fiscal years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001, December 31, 2000, January 2, 2000 and December 27, 1998 are referred to herein as 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Each year included 52 weeks except 1999, which included 53 weeks.

        As of December 29, 2002, the Company owned and operated 387 full-service restaurants and franchised 156 full-service restaurants and six non-traditional units. The Company also manufactures a complete line of packaged frozen desserts distributed through more than 3,500 supermarkets and other retail locations in 14 states. Friendly's offers its customers a unique dining experience by serving a variety of high-quality, reasonably-priced breakfast, lunch and dinner items, as well as its signature frozen desserts, in a fun and casual neighborhood setting. For the year ended December 29, 2002, Friendly's generated $570.4 million in total revenues, $6.2 million of income and $59.0 million in EBITDA (as defined herein) and incurred $24.9 million of interest expense.

        Friendly's restaurants target both families with children and adults who desire a reasonably priced meal in a full-service setting. The company's menu offers a broad selection of freshly prepared foods for all dayparts. Friendly's menu currently offers over 100 food and dessert items available for breakfast, lunch and dinner plus afternoon and evening snacks. An award winning kid's menu is also available to children 12 and under. Breakfast items include specialty omelettes, breakfast SuperMelt® sandwiches plus combination breakfasts featuring eggs, pancakes, french toast and bacon/sausage. Breakfast pricing generally ranges from $3.49 to $5.99. Lunch and dinner menu items include appetizers, soups, entrée salads, Friendly's own SuperMelt® sandwiches, specialty burgers, comfort food entrees like meatloaf, turkey, BBQ chicken, steak and pasta dinners, fried chicken baskets and seafood baskets, fajitas and a special seniors menu for those over 60. Lunch and dinner pricing generally ranges between $3.49 and $9.99. Entrée selections are complimented by Friendly's ice cream desserts and

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beverages featuring Fribble® shakes, old fashioned milk shakes, classic ice cream sundaes and banana splits, plus specialty sundaes of many types and flavors. Ice cream dessert pricing generally ranges from $3.29 to $5.49. Friendly's restaurants also feature special ice cream carryout windows at most locations that are open seasonally providing carryout ice cream cones, sundaes and beverages to guests not wishing a sit-down snack experience.

        Despite the Company's capital constraints, management has implemented a number of initiatives to restore and improve operational and financial efficiencies. From the date of the TRC Acquisition through 2002, the Company (i) implemented a major revitalization of its restaurants, (ii) repositioned the Friendly's concept from a sandwich and ice cream shoppe to a full-service, family-oriented restaurant with broader menu and daypart appeal, (iii) elevated customer service levels by recruiting more qualified managers and expanding the Company's training program, (iv) disposed of 377 under-performing restaurants, (v) capitalized upon the Company's strong brand name recognition by initiating the sale of Friendly's unique line of packaged frozen desserts through retail locations and (vi) implemented a franchising strategy to extend profitably the Friendly's brand without the substantial capital required to build new restaurants. The Company has expanded its franchise operations through sales of existing restaurants, which have included development agreements, in under-penetrated markets.

        A significant component of the Company's capital investment program is the Impact initiative, which is designed to establish a consistent, enhanced Friendly's brand image across the Company's entire restaurant operations. The Company's capital spending strategy seeks to increase comparable restaurant revenues and restaurant cash flow through the on-going revitalization and re-imaging of existing restaurants. The following illustrates the key components of the Company's capital spending program.

        Restaurant Re-imaging.    The Company substantially completed the re-imaging of 36 restaurants in 2002 at a cost of approximately $170,000 per restaurant. The Company expects to complete the re-imaging of approximately 60 additional restaurants at an estimated cost of $180,000 per project during 2003.

        New Restaurant Construction.    The Company did not construct any new restaurants in 2002. The Company expects to construct two new restaurants in 2003.

        Seating Capacity Expansion Program.    Beginning with the TRC Acquisition through December 29, 2002, the Company has expanded seating capacity at 34 restaurants by approximately 50 seats on average per unit at an average cost of $294,000 per restaurant. A typical expansion includes adding 50 seats per restaurant, relocating certain equipment, redecorating the interior, changing the exterior package and increasing parking capacity where necessary and available. There were no Company expansion projects completed during 2002. The Company does not plan to complete any expansions in 2003.

        Installation of Restaurant Automation Systems.    Beginning with the TRC Acquisition through December 29, 2002, the Company has installed touch-screen point of sale ("POS") register systems in all Company-owned restaurants and franchised locations. The majority of these systems were installed at an average cost of $30,000 per restaurant. These POS register systems are designed to improve revenue realization; food cost management and labor scheduling while increasing the speed and accuracy of processing customer orders. There were no significant system upgrades or deployments in 2002. The Company expects to upgrade the register systems in all Company-owned restaurants over the next two years.

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        The Company has initiated a franchising strategy to expand its restaurant presence in under-penetrated markets, accelerate restaurant growth in new markets, increase marketing and distribution efficiencies and preempt competition by acquiring restaurant locations in the Company's targeted markets. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Friendly's Restaurants Franchise, Inc. ("FRFI") commenced operations in 1996 for the purpose of franchising various restaurant concepts. Since it began operations, FRFI has developed and now offers a franchise program for Friendly's restaurants. The Company generally seeks franchisees that have related business experience, capital adequacy to build-out the Friendly's concept and no other operations which have directly competitive restaurant or food concepts. As part of the development of its franchise business, the Company also sold existing Company-owned restaurants, known as "re-franchising." In addition to certain development and other fees, Friendly's receives (i) a royalty based on franchised restaurant revenues and (ii) revenues and earnings from the sale of Friendly's frozen desserts and other products.

        On November 13, 2002, the Company sold the real property and equipment for one franchised location and assigned the lease and sold the equipment for a second franchised location to the existing franchisee. Gross proceeds from these sales were approximately $1,300,000, of which approximately $200,000 was for the assignment of the lease. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $700,000 related to the sale in the year ended December 29, 2002.

        In 2000, the Company and its first franchisee, Davco Restaurants, Inc. ("Davco"), agreed to terminate Davco's rights as the exclusive developer of new Friendly's restaurants in Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia and northern Virginia, effective December 28, 2000. At that time, Davco had the right to close up to 16 existing franchised locations and operate the remaining 32 locations under their respective existing franchise agreements until such time as a new franchisee was found for those locations. The existing franchise agreements for the 32 locations were modified as of December 29, 2001 to allow early termination subject, however, to liquidated damages on 22 of the 32 franchise agreements. During the year ended December 30, 2001, Davco transferred its rights to three franchised locations to a third party and closed two restaurants. During the year ended December 29, 2002, Davco transferred its rights to 24 additional franchised locations to six separate third parties and closed six restaurants. As of December 29, 2002 Davco operated 13 restaurants.

        The Company has limited experience in franchising restaurants and there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to successfully locate and attract suitable franchisees or that such franchisees will have the business abilities or sufficient access to capital to open restaurants or will operate restaurants in a manner consistent with the Company's concept and standards or in compliance with franchise agreements. The success of the Company's franchising program will also be dependent upon certain other factors, certain of which are not within the control of the Company or its franchisees, including the availability of suitable sites on acceptable lease or purchase terms, permitting and regulatory compliance and general economic and business conditions.

        Through dedicated carryout areas, Friendly's restaurants offer the Company's full line of frozen desserts, including soft serve ice cream products introduced in 1999, and certain of its food menu items. Reserved parking is available at many of the Company's freestanding restaurants to facilitate quick carryout service. During 2002, approximately 10.3% of the Company's average freestanding restaurant revenues were derived from its carryout business with a significant portion of these sales occurring during the afternoon and evening snack periods. In addition, approximately 2.4% of revenues came from sales of packaged frozen desserts in display cases within its restaurants.

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        In 1989, the Company extended its premium packaged frozen dessert line from its restaurants into retail locations. The Company offers a branded product line that includes approximately 60 half-gallon varieties featuring premium ice cream shoppe flavors and unique sundae combinations, frozen yogurt, light ice cream and sherbet. Specialty flavors include Royal Banana Split™ Sundae, Chocolate Covered Berry Patch™ and Caramel Fudge Nut Blast®. Proprietary products include the Jubilee Roll®, Wattamelon Roll® and Friendly's branded ice cream cakes and pies. The Company also licenses from Hershey the right to feature certain candy brands including Reese's Pieces® and Reese's® Peanut Butter Cups.

        The Company focuses its marketing and distribution efforts in areas where it has high restaurant penetration and consumer awareness. During the initial expansion of its retail business in 1989 and 1990, Albany, Boston and Hartford/Springfield were primary markets of opportunity. The Company added the New York and Philadelphia markets to its retail distribution efforts in 1992 and 1993. Subsequently, distribution was expanded into the Ohio, Pittsburgh, Baltimore/Washington and Richmond markets.

        The Company expects to continue building its retail business in its current retail markets. In these markets, the Company intends to increase shelf space with existing accounts, add new accounts, and continue to develop its product portfolio beyond the half-gallon format. Additionally, the Company expects to continue to selectively enter new markets where its brand awareness is high according to market surveys.

        The Company has developed a broker/distributor network designed to protect product quality through proper product handling and to enhance the merchandising of the Company's frozen desserts. The Company's experienced sales force manages this network to serve specific retailer needs on a market-by-market basis.

        The Company's overall marketing strategy is to build on the equity of the brand so as to maximize and leverage its 67-year heritage and "touch" what consumers emotionally feel about Friendly's.

        The Company's marketing objectives are to increase its share of visits from heavy casual and family dining users and to build top-of-mind awareness of Friendly's advertising and the Friendly's brand. Friendly's advertising builds on the past emotive connections and experiences of families and children with the brand to present current offers and new menu items. The Company's advertising, media, promotion and product strategies are focused on delivering these objectives.

        Media is planned and purchased on a market-by-market basis to maximize the efficiencies and opportunities in each market. The Company's primary advertising medium is spot television in Friendly's major markets with radio used in the secondary markets or as a frequency builder for special events. Due to the seasonality of frozen dessert consumption, and the effect from time to time of weather on patronage of the restaurants, the Company's revenues and EBITDA are typically higher in its second and third quarters.

        Accordingly, media advertising is focused against the higher consumption months (March through December) with the highest levels during the summer period. The Company uses targeted local restaurant marketing programs to meet its marketing objectives in those markets where penetration does not allow for broadcast media advertising.

        The Company believes that its integrated restaurant and retail (supermarket) marketing efforts provide significant support for the development of its retail business. Specifically, the retail business benefits from the overall awareness of the Friendly's brand generated by the ongoing restaurant

5



advertising program. This combined with the use of a common advertising campaign for both restaurant and retail communications delivers a significantly higher level of consumer exposure and usage compared to the Company's packaged frozen dessert competitors, which have only retail distribution. In turn, sales of the Company's frozen dessert products through more than 3,500 retail locations provide additional consumer awareness which management believes benefit the restaurants. Advertising and promotion expenditures were approximately $20.0 million for 2002.

        Food service businesses are often affected by changes in consumer tastes, national, regional and local economic conditions, demographic trends, traffic patterns, the cost and availability of labor, purchasing power, availability of products and the type, number and location of competing restaurants. The Company could also be substantially adversely affected by publicity resulting from food quality, illness, injury or other health concerns, alleged discrimination or other operating issues stemming from one location or a limited number of locations, whether or not the Company is liable. In addition, factors such as increased cost of goods, regional weather conditions and the potential scarcity of experienced management and hourly employees may also adversely affect the food service industry in general and the results of operations and financial condition of the Company.

        As of December 29, 2002, the Company produced most of its frozen desserts in its Wilbraham, MA Company-owned manufacturing plant, which employed a total of approximately 200 people. During 2002, the Wilbraham plant operated at an average capacity of 87%, attaining 90% capacity for the months of June through August, and produced (i) over 17.3 million gallons of ice cream, sherbets and yogurt in bulk and half-gallons, (ii) 6.1 million sundae cups, (iii) 1.9 million frozen dessert rolls, pies and cakes and (iv) 1.1 million gallons of fountain syrups and toppings. The quality of the Company's products is important both to sustain Friendly's image and to enable the Company to satisfy customer expectations. Wherever possible, the Company "engineers in" quality by installing modern processes such as computerized mix-making equipment and monitoring devices to ensure all storage tanks and rooms are kept at proper temperatures for maximum quality.

        The primary raw materials for the manufacture of the Company's frozen desserts are dairy components and sweeteners. The Company's purchasing department procures other food products such as coffee, beef, pork and poultry in large quantities and uses commodity option contracts to hedge its positions on many of the agricultural commodities. Additionally, the Company will forward-contract where appropriate for as long as two-year periods of time. Since not all of the Company's purchases are hedgeable or have adequate open interest to fully hedge the Company's needs, sudden price increases will pose substantial price risks, such as that which occurred in 1998 to the price of cream, which could have a material adverse affect on the Company in the future.

        The purchasing department in conjunction with the Company's product development department evaluates the cost and quality of all major food items on a rotating schedule basis. The purchases of food and raw materials are made through numerous vendors, many with which the Company has a long-term relationship. Purchase contracts are executed with vendors on an annual, semi-annual, or monthly basis depending on the nature of the item to be purchased and the opportunities within the marketplace. In order to promote competitive pricing and uninterrupted supply, the Company routinely works with prospective vendors on existing products as well as on items that may make up a new menu offering. In order to maximize its purchasing power, the Company purchases directly from manufacturers and service providers and avoids as much as possible any third party participation.

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        The Company owns one distribution center and leases two others. The Company opened a new distribution facility in May 1999 in York, PA under an operating lease. The Company distributes most product lines to its restaurants, and its packaged frozen desserts to its retail customers, from warehouses in Chicopee and Wilbraham, MA and York, PA with a combined non-union workforce of approximately 200 employees. The Company's private truck fleet delivers most of the product lines required to 97% of the restaurants. During 2000 the Company contracted with a third party distributor to provide distribution services to restaurants located in the Florida market. Since May 1999, the Company has extended its distribution product lines to also include fresh produce and dairy items. The Company is currently distributing produce and dairy products to approximately 71% of its restaurants. The Chicopee, Wilbraham and York warehouses encompass approximately 60,000, 109,000 and 86,000 square feet, respectively. The Company believes that these distribution facilities operate at or above industry standards with respect to timeliness and accuracy of deliveries.

        The Company has distributed its products since its inception to protect the product integrity of its frozen desserts. The Company delivers products to most restaurants using its own fleet of tractors and trailers. The entire fleet is specially built to be compatible with storage access doors, thus protecting frozen desserts from "temperature shock." The trailer fleet is designed to have individual temperature control for three distinct compartments. To provide additional economies to the Company, the truck fleet backhauls on over 35% of its delivery trips, bringing the Company's purchased raw materials and finished products back to the distribution centers.

        The average Friendly's restaurant employs between two and four management team members, which may include one General Manager, one Assistant Manager, one Guest Service Supervisor and one General Manager Candidate. The General Manager is directly responsible for day-to-day operations. General Managers report to a District Manager who typically has responsibility for an average of seven to eight restaurants. District Managers report to a Regional Director who typically has responsibility for approximately 60 to 70 restaurants. Regional Directors report to the Senior Vice President, Restaurant Operations who oversees all Company and franchise restaurants.

        The average Friendly's restaurant is staffed with four to 28 employees per shift, including the salaried restaurant management. Shift staffing levels vary by sales volume level, building configuration and time of day. The average restaurant typically utilized approximately 40,000 hourly-wage labor hours in 2002 in addition to salaried management.

        The total number of employees at the Company varies between 15,000 and 18,000 depending on the season of the year. As of December 29, 2002, the Company employed approximately 15,000 employees, of which approximately 14,000 were employed in Friendly's restaurants (including approximately 50 in field management), approximately 350 were employed at the Company's manufacturing and two distribution facilities and approximately 300 were employed at the Company's corporate headquarters and other offices. None of the Company's employees is a party to a collective bargaining agreement.

        The Company is the owner or licensee of the trademarks and service marks (the "Marks") used in its business. The Marks "Friendly®" and "Friendly's®" are owned by the Company pursuant to registrations with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the "PTO"). The Mark Friendly's is critically important to the Company and, subject to the Company's continued use of that Mark, the Company

7


has the right to perpetually renew the federal registration of such Mark with the PTO which the Company intends to exercise.

        Upon the sale of the Company by Hershey in 1988, all of the Marks used in the Company's business at that time which did not contain the word "Friendly" as a component of such Marks (the "1988 Non-Friendly Marks"), such as Fribble®, Fishamajig® and Clamboat®, were licensed by Hershey to the Company. The 1988 Non-Friendly Marks license had a term of 40 years expiring on September 2, 2028. Such license included a prepaid license fee for the term of the license. The license was renewable at the Company's option for an additional term of 40 years and had a license renewal fee of $20.0 million. In September 2002, Hershey assigned the 1988 Non-Friendly Marks to the Company.

        Hershey also entered into non-exclusive licenses with the Company for certain candy trademarks used by the Company in its frozen dessert sundae cups (the "Cup License") and pints (the "Pint License"). The Cup License and Pint License automatically renew for unlimited one-year terms subject to certain nonrenewal rights held by both parties. Hershey is subject to a noncompete provision in the sundae cup business for a period of two years if the Cup License is terminated by Hershey without cause, provided that the Company maintains its current level of market penetration in the sundae cup business. However, Hershey is not subject to a noncompete provision if it terminates the Pint License without cause.

        The Company also has a non-exclusive license agreement with Leaf, Inc. ("Leaf") for use of the Heath® Bar candy trademark. The term of the royalty-free Leaf license continues indefinitely subject to termination by Leaf upon 60 days notice. Excluding the Marks subject to the licenses with Hershey and Leaf, the Company is the owner of its Marks.

        The restaurant business is highly competitive and is affected by changes in the public's eating habits and preferences, population trends and traffic patterns, as well as by local and national economic conditions affecting consumer spending habits, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Key competitive factors in the industry are the quality and value of the food products offered, quality and speed of service, attractiveness of facilities, advertising, name brand awareness and image and restaurant location. Each of the Company's restaurants competes directly or indirectly with locally-owned restaurants as well as restaurants with national or regional images and, to a limited extent, restaurants operated by its franchisees. A number of the Company's significant competitors are larger or more diversified and have substantially greater resources than the Company. The Company's retail operations compete with national and regional manufacturers of frozen desserts, many of which have greater financial resources and more established channels of distribution than the Company. Key competitive factors in the retail food business include brand awareness, access to retail locations, price and quality.

        The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting its business. Each Friendly's restaurant is subject to licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, safety, sanitation, building and fire agencies in the state or municipality in which the restaurant is located. Difficulties in obtaining or failures to obtain required licenses or approvals, or the loss of such licenses and approvals once obtained, can delay, prevent the opening of, or close, a restaurant in a particular area. The Company is also subject to federal and state environmental regulations, but these have not had a material adverse effect on the Company's operations.

        The Company's relationship with its current and potential franchisees is governed by the laws of the several states which regulate substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship.

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Substantive state laws that regulate the franchisor-franchisee relationship presently exist or are being considered in a significant number of states, and bills may be introduced in Congress, which would provide for federal regulation of substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. These current and proposed franchise relationship laws limit, among other things, the rights of a franchisor to approve the transfer of a franchise, the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise and the ability of a franchisor to designate sources of supply.

        The Company's restaurant operations are also subject to federal and state laws governing such matters as wages, hours, working conditions, civil rights and eligibility to work. Some states have set minimum wage requirements higher than the federal level. Significant numbers of hourly personnel at the Company's restaurants are paid at rates related to the federal minimum wage and, accordingly, increases in the minimum wage at a federal and/or state level could increase labor costs at the Company's restaurants. Other governmental initiatives such as mandated health insurance, if implemented, could adversely affect the Company as well as the restaurant industry in general. The Company is also subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which, among other things, may require certain renovations to its restaurants to meet federally-mandated requirements. The cost of these renovations is not expected to be material to the Company.

        Statements contained herein that are not historical facts constitute "forward looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated. These factors include the Company's highly competitive business environment, exposure to commodity prices, risks associated with the foodservice industry, the ability to retain and attract new employees, government regulations, the Company's high geographic concentration in the Northeast and its attendant weather patterns, conditions needed to meet restaurant re-imaging and new opening targets and risks associated with improved service and other initiatives. Other factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward looking statements contained herein and that may affect the Company's prospects in general are included in the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        Our Internet website address is http://www.friendlys.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available through our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Our Internet website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Item 2. PROPERTIES

        The table below identifies the location of the 543 restaurants operating as of December 29, 2002.

 
  Company-Owned/Leased
  Franchised Restaurants
   
State
  Freestanding
Restaurants

  Other
Restaurants(a)

  Leased/Owned
by Franchisee

  Leased to
Franchisees
by FICC

  Total
Restaurants

Connecticut   37   10       47
Delaware       5   2   7
Florida   11     2     13
Maine   12         12
Maryland       18   8   26
Massachusetts   93   27   3     123
New Hampshire   12   4       16
New Jersey   35   11   14     60
New York   30   13   69   3   115
North Carolina       1     1
Ohio   21   1   1   2   25
Pennsylvania   38   9   14   1   62
Rhode Island   5         5
South Carolina       4     4
Vermont   9   1       10
Virginia   8     6   3   17
   
 
 
 
 
Total   311   76   137   19   543
   
 
 
 
 

(a)
Includes primarily malls and strip centers.

        The 311 freestanding restaurants range in size from approximately 2,400 square feet to approximately 5,000 square feet. The 76 mall and strip center restaurants range in size from approximately 2,200 square feet to approximately 4,500 square feet. Of the 387 restaurants operated by the Company at December 29, 2002, the Company owned the buildings and the land for 113 restaurants, owned the buildings and leased the land for 93 restaurants and leased both the buildings and the land for 181 restaurants. The Company's leases generally provide for the payment of fixed monthly rentals and related occupancy costs (e.g., property taxes and insurance). Additionally, most mall and strip center leases require the payment of common area maintenance charges and incremental rent of between 3% and 6% of the restaurant's sales.

        In addition to the Company's restaurants, the Company owns an approximately 260,000 square foot facility on 46 acres in Wilbraham, MA which houses the corporate headquarters, a manufacturing and distribution facility and a warehouse. The Company leases (i) an approximately 60,000 square foot distribution facility in Chicopee, MA, (ii) an approximately 86,000 square foot distribution and office facility in York, PA and (iii) on a short term basis, an approximately 40,000 square foot facility in Ludlow, MA and space for its divisional and regional offices, its training and development center and other support facilities.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        From time to time the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company is not party to any pending legal proceedings other than routine litigation incidental to its business. The Company does not believe that the resolutions of these claims will have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or consolidated results of operations.

Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SHAREHOLDERS

        None

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

        The executive officers of the Company and their respective ages and positions with the Company are as follows:

        John L. Cutter, 58, has been the Chief Executive Officer and President since February 14, 2003. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer from December 1998 through February 14, 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Cutter served as Chief Operating Officer at Boston Chicken, Inc. from 1997 through October 1998. From 1993 through 1997, he served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Boston Chicken Golden Gate, LLC, a franchisee of Boston Chicken, Inc. From 1991 through 1993, Mr. Cutter held the position of President and Chief Operating Officer for Nanco Restaurants, Inc. Prior to 1991, Mr. Cutter held the position of Group President at Saga Corporation/American Restaurant Group, Inc.

        Paul V. Hoagland, 50, has been the Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer since February 14, 2003. He served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Clerk from May 2001 through February 14, 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hoagland served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with New England Restaurant Company, Inc. from 1992 to 2001. He also held a variety of executive positions with Burger King Corporation/Grand Metropolitan, including Vice President Finance—European Division and concluded his tenure with them as the Operations Vice President for the Northeastern region. Mr. Hoagland began his career as a Controller for the I.T.T. Continental Baking Company.

        Michael A. Maglioli, 57, has been Senior Vice President, Restaurant Operations since January 2002. He served as Vice President, Restaurant Operations from March 2000 to December 2001. Mr. Maglioli has been employed in various capacities with the Company since 1968. Mr. Maglioli's duties have included Restaurant Manager, District Manager, Division Manager, Regional Director and Regional Vice President.

        Garrett J. Ulrich, 52, has been Vice President, Human Resources since September 1991. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ulrich held the position of Vice President, Human Resources for Dun & Bradstreet Information Services, North America from 1988 to 1991. From 1978 to 1988, Mr. Ulrich held various Human Resource executive and managerial positions at Pepsi Cola Company, a division of PepsiCo.

        Allan J. Okscin, 51, has been Corporate Controller since 1989 and has been employed in various capacities with the Company since 1977. Mr. Okscin's duties have included Assistant Controller and several managerial positions in Financial Reporting, Financial Services and Internal Auditing. Mr. Okscin is a certified public accountant.

        Aaron B. Parker, 45, has been Vice President, General Counsel and Clerk since 2001. He served as Associate General Counsel and Clerk of the Company from 1997 to 2001. He also served as Associate General Counsel and Assistant Clerk of the Company from 1989 to 1997, as well as the Company's Managing Director of International Business from 1994 to 1996. Mr. Parker served as Special Counsel to TRC from 1986 to 1996. Mr. Parker served as Associate General Counsel of TRC and its predecessors from 1986 through 1988. Prior to joining TRC, Mr. Parker was in private practice with the law firm of Wildman, Harrold, Allen, Dixon & McDonnell.

11



PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS

        On January 3, 2000, the Company was notified by The Nasdaq-Amex Group, a NASD Company, that the Company's shares, which were traded on the NASDAQ National Market, had failed to maintain a minimum bid price of $5.00 per share or greater for 30 consecutive trading days as required under NASDAQ rules. Since the Company's shares listed on NASDAQ did not trade at $5.00 or above for at least ten consecutive trading days before April 3, 2000, the Company's shares were de-listed from NASDAQ. Effective June 8, 2000, the Company's Common Stock began trading on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) under the symbol "FRN". The following table sets forth the closing high and low sale price per share of the Company's Common Stock for the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively:


MARKET PRICE OF COMMON STOCK

 
  High
  Low
2002
           
First Quarter   $ 7.11   $ 4.00
Second Quarter     8.84     6.40
Third Quarter     7.98     7.03
Fourth Quarter     7.45     5.00

2001


 

 

 

 

 

 
First Quarter   $ 3.38   $ 1.60
Second Quarter     2.75     1.60
Third Quarter     3.44     2.37
Fourth Quarter     5.15     2.30

        The number of shareholders of record of the Company's Common Stock as of February 3, 2003 was 633.

        The Company currently intends to retain its earnings to finance future growth and, therefore, does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common Stock in the foreseeable future. Any determination as to the payment of dividends will depend upon the future results of operations, capital requirements and financial condition of the Company and its subsidiaries and such other facts as the Board of Directors of the Company may consider, including any contractual or statutory restrictions on the Company's ability to pay dividends. The Company's New Credit Facility and the Indenture relating to its Senior Notes each limit the Company's ability to pay dividends on its Common Stock, and the Company is currently prohibited from paying any dividends (other than stock dividends) under these provisions. The Company has not paid any dividends in the last five years.

12


Item 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        The following table sets forth selected consolidated historical financial information of FICC and its subsidiaries, which has been derived from the Company's audited Consolidated Financial Statements for each of the five most recent years ended December 29, 2002. This information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere herein. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the basis of the presentation and significant accounting policies of the consolidated historical financial information set forth below. No dividends were declared or paid for any period presented.

 
  Fiscal Year(a)
 
(In thousands, except per share data)

  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
 
   
  (restated)
  (restated)
  (restated)
  (restated)
 
Statement of Operations Data:                                
Revenues:                                
  Restaurant   $ 454,569   $ 447,953   $ 508,976   $ 618,433   $ 595,308  
  Foodservice     106,331     95,368     76,635     57,483     51,819  
  Franchise     9,472     9,174     8,710     4,968     3,769  
  International                 23     301  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues     570,372     552,495     594,321     680,907     651,197  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Costs and expenses:                                
  Cost of sales     202,418     197,846     196,181     206,293     204,786  
  Labor and benefits     161,647     157,312     187,641     228,492     211,581  
  Operating expenses     111,830     106,444     117,414     137,160     127,297  
  General and administrative expenses (b)     36,461     36,312     41,233     46,413     44,965  
  (Reversal of restructuring expenses) restructuring expenses, net (c)     (400 )   636     12,056          
  Relocation of manufacturing and distribution facility (d)                 1,175     945  
  Write-downs of property and equipment (c, e)     976     800     20,834     1,913     1,132  
  Depreciation and amortization     24,521     29,027     30,750     34,989     33,449  
Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties (f)     (675 )   (4,591 )   (5,307 )   (2,574 )   (1,005 )
Loss (gain) on sales of other property and equipment, net     578     (2,021 )   (5,507 )   (534 )   (193 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)     33,016     30,730     (974 )   27,580     28,240  
Interest expense, net (g)     24,870     27,310     31,053     33,694     31,838  
(Recovery of write-down of) write-down of and equity in net loss of joint venture (h)                 (896 )   4,828  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before (provision for) benefit from income taxes, extra-ordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     8,146     3,420     (32,027 )   (5,218 )   (8,426 )
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes     (1,959 )   (300 )   21,221     5,937     3,455  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principles     6,187     3,120     (10,806 )   719     (4,971 )
Extraordinary item, net of income tax effect (i)         547              
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax effect (j)                 (319 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)   $ 6,187   $ 3,667   $ (10,806 ) $ 400   $ (4,971 )
   
 
 
 
 
 

13


 
  Fiscal Year(a)
 
 
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
 
Basic income (loss) per share:                                
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   $ 0.84   $ 0.43   $ (1.45 ) $ 0.09   $ (0.67 )
  Extraordinary item, net of income tax effect         0.07              
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax effect                 (0.04 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Net income (loss)   $ 0.84   $ 0.50   $ (1.45 ) $ 0.05   $ (0.67 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted income (loss) per share:                                
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   $ 0.82   $ 0.43   $ (1.45 ) $ 0.09   $ (0.67 )
  Extraordinary item, net of income tax effect         0.07              
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax effect                 (0.04 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
  Net income (loss)   $ 0.82   $ 0.50   $ (1.45 ) $ 0.05   $ (0.67 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Other Data:                                
EBITDA (k)   $ 59,044   $ 60,855   $ 51,137   $ 65,045   $ 63,543  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     32,471     15,472     (2,961 )   34,551     32,865  
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (11,614 )   42,753     25,049     (22,775 )   (48,320 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (2,858 )   (56,467 )   (19,566 )   (10,738 )   11,405  
Capital expenditures:                                
Cash   $ 17,877   $ 13,922   $ 18,773   $ 41,388   $ 51,172  
Non-cash (l)     215         3,674         608  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital expenditures   $ 18,092   $ 13,922   $ 22,447   $ 41,388   $ 51,780  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

  January 2,
2000

  December 27,
1998

 
Balance Sheet Data:                                
Working capital (deficit)   $ 568   $ (19,359 ) $ (35,429 ) $ (47,824 ) $ (30,657 )
Total assets   $ 257,198   $ 252,562   $ 297,686   $ 356,370   $ 374,548  
Total long-term debt and capital lease obligations, excluding current maturities   $ 236,874   $ 239,064   $ 283,658   $ 300,345   $ 320,806  
Total stockholders' deficit   $ (103,702 ) $ (96,014 ) $ (99,983 ) $ (89,705 ) $ (90,601 )

Note: The Company has restated its revenues and operating expenses for all previous years presented due to a change in classification of certain retail selling expenses against retail revenue. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(a)
1999 included 53 weeks of operations. All other years presented included 52 weeks of operations.

(b)
General and administrative expenses included stock compensation expense of $531, $298, $527, $563 and $722 for 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

(c)
In March 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan that provided for the immediate closing of 81 restaurants at the end of March 2000 and the disposition of an additional 70 restaurants over the next 24 months. As a result of this plan, the Company reported a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $12,100 for severance, rent, utilities and real estate taxes, demarking, lease termination costs and certain other costs associated with the closing of the locations, along with a pre-tax write-down of property and equipment for these locations of approximately $17,000 in the year ended December 31, 2000. The Company reduced the restructuring reserve by $1,900 and $400 during the years ended December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002, respectively, since the reserve exceeded estimated remaining payments.

14


(d)
Costs associated with the relocation of manufacturing and distribution operations from Troy, OH to Wilbraham, MA and York, PA.

(e)
In March 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan that provided for the immediate closing of 81 restaurants at the end of March 2000 and the disposition of an additional 70 restaurants over the next 24 months. The Company determined that the carrying values of certain of these properties exceeded their estimated fair values less costs to sell. Accordingly, the carrying values of 69 of the 81 locations closed at the end of March 2000 were reduced by an aggregate of $7,800 and the carrying values of 64 of the 70 locations which were to be disposed of over the next 24 months were reduced by an aggregate of $9,200. In addition to these properties, it was determined during 2000 that the carrying values of certain other properties exceeded their estimated fair values less costs to sell. The carrying values of these 12 properties were reduced by an aggregate of $2,700 and the carrying values of eight properties leased to Davco were reduced by $1,100. 1998 included a $220 write-down related to equipment as a result of the closing of the Company's United Kingdom operations. All other write-downs of property and equipment related to property and equipment to be disposed of in the normal course of the Company's operations.

(f)
Net gains recorded in connection with sales of equipment, operating rights and properties to franchisees.

(g)
Interest expense was net of capitalized interest of $0, $93, $109, $397 and $525 and interest income of $808, $581, $219, $132 and $278 for 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

(h)
During 1999, the Company recovered approximately $827 of cash and $69 of equipment from its previous joint venture partner. 1998 included a $3,486 write-down of the investment in and advances to the joint venture to net realizable value based on the Company's decision to discontinue its direct investment in the joint venture. The Company's share of the joint venture's loss in 1998 was $1,342.

(i)
Extraordinary item, net represents the $4,255 gain on the repurchase of Senior Notes net of (i) $2,806 of deferred financing costs which were expensed as a result of the repayment of Tranche A of the term loans in July 2001 and the repayment of the Old Credit Facility and the repurchase of $21,300 of Senior Notes in December 2001, (ii) $522 of expenses associated with releasing mortgages, etc. in connection with the repayment of the Old Credit Facility and (iii) $380 of income taxes.

(j)
Related to a change in accounting principle for pre-opening costs in 1999.

(k)
EBITDA represents net income (loss) before (i) extraordinary item, net of income tax effect, (ii) cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax effect, (iii) (provision for) benefit from income taxes, (iv) (recovery of write-down of) write-down of and equity in net loss of joint venture, (v) interest expense, net, (vi) depreciation and amortization, (vii) write-downs of property and equipment and (viii) other non-cash items. The Company has included information concerning EBITDA in this Form 10-K because it believes that such information is used by certain investors as one measure of a Company's historical ability to service debt. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, earnings from operations or other traditional indications of a Company's operating performance.

(l)
Non-cash capital expenditures represent the cost of assets acquired through the incurrence of capital lease obligations.

15


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related Notes thereto included elsewhere herein.

        The Company's revenues are derived primarily from the operation of full-service restaurants, the distribution and sale of frozen desserts through retail and institutional locations and franchising. Friendly's owns and operates 387 full-service restaurants, franchises 156 full-service restaurants and six non-traditional units and manufactures a full line of frozen desserts distributed through more than 3,500 supermarkets and other retail locations in 14 states. The Company was publicly held from 1968 until January 1979, at which time it was acquired by Hershey Foods Corporation ("Hershey"). Under Hershey's ownership, the number of Company restaurants increased from 601 to 849. Hershey subsequently sold the Company in September 1988 to The Restaurant Company ("TRC") in a highly-leveraged transaction (the "TRC Acquisition").

        Following is a summary of the Company-owned and franchised units:

 
  For the Three Months Ended
  For the Year Ended
 
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Company Units:                  
Beginning of period   389   394   393   449  
Openings     1     1  
Re-franchised closings     (2 )   (41 )
Closings   (2 )   (6 ) (16 )
   
 
 
 
 
End of Period   387   393   387   393  
   
 
 
 
 

Franchised Units:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Beginning of period   162   166   167   127  
Re-franchised openings     2     41  
Openings   1     5   4  
Closings   (1 ) (1 ) (10 ) (5 )
   
 
 
 
 
End of Period   162   167   162   167  
   
 
 
 
 

        Beginning in 1989, the new management focused on improving operating performance through revitalizing and renovating restaurants, upgrading and expanding the menu and improving management hiring, training, development and retention. Also in 1989, the Company introduced its signature frozen desserts into retail locations in the Northeast. Since the beginning of 1989, 47 new restaurants have been opened while 377 under-performing restaurants have been closed and 131 restaurants have been refranchised.

        The high leverage associated with the TRC Acquisition has severely impacted the liquidity and profitability of the Company. As of December 29, 2002, the Company had a stockholders' deficit of $103.7 million. Cumulative net interest expense of $539.2 million since the TRC Acquisition has significantly contributed to the deficit. The Company's net income in 2002 of $6.2 million included $24.9 million of interest expense, net. The degree to which the Company is leveraged could have important consequences, including the following: (i) potential impairment of the Company's ability to obtain additional financing in the future; (ii) because borrowings under the Company's New Credit Facility and Mortgage Financing in part bear interest at floating rates, the Company could be adversely affected by any increase in prevailing rates; (iii) the Company is more leveraged than certain of its

16



principal competitors, which may place the Company at a competitive disadvantage; and (iv) the Company's substantial leverage may limit its ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions and make it more vulnerable to a downturn in general economic conditions.

        The Company's revenue, EBITDA and operating income have improved significantly since the TRC Acquisition. With the closing of 377 restaurants, average revenue per restaurant has increased 71.4% from $0.7 million in 1989 to $1.2 million in 2002. Foodservice operations manufactures frozen dessert products and distributes such manufactured products and purchased finished goods to both Company-owned and franchised restaurants. Additionally, it sells frozen dessert products to distributors and retail and institutional locations. Foodservice (franchise, retail and institutional) revenues have also increased from $1.4 million in 1989 to $106.3 million and franchise revenues were $9.5 million in 2002. EBITDA has increased 24.5% from $47.4 million in 1989 to $59.0 million in 2002. As a result of the closing of under-performing restaurants, the costs associated with the March 2000 restructuring, the growth of foodservice and other businesses and the commencement in July 1997 of the Company's franchising program, period-to-period comparisons may not be meaningful. Largely as a result of its high leverage and interest expense, the Company has reported net income (loss) of $6.2 million, $3.7 million, ($10.8 million), $0.4 million and ($5.0 million) for 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

        During the audit of 2002 results, it was determined that previously reported revenues and operating expenses should be reclassified. Certain retail selling expenses, which were previously included in operating expenses, should have been offset against revenues. This restatement did not result in any change to operating income (loss), net income (loss) or basic and diluted net income (loss) per share. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

        Total revenues increased $17.9 million, or 3.2%, to $570.4 million in 2002 from $552.5 million in 2001. Restaurant revenues increased $6.6 million, or 1.5%, to $454.6 million in 2002 from $448.0 million in 2001. The increase is largely the result of a 6.0% increase in comparable restaurant revenues from 2001 to 2002. Partially offsetting this increase was a decrease in restaurant revenues of $20.2 million due to the closing of 22 under-performing restaurants and the re-franchising of 41 additional locations over the past 24 months. Closing of restaurants accounted for $4.0 million of the restaurant revenue decline and re-franchising reduced restaurant revenues by an additional $16.2 million. Revenues from one location, opened in late 2001, contributed $1.5 million in additional restaurant revenue in 2002. Foodservice (product sales to franchisees, retail and institutional) and other revenues increased by $10.9 million, or 11.4%, to $106.3 million in 2002 from $95.4 million in 2001. Product sales to franchised restaurants grew by $7.4 million and sales to foodservice retail supermarket customers rose by $3.5 million. On May 1, 2001, foodservice decreased its ice cream pricing to all restaurants. This resulted in decreased foodservice revenues of 1.0% and 2.4% for the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively. Franchise revenue increased $0.3 million, or 3.2%, to $9.5 million in 2002 compared to $9.2 million in 2001. The increase is largely the result of the increase in comparable franchised restaurant revenues in 2002 when compared to 2001. There were 162 franchise units open at the end of 2002 compared to 167 franchise units open at the end of 2001. During the year, five new franchised restaurants were opened and ten were closed.

17


        Cost of sales increased $4.6 million, or 2.3%, to $202.4 million in 2002 from $197.8 million in 2001. Cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 35.5% in 2002 from 35.8% in 2001. The cost of cream, the principal ingredient used in making ice cream, was lower in 2002 when compared to 2001. Partially offsetting the cream benefit was a shift in sales mix from Company-owned restaurant sales to Foodservice sales. Foodservice sales to franchisees and retail customers have a higher food cost as a percentage of revenue than sales in Company-owned restaurants to restaurant patrons. At Company-owned restaurants, cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant revenues improved.

        The cost of cream, the principal ingredient used in making ice cream, affects cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues, especially in foodservice's retail business. A $0.10 increase in the cost of a pound of AA butter adversely affects the Company's annual cost of sales by approximately $1.1 million, which may be offset by a price increase or other factors. To minimize risk, alternative supply sources continue to be pursued. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to offset any cost increases in the future and future increases in cream prices could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.

        Labor and benefit expenses increased $4.3 million, or 2.8%, to $161.6 million in 2002 from $157.3 million in 2001. Labor and benefits as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 28.3% in 2002 from 28.5% in 2001. The lower labor cost as a percentage of total revenue is partially the result of revenue increases derived from franchised locations and foodservice retail supermarket customers, which do not have any associated restaurant labor and benefits. Labor and benefits as a percentage of restaurant revenues increased to 35.6% for the year ended December 29, 2002 from 35.1% for 2001. During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company introduced a training program called "Friendly you bet we are." The cost of this program and the ongoing initiatives to improve customer service had an unfavorable impact on the year-on-year comparison. Fringe benefit costs were also higher in 2002. The closing of 22 under-performing Company-owned units over the past 24 months had a favorable impact on the relationship of restaurant labor and benefits to restaurant sales as well as to total revenues.

        Operating expenses increased $5.4 million, or 5.1%, to $111.8 million in 2002 from $106.4 million in 2001. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 19.6% and 19.3% in 2002 and 2001, respectively. The increased dollars primarily resulted from higher costs for restaurant rent associated with the December 2001 Sale/Leaseback Financing in 2002 when compared to 2001. Restaurant maintenance expense in 2002 was also higher than 2001 reflecting ongoing efforts to improve the guest's experience. Restaurant utility costs were lower in 2002 when compared to 2001.

        General and administrative expenses were $36.5 million and $36.3 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 6.4% in 2002 from 6.6% in 2001. The increase in expense over 2001 is primarily the result of a $1.7 million increase in bonus and stock compensation which was mostly offset by the elimination of certain management and administrative positions associated with the Company's closing of 22 locations and the re-franchising of 41 locations over the past 24 months. In October 2001, the Company eliminated approximately 70 positions at corporate headquarters. The Company also has a hiring freeze at its corporate headquarters. The benefit recorded from the pension plan was lower in 2002 when compared to 2001.

18


        As a result of the above and the gains (losses) on franchise and other property sales below, EBITDA (EBITDA represents net income before (i) extraordinary item, net (ii) provision for income taxes, (iii) interest expense, net, (iv) depreciation and amortization, (v) write-downs of property and equipment and (vi) other non-cash items) decreased $1.9 million, or 3.1%, to $59.0 million for the year ended December 29, 2002 from $60.9 million for 2001. EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues was 10.4% and 11.0% for 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        Recovery of restructuring expenses were ($0.4) million for the year ended December 29, 2002 as compared to restructuring expenses of $0.6 million for the year ended December 30, 2001. The Company reduced the restructuring reserve by $0.4 million during 2002 since the reserve exceeded estimated remaining payments. The 2001 restructuring costs were the result of the costs associated with the Company eliminating approximately 100 corporate headquarters and construction positions. The purpose of the reduction was to streamline functions and reduce redundancy among its business segments. The Company believes the outsourcing of such activities will be more cost effective in the future. Included in these costs were severance, rent on the facility used for construction and fabrication until lease termination, and other miscellaneous costs. The expense reported in 2001 included $2.5 million associated with the elimination of headquarters and construction positions in 2001 partially offset by a $1.9 million reduction in the 2000 restructuring charge. The reduction of the 2000 charge in 2001 was the result of the reserve exceeding estimated remaining payments. The estimated reserve requirement was lower primarily due to earlier than anticipated lease terminations.

        Write-downs of property and equipment were $1.0 million and $0.8 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively. During 2002 and 2001, it was determined that the carrying values of nine properties exceeded their estimated fair values less costs to sell.

        Depreciation and amortization decreased $4.5 million, or 15.5%, to $24.5 million in 2002 from $29.0 million in 2001. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of total revenues was 4.3% and 5.3% in 2002 and 2001, respectively. The reduction reflects the impact on depreciation associated with the December 2001 Sale/Leaseback Financing whereby the real property at 44 restaurants was sold. Additionally, 22 locations were closed and 41 locations were re-franchised over the past 24 months.

        Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties was $0.7 million in 2002 and $4.6 million in 2001. During 2002, the Company sold the real property and equipment for one franchised location and assigned the lease and sold the equipment for a second franchised location to the existing franchisee resulting in a gain of approximately $0.7 million. The Company recognized a gain of $4.3 million associated with the sale of 31 restaurants to a franchisee and sold certain assets and rights in ten other restaurants to three additional franchisees during 2001.

        The loss on sales of other property and equipment, net was $0.6 million in 2002 as compared to a gain of ($2.0) million in 2001. The loss during 2002 resulted from the sale of idle land and two closed locations as well as the disposal of equipment being replaced as part of the Company's re-imaging

19


projects. These losses were largely offset by a gain of $1.3 million on the sale of six closed locations. The gain in 2001 primarily resulted from the sale of 24 closed locations.

        Interest expense, net of capitalized interest and interest income, decreased by $2.4 million, or 8.9%, to $24.9 million in 2002 from $27.3 million in 2001. The decrease was primarily impacted by the decrease in average outstanding debt in 2002 compared to 2001. Total outstanding debt, including capital lease obligations, was reduced from $242.0 million at December 30, 2001 to $239.0 million at December 29, 2002.

        The provision for income taxes was $2.0 million, an effective tax rate of 24.0%, in 2002 compared to $0.3 million, or 8.8%, for 2001. The Company records income taxes based on the effective rate expected for the year with any changes in the valuation allowance reflected in the period of change. In 2001, the provision for income taxes was favorably impacted by reductions in the valuation allowance on state net operating loss carryforwards and state tax credits that resulted from the Company's refinancing in December 2001.

        Extraordinary item, net represents the $4.3 million gain on the repurchase of Senior Notes net of (i) $2.9 million of deferred financing costs which were expensed as a result of the repayment of Tranche A of the term loans in July 2001 and the repayment of the Old Credit Facility and the repurchase of $21.3 million of Senior Notes in December 2001, (ii) $0.5 million of expenses associated with releasing mortgages, etc. in connection with the repayment of the Old Credit Facility and (iii) $0.4 million of income taxes.

        Net income was $6.2 million and $3.7 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively, for the reasons discussed above.

        Total revenues decreased $41.8 million, or 7.0%, to $552.5 million in 2001 from $594.3 million in 2000. Restaurant revenues decreased $61.0 million, or 12.0%, to $448.0 million in 2001 from $509.0 million in 2000. Restaurant revenues decreased by $72.2 million due to the closing of 138 under-performing restaurants and the re-franchising of 90 additional locations over the previous 24 months. Closing of restaurants accounted for $29.9 million of the restaurant revenue decline and re-franchising reduced restaurant revenues by an additional $42.3 million. Partially offsetting this decrease was a 2.6% increase in comparable restaurant revenues from 2000 to 2001. Revenues from the two locations open less than one year were $0.9 million. Foodservice (product sales to franchisees, retail and institutional) and other revenues increased by $18.8 million, or 24.5%, to $95.4 million in 2001 from $76.6 million in 2000. The increase in the number of franchised units accounted for $13.0 million of the increase and sales to foodservice retail supermarket customers increased by $5.8 million. On May 1, 2001, foodservice decreased its ice cream pricing to all restaurants. This resulted in decreased foodservice revenues of 2.4% for the year ended December 30, 2001. Franchise revenue increased $0.5 million, or 5.7%, to $9.2 million in 2001 compared to $8.7 million in 2000. The increase is largely the result of the difference in the number of franchised locations operating during both periods. There were 167 franchise units open at the end of 2001 compared to 127 franchise units open at the end of 2000.

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        Cost of sales increased $1.7 million, or 0.8%, to $197.8 million in 2001 from $196.2 million in 2000. Cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues increased to 35.8% in 2001 from 33.0% in 2000. The higher food cost as a percentage of total revenue was partially due to a shift in sales mix from Company-owned restaurant sales to foodservice sales. Foodservice sales to franchisees and retail customers have a higher food cost as a percentage of revenue than sales in Company-owned restaurants to restaurant patrons. Additionally, the cost of cream, the principal ingredient used in making ice cream, was higher in 2001 when compared to 2000 and contributed to the rise in cost of sales as a percentage of total revenues, especially in foodservice's retail supermarket business. In May 2001, the Company raised prices to its retail customers, which decreased cost of sales as a percentage of revenues.

        Labor and benefit expenses decreased $30.3 million, or 16.2%, to $157.3 million in 2001 from $187.6 million in 2000. Labor and benefits as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 28.5% in 2001 from 31.6% in 2000. The lower labor cost as a percentage of total revenue is partially the result of revenue increases derived from additional franchised locations and higher sales to foodservice retail supermarket customers, which do not have any associated restaurant labor and benefits. In addition, the closing of 138 under-performing Company-owned units over the previous 24 months improved the relationship of restaurant labor and benefits to restaurant sales as well as to total revenues.

        Operating expenses decreased $11.0 million, or 9.3%, to $106.4 million in 2001 from $117.4 million in 2000. Operating expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 19.3% and 19.8% in 2001 and 2000, respectively. The decrease as a percentage of total revenues resulted from the closing of 138 Company-owned units over the previous 24 months.

        General and administrative expenses were $36.3 million and $41.2 million in 2001 and 2000, respectively. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased to 6.6% in 2001 from 6.9% in 2000. The decrease is primarily the result of the elimination of certain management and administrative positions associated with the Company's closing of 138 locations and the re-franchising of 90 locations over the previous 24 months. In October 2001, the Company eliminated approximately 70 positions at corporate headquarters. In March 2000, the Company reduced certain management and administrative positions by approximately 80, announced the immediate closing of 81 restaurants and the planned closing of 70 additional restaurants and an on-going hiring freeze. In 2001, bonus expense increased $1.0 million when compared to 2000.

        As a result of the above, EBITDA (EBITDA represents net income (loss) before (i) extraordinary item, net, (ii) (provision for) benefit from income taxes, (iii) interest expense, net, (iv) depreciation and amortization, (v) write-downs of property and equipment and (vi) other non-cash items) increased $9.8 million, or 19.2%, to $60.9 million for the year ended December 30, 2001 from $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues was 11.0% and 8.6% for 2001 and 2000, respectively.

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        Restructuring costs were $0.6 million and $12.1 million for the years ended December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively. The 2000 restructuring costs were a result of the costs associated with the Company's decision to reorganize its restaurant field and headquarters organizations in conjunction with the closing of 81 under-performing restaurants and the planned closing of an additional 70 restaurants over the following 24 months. Included in these costs were severance, rent on closed units until lease termination, utilities and real estate taxes, demarking, lease termination, environmental and other miscellaneous costs. In 2001, the Company decided to continue to operate 25 of the 151 properties it had initially planned to close. The 2001 restructuring costs were the result of the costs associated with the Company eliminating approximately 100 corporate headquarters and construction positions. The purpose of the reduction was to streamline functions and reduce redundancy among its business segments. The Company believes the outsourcing of such activities will be more cost effective in the future. Included in these costs were severance, rent on the facility used for construction and fabrication until lease termination, and other miscellaneous costs. The expense reported in 2001 included $2.5 million associated with the elimination of headquarters and construction positions in 2001 partially offset by a $1.9 million reduction in the 2000 restructuring charge. The reduction of the 2000 charge in 2001 was the result of the reserve exceeding estimated remaining payments. The estimated reserve requirement was lower primarily due to earlier than anticipated lease terminations.

        Write-downs of property and equipment were $0.8 million and $20.8 million in 2001 and 2000, respectively. The decrease in write-downs is primarily the result of the non-cash write-down of the 81 under-performing restaurants which were closed at the end of March 2000 and the non-cash write-down of the additional 70 restaurants which were to be closed over the following 24 months to their estimated net realizable value. During the year ended December 30, 2001, the Company made the decision to continue to operate 25 of the 70 properties that were to be closed over the following 24 months. Accordingly, the properties and related assets were no longer held for sale and the Company began depreciating the properties. As of December 30, 2001, there were 16 properties held for sale including one operating unit and 15 closed units, of which 14 related to the March 2000 restructuring.

        Depreciation and amortization decreased $1.7 million, or 5.6%, to $29.0 million in 2001 from $30.8 million in 2000. Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of total revenues was 5.3% and 5.2% in 2001 and 2000, respectively.

        Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties was $4.6 million and $5.3 million in 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company recognized a gain of $4.3 million associated with the sale of 31 restaurants to a franchisee during the year ended December 30, 2001 as compared to the gain of $5.1 million associated with the sale of 41 restaurants to a franchisee during 2000. The Company also sold certain assets and rights in ten other restaurants to three additional franchisees during 2001 and eight other restaurants to three additional franchisees during 2000.

        The gain on sales of other property and equipment, net was $2.0 million and $5.5 million in 2001 and 2000, respectively. The gain in 2001 primarily resulted from the sale of 24 closed locations during

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the year ended December 30, 2001 compared to the sale of 45 closed locations during the year ended December 31, 2000.

        Interest expense, net of capitalized interest and interest income, decreased by $3.8 million, or 12.1%, to $27.3 million in 2001 from $31.1 million in 2000. The decrease was primarily impacted by the decrease in the average outstanding balance on the term loans in 2001 compared to 2000. Total outstanding debt, including capital lease obligations, was reduced from $298.8 million at December 31, 2000 to $242.0 million at December 30, 2001.

        The provision for income taxes was $0.3 million, an effective tax rate of 8.8%, in 2001 compared to a benefit from income taxes of $21.2 million, or 66.0%, for 2000. The Company records income taxes based on the effective rate expected for the year with any changes in the valuation allowance reflected in the period of change. The sales of the land and buildings to franchisees during 2000 favorably impacted the provision for income taxes as it triggered built-in gains, which allowed for a reduction in the valuation allowance on certain federal net operating loss carryforwards. In 2001, the provision for income taxes was favorably impacted by reductions in the valuation allowance on state net operating loss carryforwards and state tax credits that resulted from the Company's refinancing in December 2001.

        Extraordinary item, net represents the $4.3 million gain on the repurchase of Senior Notes net of (i) $2.9 million of deferred financing costs which were expensed as a result of the repayment of Tranche A of the term loans in July 2001 and the repayment of the Old Credit Facility and the repurchase of $21.3 million of Senior Notes in December 2001, (ii) $0.5 million of expenses associated with releasing mortgages, etc. in connection with the repayment of the Old Credit Facility and (iii) $0.4 million of income taxes.

        Net income was $3.7 million in 2001 compared to a net loss of $10.8 million in 2000 for the reasons discussed above.

        The Company's primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash generated from operations and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $32.5 million, $15.5 million and ($2.9) million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The increase in cash provided by operating activities during 2002 is primarily the result of general improvements in the Company's business as exhibited by a 6.0% increase in comparable restaurant sales in 2002 and less interest paid as a result of lower average outstanding debt balances during 2002.

        Inventory increased during 2002 by $4.3 million due to higher half-gallon and bulk inventories in an effort to take advantage of favorable cream prices and the addition of new, more costly menu items. Accounts payable increased during 2002 by $3.4 million as compared to an increase of $0.4 million during 2001 primarily due to the increased inventories. Accrued expenses increased by $3.9 million during 2002 as compared to a decrease of $1.5 million in 2001 primarily due to deferred marketing and equipment monies received from a new Coca-Cola Fountain contract, as well as a liability for the Company's expected loss on the disposal of the shared aircraft. The decrease in accrued expenses during 2001 was primarily the result of a change in the Company's vacation policy.

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        Additional sources of liquidity consist of capital and operating leases for financing leased restaurant locations (in malls and shopping centers and land or building leases), restaurant equipment, manufacturing equipment, distribution vehicles and computer equipment. Additionally, sales of under-performing existing restaurant properties and other assets (to the extent FICC's and its subsidiaries' debt instruments, if any, permit) are sources of cash. The amount of debt financing that FICC will be able to incur is limited by the terms of its New Credit Facility and Senior Notes.

        The Company requires capital principally to maintain existing restaurant and plant facilities, to continue to renovate and re-image existing restaurants, to convert restaurants, to construct new restaurants and for general corporate purposes. Since the TRC Acquisition and through December 29, 2002, the Company has spent $434.8 million on capital expenditures, including assets acquired under capital leases, of which $155.1 million was for the renovation of restaurants under its revitalization and re-imaging programs.

        Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities was ($11.6) million in 2002, $42.8 million in 2001 and $25.0 million in 2000. Capital expenditures for restaurant operations, including assets acquired under capital leases, were approximately $15.4 million in 2002, $10.8 million in 2001 and $18.2 million in 2000. Capital expenditures were offset by proceeds from the sales of property and equipment of $6.3 million, $56.7 million and $43.8 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

        The Company had working capital of $0.6 million as of December 29, 2002 versus a working capital deficit of $19.4 million as of December 30, 2001. The Company is able to operate with a substantial working capital deficit because: (i) restaurant operations are conducted primarily on a cash (and cash equivalent) basis with a low level of accounts receivable; (ii) rapid turnover allows a limited investment in inventories and (iii) cash from sales is usually received before related expenses for food, supplies and payroll are paid.

        In November 1997, the Company entered into a credit facility which included revolving credit loans, term loans and letters of credit (the "Old Credit Facility"). The Company had executed several amendments to the Old Credit Facility. The last amendment to the Old Credit Facility occurred on March 19, 2001. Due to this amendment, in addition to other changes, the maturity dates of all obligations under the Old Credit Facility became November 15, 2002.

        In July 2001, Tranche A of the term loans was prepaid and extinguished. Accordingly, the Company wrote off the related unamortized financing costs of $0.2 million, net of the related income tax benefit, which was included in extraordinary item, net of income taxes, in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2001.

        In December 2001, the Company completed a financial restructuring plan (the "Refinancing Plan") which included the repayment of the $64.5 million outstanding under the Old Credit Facility and the repurchase of approximately $21.3 million in Senior Notes with the proceeds from $55.0 million in long-term mortgage financing (the "Mortgage Financing") and a $33.7 million sale and leaseback transaction (the "Sale/Leaseback Financing"). In addition, FICC secured a new $30.0 million revolving credit facility (the "New Credit Facility") of which up to $20.0 million is available to support letters of credit. The $30.0 million commitment less outstanding letters of credit is available for borrowing to provide working capital and for other corporate needs. As of December 29, 2002, $15.4 million was available for additional borrowings under the New Credit Facility. In connection with the Refinancing Plan, the Company wrote off unamortized financing costs and incurred other direct expenses totaling $3.4 million ($2.0 million net of tax), which were included in extraordinary item, net of income taxes in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2001. The refinancing has improved the Company's financial condition by reducing total debt by approximately $30.8 million and by extending the average life of the Company's debt.

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        Three new limited liability corporations ("LLCs") were organized in connection with the Mortgage Financing. Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is the sole member of each LLC. FICC sold 75 of its operating Friendly's restaurants to the LLCs in exchange for the proceeds from the Mortgage Financing. Promissory notes were issued for each of the 75 properties. Each LLC is a separate entity with separate creditors which will be entitled to be satisfied out of such LLC's assets. Each LLC is a borrower under the Mortgage Financing.

        The Mortgage Financing has a maturity date of January 1, 2022 and is amortized over 20 years. Interest on $10.0 million of the original $55.0 million from the Mortgage Financing is variable and is the sum of the 30-day LIBOR rate in effect (1.42% at December 29, 2002) plus 6% on an annual basis. Changes in the interest rate are calculated monthly and recognized annually when the monthly payment amount is adjusted. Changes in the monthly payment amounts owed due to interest rate changes are reflected in the principal balances which are re-amortized over the remaining life of the mortgages. The remaining $45.0 million of the original $55.0 million from the Mortgage Financing bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 10.16%. Each promissory note may be prepaid in full. The variable rate notes are subject to prepayment penalties during the first five years. The fixed rate notes may not be prepaid without the Company providing the note holders with a yield maintenance premium.

        The Mortgage Financing requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, of at least 1.10 to 1 and each LLC to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, on an aggregate restaurant basis of at least 1.25 to 1.

        The New Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of FICC and two of its six subsidiaries, Friendly's Restaurants Franchise Inc. and Friendly's International Inc. These two subsidiaries also guaranty FICC's obligations under the New Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility was amended on December 27, 2002 to extend the maturity date to December 17, 2005. As of December 29, 2002, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding.

        The revolving credit loans bear interest at the Company's option at either (a) the Base Rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the "Base Rate") (6.25% at December 29, 2002) or (b) the Eurodollar rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the "Eurodollar Rate") (5.35% at December 29, 2002).

        As of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, total letters of credit outstanding were approximately $14.6 million. During the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, there were no drawings against the letters of credit.

        The New Credit Facility has an annual "clean-up" provision which obligates the Company to repay in full all revolving credit loans on or before September 30 (or, if September 30 is not a business day, as defined, then the next business day) of each year and maintain a zero balance on such revolving credit for at least 30 consecutive days, to include September 30, immediately following the date of such repayment.

        As of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, the unused portion of the revolving credit commitments was approximately $15.4 million. The total average unused portions of the revolving credit commitments were $15.8 million for the year ended December 29, 2002, $15.2 million for the period from January 1, 2001 through December 18, 2001, $15.4 million for the period from December 19, 2001 through December 30, 2001 and $23.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2000.

        The New Credit Facility includes certain restrictive covenants including limitations on indebtedness, restricted payments such as dividends and stock repurchases and sales of assets and of subsidiary stock. Additionally, the New Credit Facility limits the amount which the Company may spend on capital expenditures, restricts the use of proceeds, as defined, from asset sales and requires the Company to comply with certain financial covenants.

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        In connection with the 2001 Refinancing Plan, in December 2001 the Company entered into and accounted for the Sale/Leaseback Financing, which provided approximately $33.7 million of proceeds to the Company. The Company sold 44 properties operating as Friendly's Restaurants and entered into a master lease with the buyer to lease the 44 properties for an initial term of 20 years under a triple net lease. There are four five-year renewal options and lease payments are subject to escalator provisions every five years based upon increases in the Consumer Price Index. The December 2001 agreement provided the Company the option to repurchase properties in certain default situations, as defined. In January 2002 the Company entered into an amended agreement for no consideration which eliminated the buy back provision. The amended agreement was effective December 19, 2001. In accordance with SFAS No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate" and SFAS No. 98, "Accounting for Leases", the Company recognized an aggregate loss of $0.4 million on two properties which was included in gains on sales of other properties and equipment, net, in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2001. The gain of $11.4 million on the remaining 42 properties was deferred and was included in other accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2001. The deferred gain is being amortized in proportion to the rent charged to expense over the initial lease term.

        The $200 million Senior Notes issued in November 1997 (the "Senior Notes") are unsecured senior obligations of FICC, guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by FICC's Friendly's Restaurants Franchise, Inc. subsidiary, but are effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness of FICC, including the indebtedness incurred under the New Credit Facility. The Senior Notes mature on December 1, 2007. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable at 10.50% per annum semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. In connection with the Refinancing Plan, FICC repurchased approximately $21.3 million in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes for $17.0 million. The gain of $4.3 million ($2.5 million net of tax) was recorded as an extraordinary item in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2001. The remaining Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at FICC's option any time on or after December 1, 2002 at redemption prices from 105.25% to 100.00%, based on the redemption date.

        The Company anticipates requiring capital in the future principally to maintain existing restaurant and plant facilities and to continue to renovate and re-image existing restaurants. Capital expenditures for 2003 are anticipated to be $31.0 million in the aggregate, of which $25.0 million is expected to be spent on restaurant operations. The Company's actual 2003 capital expenditures may vary from these estimated amounts. The Company believes that the combination of the funds anticipated to be generated from operating activities and borrowing availability under the New Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet the Company's anticipated operating requirements, capital requirements and obligations associated with the restructuring.

        On November 13, 2002, the Company sold the real property and equipment for one franchised location and assigned the lease and sold the equipment for a second franchised location to the existing franchisee. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $1,300,000, of which approximately $200,000 was for the assignment of the lease. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $700,000 related to the sale in the year ended December 29, 2002.

        On September 14, 2001, the Company entered into an agreement granting Revere Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Revere") certain limited exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly's full-service restaurants in designated areas within Lehigh and Northampton counties, Pennsylvania (the "Revere Agreement"). Pursuant to the Revere Agreement, Revere purchased certain assets and rights in six existing Friendly's restaurants and committed to open an additional four restaurants over the next seven years. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $3.4 million of which approximately $0.2 million was for franchise fees for the initial six restaurants. The cash proceeds were used to fund operating activities of the Company.

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        On April 13, 2001, the Company executed an agreement granting J&B Restaurants Partners of Long Island Holding Co., LLC and its subsidiaries ("J&B") certain limited exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly's full-service restaurants in the franchising regions of Nassau and Suffolk Counties in Long Island, New York (the "J&B Agreement"). Pursuant to the J&B Agreement, J&B purchased certain assets and rights in 31 existing Friendly's restaurants and committed to open an additional 29 restaurants over the next 12 years. The transaction price was approximately $20.0 million, of which approximately $4.3 million was received in a note. The cash proceeds were used to prepay approximately $4.7 million on the term loans with the remaining balance being applied to the revolving credit loans, in each case under the Old Credit Facility. The 5-year note bears interest at an annual rate of 11% using a 20-year amortization schedule. Payments are due monthly through the first five years with a balloon payment due at the end of five years.

        The following represents the contractual obligations and commercial commitments of the Company as of December 29, 2002 (in thousands):

 
   
  Payments due by Period
Contractual Obligations:

   
  Total
  2003
  2004-2005
  2006-2007
  Thereafter
Long-Term Debt   $ 232,861   $ 1,031   $ 2,368   $ 181,616   $ 47,846
Capital Lease Obligations     9,778     1,937     2,189     1,513     4,139
Operating Leases     156,809     18,203     31,627     23,344     83,635
Purchase Commitments     114,164     110,522     3,642        
 
   
  Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period

Other Commercial Commitments:


 

 

  Total
  2003
  2004-2005
  2006-2007
  Thereafter
Revolving Credit Facility   $ 15,432   $   $ 15,432   $   $
Letters of Credit     14,568         14,568        

        The inflationary factors which have historically affected the Company's results of operations include increases in the costs of cream, sweeteners, purchased food, labor and other operating expenses. Approximately 12% of wages paid in the Company's restaurants are impacted by changes in the federal or state minimum hourly wage rate. Accordingly, changes in the federal or state minimum hourly wage rates directly affect the Company's labor cost. The Company is able to minimize the impact of inflation on occupancy costs by owning the underlying real estate for approximately 29% of its restaurants. The Company and the restaurant industry typically attempt to offset the effect of inflation, at least in part, through periodic menu price increases and various cost reduction programs. However, no assurance can be given that the Company will be able to offset such inflationary cost increases in the future.

        Due to the seasonality of frozen dessert consumption, and the effect from time to time of weather on patronage of the restaurants, the Company's revenues and EBITDA are typically higher in its second and third quarters.

        Approximately 89% of the Company-owned restaurants are located, and substantially all of its retail sales are generated, in the Northeast. As a result, a severe or prolonged economic recession or changes in demographic mix, employment levels, population density, weather, real estate market conditions or other factors specific to this geographic region may adversely affect the Company more than certain of its competitors which are more geographically diverse.

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        Certain of the Company's employees are covered under a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan. As of the 2001 measurement date, this plan had a projected benefit obligation of $85.3 million and a fair value of plan assets of $100.1 million. As a result of the overall decline in market interest rates, the Company used a lower discount rate to measure the projected benefit obligation as of the 2002 measurement date. This resulted in an increase to the projected benefit obligation. Stock market declines experienced since the 2001 measurement date have reduced the fair value of plan assets. As a result of the higher projected benefit obligation and the decline in the fair value of plan assets, the pension plan was underfunded by $17.0 million as of the 2002 measurement date as compared to over-funded by $14.8 million as of the 2001 measurement date. As a result of the underfunded status of the plan, the Company recorded a charge to stockholders' deficit in 2002 of $24.7 million ($14.6 million, net of income tax benefit). Given the sensitivity of the projected benefit obligation to changes in discount rates, future changes in market interest rates may significantly reduce the pension plan underfunding.

        Financial Reporting Release No. 60 issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission requires all companies to include a discussion of critical accounting policies or methods used in the preparation of financial statements. The following is a brief discussion of the more significant accounting policies and methods used by the Company. The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes thereto, which are included elsewhere herein, should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The critical accounting policies and most significant estimates and assumptions relate to revenue recognition, insurance reserves, recoverability of accounts receivable, restructuring reserves, valuation allowances, pension and other post-retirement benefits expense and stock-based compensation. Actual amounts could differ significantly from the estimates.

        The Company's revenues are derived primarily from the operation of full-service restaurants, the distribution and sale of frozen desserts through retail and institutional locations and franchising. The Company recognizes restaurant revenue upon receipt of payment from the customer and retail revenue upon delivery of product. Reserves for discounts and allowances from retail sales are estimated and accrued when revenue is recorded. Actual amounts could differ materially from the estimates. Franchise royalty income, based on net sales of franchisees, is payable monthly and is recorded on the accrual method. Initial franchise fees are recorded as revenue upon completion of all significant services, generally upon opening of the restaurant.

        The Company is self-insured through retentions or deductibles for the majority of its workers' compensation, automobile, general liability, employer's liability, product liability and group health insurance programs. Self-insurance amounts vary up to $0.5 million per occurrence. Insurance with third parties, some of which is then reinsured through Restaurant Insurance Corporation ("RIC"), a

28


wholly-owned subsidiary of FICC, is in place for claims in excess of these self-insured amounts. RIC reinsured 100% of the risk from $0.5 million to $1.0 million per occurrence through September 2, 2000 for FICC's workers' compensation, general liability, employer's liability and product liability insurance. Subsequent to September 2, 2000, the Company discontinued its use of RIC as a captive insurer for new claims. FICC's and RIC's liability for estimated incurred losses are actuarially determined and recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on an undiscounted basis. Actual incurred losses may vary from the estimated incurred losses and could have a material effect on the Company's insurance expense.

        In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the Company reviews its license agreement for the right to use various trademarks and tradenames (see Note 5) for impairment on a quarterly basis. The Company recognizes an impairment has occurred when the carrying value of the license agreement exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the trademarked products.

        The Company reviews each restaurant property quarterly to determine which properties will be disposed of, if any. This determination is made based on poor operating results, deteriorating property values and other factors. In addition, the Company reviews all restaurants with negative cash flow for impairment on a quarterly basis. The Company recognizes an impairment has occurred when the carrying value of property reviewed exceeds its estimated fair value, which is estimated based on the Company's experience selling similar properties and local market conditions, less costs to sell for properties to be disposed of.

        The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is recorded for deferred tax assets whose realization is not likely. As of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, a valuation allowance of $10.2 million and $11.3 million, respectively, existed related to state NOL carryforwards due to restrictions on the usage of state NOL carryforwards and short carryforward periods for certain states. Taxable income by state for future periods is difficult to estimate. The amount and timing of any future taxable income may affect the usage of such carryforwards, which could result in a material change in the valuation allowance.

        The determination of the Company's obligation and expense for pension and other post-retirement benefits is dependent upon the selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions include, among other things, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and rates of increase in compensation and health care costs. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect the recognized expense and recorded obligation in such future periods. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the assumptions may materially affect the future pension and other post-retirement obligations and expense.

29


        The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for employees under APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and elected the disclosure-only alternative under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."

        In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 46 "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51" ("FIN 46"). FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of FIN 46 and has not yet determined the impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

        In July 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." The principal difference between SFAS No. 146 and EITF Issue No. 94-3 relates to the timing of liability recognition. Under SFAS No. 146, a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF Issue No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of an entity's commitment to an exit plan. The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of SFAS Nos. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of SFAS No. 13, and Technical Corrections." SFAS No. 4 required all gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt to be reported as extraordinary items and SFAS No. 64 related to the same matter. SFAS No. 145 requires gains and losses from certain debt extinguishment not to be reported as extraordinary items when the use of debt extinguishment is part of a risk management strategy. SFAS No. 44 was issued to establish transitional requirements for motor carriers. Those transitions are completed, therefore SFAS No. 145 rescinds SFAS No. 44. SFAS No. 145 also amends SFAS No. 13 requiring sale-leaseback accounting for certain lease modifications. SFAS No. 145 is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. The provisions relating to sale-leaseback accounting were effective for transactions occurring after May 15, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 145 had no material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

        In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 modifies the rules for accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. The impact of adopting SFAS No. 144 in 2002 had no material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

        In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangibles." SFAS No. 142 modifies the rules for accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets. The new rules became effective for the Company on December 31, 2001. The impact of adopting SFAS No. 142 in 2002 had no effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations and the Company is continuing to amortize the 1988 Non-Friendly Marks over the 40 year term on a straight-line basis.

30



Item 7a. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISKS

        The Company has market risk exposure to interest rates on its fixed and variable rate debt obligations. The Company does not enter into contracts for trading purposes. The information below summarizes the Company's market risk associated with its debt obligations as of December 29, 2002. The table presents principal cash flows and related average interest rates by expected year of maturity. For variable rate debt obligations, the average variable rates are based on implied forward rates as derived from appropriate monthly spot rate observations as of year end. The Company believes that the carrying value of the Mortgage Financing as of December 29, 2002 approximated the fair value based on the terms of the obligations.


EXPECTED YEAR OF MATURITY
(dollars in thousands)

 
  2003
  2004
  2005
  2006
  2007
  Thereafter
  Total
  Fair Value
Liabilities:                                                
Fixed Rate:                                                
  Senior Notes   $   $   $   $   $ 178,727   $   $ 178,727   $ 177,163
  Fixed Interest Rate                     10.50 %       10.50 %  
 
Mortgage loans

 

$

791

 

$

863

 

$

969

 

$

1,074

 

$

1,190

 

$

39,449

 

$

44,336

 

$

44,336
  Fixed Interest Rate     10.16 %   10.16 %   10.16 %   10.16 %   10.16 %   10.16 %   10.16 %  

Variable Rate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Mortgage loans   $ 240   $ 257   $ 279   $ 301   $ 324   $ 8,397   $ 9,798   $ 9,798
  Average Interest Rates     7.39 %   8.34 %   9.61 %   10.39 %   10.98 %   11.24 %   10.99 %  

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        The response to this item is included in a separate section of this report. See "Index to Consolidated Financial Statements" on Page F-1.

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        None

31



PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS OF THE REGISTRANT

        Information required by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the Sections entitled "Proposal 1—Election of Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" of the Company's definitive proxy statement which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 29, 2002.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        Information required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the Sections entitled "Proposal 1—Election of Directors—Director Compensation" and "Executive Compensation" of the Company's definitive proxy statement which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 29, 2002.

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        Information required by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the Section entitled "Stock Ownership" of the Company's definitive proxy statement which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 29, 2002.

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        Information required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the Section entitled "Executive Compensation-Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" of the Company's definitive proxy statement which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 29, 2002.

Item 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

        As of December 29, 2002, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company's management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 29, 2002. There have been no significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to December 29, 2002.

32



Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)   1.   Financial statements:

 

 

 

 

For a listing of consolidated financial statements which are included in this document, see page F-1.

 

 

2.

 

Financial Statement Schedules:

 

 

 

 

The following consolidated financial statement schedule and Report of Independent Public Accountants thereon is included pursuant to Item 14(d): Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.

 

 

3.

 

Exhibits:

 

 

 

 

The exhibit index is incorporated by reference herein.

(b)

 

 

 

Reports on Form 8-K:

 

 

 

 

None

(c)

 

 

 

Exhibits:

 

 

 

 

Included in Item 15(a)(3) above.

(d)

 

 

 

Financial Statement Schedules:

 

 

 

 

Included in Item 15(a)(2) above.

33



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
PAUL V. HOAGLAND      
Name: Paul V. Hoagland
Title:  
Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer
    Date: February 25, 2003

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Name
  Title (Capacity)
  Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/  JOHN L. CUTTER      
John L. Cutter
  Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer and Director)   February 25, 2003

/s/  
PAUL V. HOAGLAND      
Paul V. Hoagland

 

Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

February 25, 2003

/s/  
DONALD N. SMITH      
Donald N. Smith

 

Chairman of the Board

 

February 25, 2003

/s/  
CHARLES A. LEDSINGER, JR.      
Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr.

 

Director

 

February 25, 2003

/s/  
STEVEN L. EZZES      
Steven L. Ezzes

 

Director

 

February 25, 2003

/s/  
BURTON J. MANNING      
Burton J. Manning

 

Director

 

February 25, 2003

/s/  
MICHAEL J. DALY      
Michael J. Daly

 

Director

 

February 25, 2003

34



CERTIFICATIONS

I, John L. Cutter, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: February 25, 2003

    /s/  JOHN L. CUTTER      
Chief Executive Officer and President

35


I, Paul V. Hoagland, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c)
presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls; and
6.
The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: February 25, 2003

    /s/  PAUL V. HOAGLAND      
Executive Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer

36



FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  Page
Reports of Independent Public Accountants   F-2
Consolidated Financial Statements:    
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001   F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000   F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Deficit for the Years Ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000   F-6
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000   F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   F-8

F-1



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' deficit and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. The consolidated financial statements of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 and for the years then ended were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and whose report dated February 11, 2002 expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements before the restatement adjustments described in Note 4.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the 2002 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

        As discussed above, the consolidated financial statements of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 and for the years then ended were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. As described in Note 4, these consolidated financial statements have been restated to record certain selling expenses as a reduction of revenue, rather than as a component of operating expenses. We audited the adjustments described in Note 4 that were applied to restate the financial statements as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 and for the years then ended. With respect to these adjustments, our procedures were limited to (a) agreeing the previously reported revenues and operating expenses to the previously issued financual statements, (b) agreeing the adjustments to the underlying records obtained from management, and (c) testing the mathematical accuracy of the reconciliation of adjusted revenue and operating expenses. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the consolidated financial statements of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 and for the years then ended other than with respect to such adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the consolidated financial statements as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 and for the years then ended taken as a whole.

Boston, Massachusetts
February 14, 2003

F-2



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (a Massachusetts corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' deficit and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2001. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

        As explained in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, effective December 28, 1998, the Company changed its method of accounting for restaurant pre-opening costs.

Hartford, Connecticut
February 11, 2002

Note: This is a copy of the audit report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with the Friendly Ice Cream Corporation's filing on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2001. This audit report has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with this filing on Form 10-K. See Exhibit 23.2 for further discussion.

F-3




FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
ASSETS              
CURRENT ASSETS:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 34,341   $ 16,342  
  Accounts receivable     10,853     9,969  
  Inventories     17,278     12,987  
  Deferred income taxes     7,771     7,659  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     3,062     3,736  
   
 
 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS     73,305     50,693  
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization     158,373     169,489  
INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND DEFERRED COSTS, net of accumulated amortization of $10,989 and $9,077 at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively     19,642     21,208  
OTHER ASSETS     5,878     11,172  
   
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 257,198   $ 252,562  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT              
CURRENT LIABILITIES:              
  Current maturities of long-term debt   $ 1,031   $ 1,068  
  Current maturities of capital lease and finance obligations     1,362     1,851  
  Accounts payable     23,902     20,505  
  Accrued salaries and benefits     9,329     9,436  
  Accrued interest payable     1,961     1,543  
  Insurance reserves     11,330     13,333  
  Restructuring reserve     937     3,056  
  Other accrued expenses     22,885     19,260  
   
 
 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES     72,737     70,052  
   
 
 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES     1,533     10,584  
CAPITAL LEASE AND FINANCE OBLIGATIONS, less current maturities     5,044     6,267  
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities     231,830     232,797  
ACCRUED PENSION COST     16,281      
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES     33,475     28,876  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES              
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT:              
  Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 50,000,000 shares at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001; 7,392,141 and 7,353,435 shares issued and outstanding at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively     74     74  
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 1,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding          
  Additional paid-in capital     139,974     139,290  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (14,559 )    
  Accumulated deficit     (229,191 )   (235,378 )
   
 
 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT     (103,702 )   (96,014 )
   
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT   $ 257,198   $ 252,562  
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-4



FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

 
  For the Years Ended
 
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
 
   
  (restated)

  (restated)

 
REVENUES   $ 570,372   $ 552,495   $ 594,321  
COSTS AND EXPENSES:                    
  Cost of sales     202,418     197,846     196,181  
  Labor and benefits     161,647     157,312     187,641  
  Operating expenses     111,830     106,444     117,414  
  General and administrative expenses     36,461     36,312     41,233  
  (Reversal of restructuring expenses) restructuring expenses, net (Note 10)     (400 )   636     12,056  
  Write-downs of property and equipment (Note 6)     976     800     20,834  
  Depreciation and amortization     24,521     29,027     30,750  
Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties     (675 )   (4,591 )   (5,307 )
Loss (gain) on sales of other property and equipment, net     578     (2,021 )   (5,507 )
   
 
 
 
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)     33,016     30,730     (974 )
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest of $0, $93 and $109 and interest income of $808, $581 and $219 for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively     24,870     27,310     31,053  
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE (PROVISION FOR) BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM     8,146     3,420     (32,027 )
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes     (1,959 )   (300 )   21,221  
   
 
 
 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM     6,187     3,120     (10,806 )
Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense of $380 (Note 19)         547      
   
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)   $ 6,187   $ 3,667   $ (10,806 )
   
 
 
 
BASIC NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE                    
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item   $ 0.84   $ 0.43   $ (1.45 )
  Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense         0.07      
   
 
 
 
  Net income (loss)   $ 0.84   $ 0.50   $ (1.45 )
   
 
 
 
DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE                    
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item   $ 0.82   $ 0.43   $ (1.45 )
  Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense         0.07      
   
 
 
 
  Net income (loss)   $ 0.82   $ 0.50   $ (1.45 )
   
 
 
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES:                    
  Basic     7,372     7,363     7,429  
   
 
 
 
  Diluted     7,551     7,398     7,429  
   
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-5



FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

(Dollars in thousands)

 
  Common Stock
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

   
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital

  Accumulated
Deficit

   
 
 
  Shares
  Amount
  Total
 
BALANCE, JANUARY 2, 2000   7,480,692   $ 75   $ 138,459   $   $ (228,239 ) $ (89,705 )
Net loss and comprehensive loss                   (10,806 )   (10,806 )
Shares forfeited in connection with Restricted Stock Plan   (86,835 )   (1 )   1              
Stock compensation expense           528             528  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2000   7,393,857     74     138,988         (239,045 )   (99,983 )
Net income and comprehensive income                   3,667     3,667  
Shares forfeited in connection with Restricted Stock Plan   (41,422 )                    
Stock options exercised   1,000         4             4  
Stock compensation expense           298             298  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 30, 2001   7,353,435     74     139,290         (235,378 )   (96,014 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive loss:                                    
  Net income                   6,187     6,187  
  Minimum pension liability (net of income tax benefit of $10,117)               (14,559 )       (14,559 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total comprehensive loss               (14,559 )   6,187     (8,372 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares forfeited in connection with Restricted Stock Plan   (7,846 )                    
Stock options exercised   46,552         153             153  
Stock compensation expense           531             531  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 29, 2002   7,392,141   $ 74   $ 139,974   $ (14,559 ) $ (229,191 ) $ (103,702 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-6



FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 
  For the Years Ended
 
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                    
Net income (loss)   $ 6,187   $ 3,667   $ (10,806 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                    
  Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense         (547 )    
  Stock compensation expense     531     298     528  
  Depreciation and amortization     24,521     29,027     30,750  
  Write-downs of property and equipment     976     800     20,834  
  Deferred income tax expense (benefit)     954     (336 )   (21,209 )
  Gain on asset retirements and sales     (104 )   (6,184 )   (7,785 )
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
    Accounts receivable     (884 )   (3,308 )   (2,234 )
    Inventories     (4,291 )   (1,417 )   (218 )
    Other assets     (2,693 )   (5,461 )   3,687  
    Accounts payable     3,397     405     (5,973 )
    Accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities     3,877     (1,472 )   (10,535 )
   
 
 
 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES     32,471     15,472     (2,961 )
   
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                    
Purchases of property and equipment     (17,877 )   (13,922 )   (18,773 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment     6,263     56,675     43,822  
   
 
 
 
NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES     (11,614 )   42,753     25,049  
   
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                    
Proceeds from borrowings         134,405     125,000  
Repayments of debt     (1,004 )   (184,749 )   (142,641 )
Payments related to deferred financing costs     (80 )   (4,048 )    
Repayments of capital lease and finance obligations     (1,927 )   (2,079 )   (1,925 )
Stock options exercised     153     4      
   
 
 
 
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES     (2,858 )   (56,467 )   (19,566 )
   
 
 
 
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     17,999     1,758     2,522  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR     16,342     14,584     12,062  
   
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR   $ 34,341   $ 16,342   $ 14,584  
   
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:                    
Cash paid during the year for:                    
  Interest   $ 23,764   $ 28,433   $ 30,436  
  Income taxes     398     239     56  
Capital lease obligations incurred     215         3,674  
Capital lease obligations terminated         170     984  
Notes received from sales of property and equipment         4,250     577  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

F-7



FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION

        In September 1988, The Restaurant Company ("TRC") and another investor acquired Friendly Ice Cream Corporation ("FICC"). Subsequent to the acquisition, Friendly Holding Corporation ("FHC") was organized to hold the outstanding common stock of FICC, and in March 1996, FHC was merged into FICC. Additionally, in March 1996, TRC distributed its shares of FICC's voting common stock to TRC's shareholders and FICC deconsolidated from TRC.

        In November 1997, FICC completed a public offering of five million shares of its common stock (the "Common Stock Offering") for net proceeds of $81,900,000 and a public offering of $200,000,000 of Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes") (collectively, the "Offerings"). Concurrent with the Offerings, FICC entered into a new senior secured credit facility consisting of (i) $90,000,000 of term loans, (ii) a $55,000,000 revolving credit facility and (iii) a $15,000,000 letter of credit facility (collectively, the "Old Credit Facility"). Proceeds from the Offerings and the Old Credit Facility were primarily used to repay the $353,700,000 outstanding under FICC's then existing credit facility (collectively, the "Recapitalization").

        In December 2001, the Company completed a financial restructuring plan (the "Refinancing Plan") which included the repayment of the $64,545,000 outstanding on the Old Credit Facility, and the repurchase of approximately $21,300,000 in Senior Notes with the proceeds from $55,000,000 in long-term mortgage financing (the "Mortgage Financing") and a $33,700,000 sale and leaseback transaction (the "Sale/Leaseback Financing"). In addition, FICC secured a new $30,000,000 revolving credit facility (the "New Credit Facility"). In connection with the Mortgage Financing, three new limited liability corporations ("LLCs") were organized. Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is the sole member of each LLC.

        References herein to "Friendly's" or the "Company" refer to Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, its predecessor and its consolidated subsidiaries; references herein to "FICC" refer to Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and not its subsidiaries; and as used herein, "Northeast" refers to the Company's core markets, which include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS

        As of December 29, 2002, Friendly's owned and operated 387 full-service restaurants and franchised 156 full-service restaurants and six non-traditional units. The Company manufactures and distributes a full line of frozen dessert products. These products are distributed to Friendly's restaurants, supermarkets and other retail locations in 14 states. The restaurants offer a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items as well as frozen dessert products. For the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, restaurant sales were approximately 80%, 81% and 86%, respectively, of the Company's revenues. As of December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, approximately 89% of the Company-owned restaurants were located in the Northeast United States.

3.  SUMMARY OF BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The Company has restated its results for 2001 and 2000 due to a change in classification of certain retail selling expenses against retail revenue. See Note 4.

F-8


        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of FICC and its wholly owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

        Friendly's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday in December, unless that day is earlier than December 27, in which case the fiscal year ends on the following Sunday. All years presented include 52 weeks.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The critical accounting policies and most significant estimates and assumptions relate to revenue recognition, insurance reserves, recoverability of accounts receivable, restructuring reserves, valuation allowances and pension and other post-retirement benefits expense. Actual amounts could differ significantly from the estimates.

        The Company's revenues are derived primarily from the operation of full-service restaurants, the distribution and sale of frozen desserts through retail and institutional locations and franchising. The Company recognizes restaurant revenue upon receipt of payment from the customer and retail revenue, net of allowances, upon delivery of product. Reserves for discounts and allowances from retail sales are estimated and accrued when revenue is recorded. Actual amounts could differ materially from the estimates. Franchise royalty income, based on net sales of franchisees, is payable monthly and is recorded on the accrual method. Initial franchise fees are recorded as revenue upon completion of all significant services, generally upon opening of the restaurant.

        On October 10, 2001, the Company eliminated approximately 70 positions at corporate headquarters. In addition, approximately 30 positions in the restaurant construction and fabrication areas were eliminated by December 30, 2001. The purpose of the reduction was to streamline functions and reduce redundancy among its business segments. As a result of the elimination of the positions and the outsourcing of certain functions, the Company reported a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $2,536,000 for severance, rent and unusable construction supplies in the year ended December 30, 2001.

        In March 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan that provided for the immediate closing of 81 restaurants at the end of March 2000 and the disposition of an additional 70 restaurants over the next 24 months. As a result of this plan, the Company reported a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $12,100,000 for severance, rent, utilities and real estate taxes,

F-9



demarking, lease termination costs and certain other costs associated with the closing of the locations, along with a pre-tax write-down of property and equipment for these locations of approximately $17,000,000 in the year ended December 31, 2000. The Company reduced the restructuring reserve by $400,000 and $1,900,000 during the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively, since the reserve exceeded estimated remaining payments.

        As of December 29, 2002, the remaining restructuring reserve was $937,000. The restructuring reserve may be increased or decreased based upon remaining payments, which could vary materially from the estimates depending upon the timing of restaurant closings and other factors.

        The determination of the Company's obligation and expense for pension and other post-retirement benefits is dependent upon the selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions include, among other things, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and rates of increase in compensation and health care costs. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, actual results that differ from the assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect the recognized expense and recorded obligation in such future periods. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the assumptions may materially affect the future pension and other post-retirement obligations and expense.

        The Company considers all investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

        Accounts receivable were net of allowances for doubtful accounts totaling $767,000 and $588,000 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively.

        Inventories were stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. Inventories at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 were (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

Raw materials   $ 801   $ 1,269
Goods in process     203     73
Finished goods     16,274     11,645
   
 
Total   $ 17,278   $ 12,987
   
 

F-10


        Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

        At December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, property and equipment included (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Land   $ 31,189   $ 33,635  
Buildings and improvements     83,976     82,005  
Leasehold improvements     37,332     38,294  
Assets under capital leases     10,785     11,057  
Equipment     231,359     234,243  
Construction in progress     6,446     5,845  
   
 
 
Property and equipment     401,087     405,079  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization     (242,714 )   (235,590 )
   
 
 
Property and equipment, net   $ 158,373   $ 169,489  
   
 
 

        Major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Replacements and maintenance and repairs which do not extend the lives of the assets are charged to operations as incurred.

        In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," the Company reviews its license agreement for the right to use various trademarks and tradenames (see Note 5) for impairment on a quarterly basis. The Company recognizes an impairment has occurred when the carrying value of the license agreement exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the trademarked products.

        The Company reviews each restaurant property quarterly to determine which properties will be disposed of, if any. This determination is made based on poor operating results, deteriorating property values and other factors. In addition, the Company reviews all restaurants with negative cash flow for impairment on a quarterly basis. The Company recognizes an impairment has occurred when the carrying value of property reviewed exceeds its estimated fair value, which is estimated based on the Company's experience selling similar properties and local market conditions, less costs to sell for properties to be disposed of.

        Other assets included notes receivable of $4,742,000 and $4,397,000 (see Note 11), which were net of allowances for doubtful accounts totaling $313,000 and $914,000 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively. Also included in other assets as of December 29, 2002 and

F-11


December 30, 2001 were payments made to fronting insurance carriers of approximately $1,100,000 and $1,000,000 as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively, to establish loss escrow funds.

        Financial instruments, which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally requires no collateral to secure accounts receivable. The credit review is based on both financial and non-financial factors. The Company maintains a reserve for potentially uncollectible accounts receivable based on its assessment of the collectibility of accounts receivable.

        The Company is self-insured through retentions or deductibles for the majority of its workers' compensation, automobile, general liability, employer's liability, product liability and group health insurance programs. Self-insurance amounts vary up to $500,000 per occurrence. Insurance with third parties, some of which is then reinsured through Restaurant Insurance Corporation ("RIC"), is in place for claims in excess of these self-insured amounts. RIC reinsured 100% of the risk from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence through September 2, 2000 for the FICC's workers' compensation, general liability, employer's liability and product liability insurance. Subsequent to September 2, 2000, the Company discontinued its use of RIC as a captive insurer for new claims. FICC's and RIC's liability for estimated incurred losses are actuarially determined and recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on an undiscounted basis. Actual incurred losses may vary from the estimated incurred losses and could have a material affect on the Company's insurance expense.

        The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. A valuation allowance is recorded for deferred tax assets whose realization is not likely.

        The Company enters into commodity option contracts from time to time to manage dairy cost pressures. The Company's commodity option contracts do not meet hedge accounting criteria as defined by FAS 133 and, accordingly, are marked to market each period, with the resulting gains or losses recognized in cost of sales.

        The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. For the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, advertising expenses were approximately $19,995,000, $19,687,000 and $17,955,000, respectively.

F-12


        Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding during the year. Common stock equivalents are dilutive stock options and warrants that are assumed exercised for calculation purposes. The number of common stock options which could dilute basic earnings per share in the future, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive, was 108,000, 538,000 and 503,000 for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively.

        Presented below is the reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares (in thousands):

 
  For the Years Ended
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding   7,372   7,363   7,429
Assumed exercise of stock options   179   35  
   
 
 
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding   7,551   7,398   7,429
   
 
 

        The Company accounts for stock-based compensation for employees under Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and elected the disclosure-only alternative under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."

        In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Interpretation No. 46 "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51" ("FIN 46"). FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the equity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of FIN 46 and has not yet determined the impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

        In July 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS") No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS No. 146 addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging

F-13



Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." The principal difference between SFAS No. 146 and EITF Issue No. 94-3 relates to the timing of liability recognition. Under SFAS No. 146, a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF Issue No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost was recognized at the date of an entity's commitment to an exit plan. The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of SFAS Nos. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of SFAS No. 13, and Technical Corrections." SFAS No. 4 required all gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt to be reported as extraordinary items and SFAS No. 64 related to the same matter. SFAS No. 145 requires gains and losses from certain debt extinguishment not to be reported as extraordinary items when the use of debt extinguishment is part of a risk management strategy. SFAS No. 44 was issued to establish transitional requirements for motor carriers. Those transitions are completed, therefore SFAS No. 145 rescinds SFAS No. 44. SFAS No. 145 also amends SFAS No. 13 requiring sale-leaseback accounting for certain lease modifications. SFAS No. 145 is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. The provisions relating to sale-leaseback accounting are effective for transactions occurring after May 15, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 145 had no material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." SFAS No. 144 modifies the rules for accounting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. The impact of adopting SFAS No. 144 in 2002 had no material effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

        In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangibles." SFAS No. 142 modifies the rules for accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets. The new rules became effective for the Company on December 31, 2001. The impact of adopting SFAS No. 142 in 2002 had no effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations and the Company is continuing to amortize its 1988 Non-Friendly Marks over the 40 year term on a straight-line basis.

        Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

4. RESTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        During the audit of 2002 results, it was determined that previously reported financial statements should be restated. Certain retail selling expenses, which were previously included in operating expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, should have been offset against revenues. This restatement did not result in any change to net income (loss) or basic and diluted net income (loss) per share.

F-14



        Following is a summary of selected financial data affected by the restatement for the years ended December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 (in thousands):

 
  For the Year Ended December 30, 2001
 
  As previously
reported

  Adjustments
  Restated
Revenues   $ 561,873   $ (9,378 ) $ 552,495
Operating expenses     115,822     (9,378 )   106,444
 
  For the Year Ended December 31, 2000
 
  As previously
reported

  Adjustments
  Restated
Revenues   $ 598,858   $ (4,537 ) $ 594,321
Operating expenses     121,951     (4,537 )   117,414

5. INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND DEFERRED COSTS

        Intangible assets and deferred costs, net of accumulated amortization, as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, were (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

1988 Non-Friendly Marks amortized over 40-years on a straight-line basis   $ 11,967   $ 12,433
Deferred financing costs amortized over the terms of the related loans on an effective yield basis     6,938     7,990
Other     737     785
   
 
Intangible assets and deferred costs, net   $ 19,642   $ 21,208
   
 

        Future amortization expense related to these intangible assets and deferred costs as of December 29, 2002 was (in thousands):

Year

  Amount
2003   $ 1,712
2004     1,727
2005     1,690
2006     1,384
2007     1,325
Thereafter     11,804
   
Total   $ 19,642
   

        Upon the sale of the Company by Hershey Foods Corporation ("Hershey") in 1988, all of the trademarks and service marks (the "Marks") used in the Company's business at that time which did not contain the word "Friendly" as a component of such Marks were licensed by Hershey to the Company. The Marks license agreement fee was being amortized over the term of the agreement, which expired

F-15


on September 2, 2028. In September 2002, Hershey assigned the Marks to the Company. The Company will continue to amortize the Marks over the original term of 40 years. The Company reviews the estimated future cash flows related to each trademarked product on a quarterly basis to determine whether any impairment has occurred. For the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, no impairments were recorded.

6. WRITE-DOWNS OF PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

        In March 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan that provided for the immediate closing of 81 restaurants at the end of March 2000 and the disposition of an additional 70 restaurants over the next 24 months (see Note 10). The 151 restaurants in the restructuring were generally lower sales volume units operating in markets in which management believed the Company had a strong market penetration. The Company determined that the carrying values of certain of these properties exceeded their estimated fair values less costs to sell. Accordingly, the carrying values of 69 of the 81 locations closed at the end of March 2000 were reduced by an aggregate of $7,800,000 and the carrying values of 64 of the 70 locations which were to be disposed of over the next 24 months were reduced by an aggregate of $9,200,000 during the year ended December 31, 2000. In addition to these properties, during the year ended December 31, 2000, it was determined that the carrying values of an additional 12 properties exceeded their estimated fair values less costs to sell. The carrying values of these 12 properties were reduced by an aggregate of $2,700,000 and the carrying values of eight properties leased to Davco Restaurants, Inc. ("Davco") were reduced by an aggregate of $1,100,000 (see Note 11). During the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, it was determined that the carrying values of nine properties exceeded their estimated fair values less costs to sell. The carrying values of the 2002 and the 2001 properties were reduced by an aggregate of $976,000 and 800,000, respectively.

        As of December 29, 2002, the Company had sold 70 of the 151 properties related to the March 2000 restructuring and terminated its lease obligations at 54 properties. During the year ended December 30, 2001, the Company made the decision to continue to operate 25 of the 70 properties that were to be closed over the following 24 months. Accordingly, the properties and related assets were no longer held for sale and the Company began depreciating the properties again. At December 29, 2002, the remaining two properties to be disposed of related to the March 2000 restructuring had no carrying value. At December 30, 2001, the carrying value of the remaining 14 properties to be disposed of related to the March 2000 restructuring was $1,000,000 and was reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as property and equipment, net. As a result of the sales of closed properties from the restructuring, the Company recognized gains of approximately $1,200,000 and $1,800,000 for the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively.

        At December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 there were three and 16 properties held for disposition, which included two and 14 properties related to the March 2000 restructuring.

        The aggregate operating loss for the properties held for disposition as of December 29, 2002 was $166,000 and $176,000 for the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively. The aggregate carrying value of the properties held for disposition at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 was approximately $700,000 and $1,008,000, respectively, which was included in property and equipment, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

F-16


7. DEBT

        Debt at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Senior Notes, 101/2%, due December 1, 2007   $ 178,727   $ 178,727  
New Credit Facility:              
  Revolving credit loans, due December 17, 2005          
Mortgage loans, due January 1, 2003 through January 1, 2022     54,134     55,000  
Other         138  
   
 
 
      232,861     233,865  
Less: current portion     (1,031 )   (1,068 )
   
 
 
Total long-term debt   $ 231,830   $ 232,797  
   
 
 

        Principal payments due as of December 29, 2002 were as follows (in thousands):

Year

  Amount
2003   $ 1,031
2004     1,120
2005     1,248
2006     1,375
2007     180,241
Thereafter     47,846
   
Total   $ 232,861
   

        In July 2001, Tranche A of the term loans was prepaid and extinguished. Accordingly, the Company wrote off the related unamortized financing costs of $374,000 ($220,000, net of the related income tax benefit), which is included in extraordinary item, net of income taxes, in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2001.

        In December 2001, the Company successfully completed a financial restructuring plan (the "Refinancing Plan") which included the repayment of $64,545,000 outstanding under the Old Credit Facility and the repurchase of approximately $21,300,000 in Senior Notes for $17,000,000 with the proceeds from $55,000,000 in long-term mortgage financing (the "Mortgage Financing") and a $33,700,000 sale and leaseback transaction (the "Sale/Leaseback Financing", see Note 8). In addition, FICC secured a new $30,000,000 revolving credit facility of which up to $20,000,000 is available to support letters of credit. The $30,000,000 commitment less outstanding letters of credit is available for borrowing to provide working capital and for other corporate needs (the "New Credit Facility"). As of December 29, 2002, $15,432,000 was available for additional borrowing under the New Credit Facility. In connection with the Refinancing Plan, the Company wrote off unamortized financing costs and incurred other direct expenses totaling $3,400,000 ($2,000,000, net of tax), which were included in extraordinary items, net of income taxes, in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2001.

F-17



        The $200,000,000 Senior Notes issued in connection with the November 1997 Recapitalization (the "Senior Notes") are unsecured senior obligations of FICC, guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by FICC's Friendly's Restaurants Franchise, Inc. subsidiary, but are effectively subordinated to all secured indebtedness of FICC, including the indebtedness incurred under the New Credit Facility. The Senior Notes mature on December 1, 2007. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable at 10.50% per annum semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. In connection with the Refinancing Plan, FICC repurchased approximately $21,300,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes for $17,000,000. The gain of $4,300,000 ($2,500,000, net of tax) was recorded as an extraordinary item in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2001. The remaining Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at FICC's option any time on or after December 1, 2002 at redemption prices from 105.25% to 100.00%, based on the redemption date.

        Three new limited liability corporations ("LLCs") were organized in connection with the Mortgage Financing. FICC is the sole member of each LLC and the LLCs are consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. FICC sold 75 of its operating Friendly's restaurants to the LLCs in exchange for the proceeds from the Mortgage Financing. Promissory notes were issued for each of the 75 properties. Each LLC is a borrower under the Mortgage Financing.

        The Mortgage Financing requires the Company to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, of at least 1.10 to 1 and each LLC to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, on an aggregate restaurant basis of at least 1.25 to 1.

        The Mortgage Financing has a maturity date of January 1, 2022 and is amortized over 20 years. Interest on $10,000,000 of the original $55,000,000 from the Mortgage Financing is variable and is the sum of the 30-day LIBOR rate in effect (1.42% at December 29, 2002) plus 6% on an annual basis. Changes in the interest rate are calculated monthly with the monthly payment amount adjusted annually. Changes in the monthly payment amounts owed due to interest rate changes are reflected in the principal balances which are reamortized over the remaining life of the mortgages. The remaining $45,000,000 of the original $55,000,000 from the Mortgage Financing bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 10.16%. Each promissory note may be prepaid in full. The variable rate notes are subject to prepayment penalties during the first five years. The fixed rate notes may not be prepaid without the Company providing the note holders with a yield maintenance premium.

        The New Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of FICC and two of its six subsidiaries, Friendly's Restaurants Franchise Inc. and Friendly's International Inc., and both subsidiaries guaranty FICC's obligations under the New Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility was amended on December 27, 2002 to extend the maturity date to December 17, 2005. As of December 29, 2002, there were no revolving credit loans outstanding.

        The revolving credit loans bear interest at the Company's option at either (a) the Base Rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the "Base Rate") (6.25% at December 29, 2002), or (b) the Eurodollar rate plus the applicable margin as in effect from time to time (the "Eurodollar Rate") (5.35% at December 29, 2002).

        As of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, total letters of credit outstanding were approximately $14,568,000 and $14,627,000, respectively. During the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, there were no drawings against the letters of credit.

F-18



        The New Credit Facility has an annual "clean-up" provision which obligates the Company to repay in full all revolving credit loans on or before September 30 (or, if September 30 is not a business day, as defined, then the next business day) of each year and maintain a zero balance on such revolving credit for at least 30 consecutive days, to include September 30, immediately following the date of such repayment.

        As of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, the unused portion of the revolving credit commitments was $15,432,000 and $15,373,000, respectively. The total average unused portions of the revolving credit commitments were $15,846,000 for the year ended December 29, 2002, $15,243,000 for the period from January 1, 2001 through December 18, 2001, $15,373,000 for the period from December 19, 2001 through December 30, 2001 and $23,932,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000.

        The New Credit Facility includes certain restrictive covenants including limitations on indebtedness, restricted payments such as dividends and stock repurchases and sales of assets and of subsidiary stock. Additionally, the New Credit Facility limits the amount which the Company may spend on capital expenditures, restricts the use of proceeds, as defined, from asset sales and requires the Company to comply with certain financial covenants. The financial covenant requirements, as defined under the New Credit Facility, and actual ratios/amounts as of and for the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 were:

 
  December 29, 2002
  December 30, 2001
 
 
  Requirement
  Actual
  Requirement
  Actual
 
Leverage ratio     5.20 to 1     3.77 to 1     4.25 to 1     3.96 to 1  
Interest coverage ratio     1.95 to 1     2.45 to 1     2.20 to 1     2.31 to 1  
Fixed charge coverage ratio     1.05 to 1     1.33 to 1     1.15 to 1     1.26 to 1  
Consolidated tangible net worth (deficit)   $ (114,741,000 ) $ (108,785,000 ) $ (120,000,000 ) $ (117,222,000 )
Permitted capital expenditures (a)   $ 17,000,000   $ 16,942,000   $ 14,000,000   $ 12,672,000  
Consolidated EBITDA (b)   $ 48,900,000   $ 60,828,000   $ 60,000,000   $ 63,253,000  

(a)
The New Credit Facility's definition of permitted capital expenditures in the revolving credit agreement differs from the Company's total capital expenditures.

(b)
The New Credit Facility's definition of consolidated EBITDA allows non-cash losses and capitalized interest to be added back to net income (loss) which differs from the Company's internal EBITDA computation presented elsewhere herein.

F-19


        The fair values of the Company's long-term debt at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 were as follows (in thousands):

 
  December 29, 2002
  December 30, 2001
 
  Carrying
Amount

  Fair Value
  Carrying
Amount

  Fair Value
Senior Notes   $ 178,727   $ 177,163   $ 178,727   $ 175,081
Mortgage Financing     54,134     54,134     55,000     55,000
Other loans             138     138
   
 
 
 
Total   $ 232,861   $ 231,297   $ 233,865   $ 230,219
   
 
 
 

        The Company believes the carrying value of the Company's financial instruments other than long-term debt approximated their respective fair values as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001. The fair value of the Senior Notes was determined based on the actual trade prices occurring closest to December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001. The Company believes that the carrying value of the Mortgage Financing as of December 29, 2002 approximated the fair value based on the terms of the obligations. The Company believes that the carrying value of the Mortgage Financing as of December 30, 2001 approximated the fair value based on the proximity of the transaction to the fiscal year end. The Company believes that the carrying value of the other debt as of December 30, 2001 approximated the fair value based on the terms of the obligation and the rates then currently available to the Company for similar obligations.

8. LEASES

        As of December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, the Company operated 387, 393 and 449 restaurants, respectively. These operations were conducted in premises owned or leased as follows:

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

Land and building owned   113   114   178
Land leased and building owned   93   97   117
Land and building leased   181   182   154
   
 
 
    387   393   449
   
 
 

        Restaurants in shopping centers are generally leased for a term of 10 to 20 years. Leases of freestanding restaurants generally are for a 15 or 20 year lease term and provide for renewal options for three or four five-year renewals at the then current fair market value. Some leases provide for minimum payments plus a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated amounts. Additionally, the Company leases certain equipment over lease terms from three to seven years.

        In connection with the 2001 Refinancing Plan, in December 2001, the Company entered into and accounted for the Sale/Leaseback Financing, which provided approximately $33,700,000 of proceeds to the Company. The Company sold 44 properties operating as Friendly's restaurants and entered into a master lease with the buyer to lease the 44 properties for an initial term of 20 years under a triple net lease. There are four five-year renewal options and lease payments are subject to escalator provisions

F-20



every five years based upon increases in the Consumer Price Index. The December 2001 agreement provided the Company the option to repurchase properties in certain default situations, as defined. In January 2002 the Company entered into an amended agreement for no consideration which eliminated the buy back provision. The amended agreement was effective December 19, 2001. In accordance with SFAS No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate" and SFAS No. 98, "Accounting for Leases", the Company recognized an aggregate loss of $428,000 on two properties which was included in gains on sales of other properties and equipment, net in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 30, 2001. The gain of $11,377,000 on the remaining 42 properties was deferred and was included in other accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2001. The deferred gain is being amortized straight-line over 20 years.

        Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases with an original term in excess of one year as of December 29, 2002 were (in thousands):

Year

  Operating
Leases

  Capital
Leases and
Finance
Obligations

 
2003   $ 18,203   $ 1,937  
2004     16,878     1,109  
2005     14,749     1,080  
2006     12,657     785  
2007     10,687     728  
Thereafter     83,635     4,139  
   
 
 
Total future minimum lease payments   $ 156,809     9,778  
   
       
Less amounts representing interest           (3,372 )
         
 
Present value of minimum lease payments           6,406  
Less current maturities of capital lease and finance obligations           (1,362 )
         
 
Long-term maturities of capital lease and finance obligations         $ 5,044  
         
 

        Capital lease and finance obligations reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets have effective interest rates ranging from 7.00% to 12.00% and are payable in monthly installments through 2016. Maturities of such obligations as of December 29, 2002 were (in thousands):

Year

  Amount
2003   $ 1,362
2004     620
2005     646
2006     415
2007     410
Thereafter     2,953
   
Total   $ 6,406
   

F-21


        Rent expense included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for operating leases was (in thousands):

 
  For the Years Ended
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

Minimum rentals   $ 19,041   $ 16,004   $ 17,356
Contingent rentals     1,129     1,139     1,217
   
 
 
Total   $ 20,170   $ 17,143   $ 18,573
   
 
 

9. INCOME TAXES

        As of December 30, 2001, the Company had aggregate federal net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards of approximately $13,000,000, which would have expired between 2010 and 2019. As of December 29, 2002, the Company utilized all of its federal NOL carryforwards. As of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, full valuation allowances of $10,214,000 and $11,295,000, respectively, existed related to state NOL carryforwards due to restrictions on the usage of state NOL carryforwards and short carryforward periods for certain states.

        The (provision for) benefit from income taxes for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 were as follows (in thousands):

 
  For the Years Ended
 
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
Current (provision) benefit:                    
  Federal   $ (720 ) $ (295 ) $ 38  
  State     (285 )   (341 )   (26 )
   
 
 
 
Total current (provision) benefit     (1,005 )   (636 )   12  
   
 
 
 
Deferred (provision) benefit:                    
  Federal     (1,097 )   (498 )   19,214  
  State     143     454     1,995  
   
 
 
 
Total deferred (provision) benefit     (954 )   (44 )   21,209  
   
 
 
 
Total (provision for) benefit from income taxes   $ (1,959 ) $ (680 ) $ 21,221  
   
 
 
 

F-22


        A reconciliation of the difference between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective income tax rate follows:

 
  For the Years Ended
 
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
Statutory federal income tax rate   35 % 35 % 35 %
State income taxes net of federal benefit   6   6   6  
Effect of change in valuation allowance   (2 ) (7 ) 23  
Tax credits   (16 ) (23 ) 3  
Nondeductible expenses   3   4   (1 )
Other   (2 ) 1    
   
 
 
 
Effective tax rate   24 % 16 % 66 %
   
 
 
 

        Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined as the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of the assets and liabilities multiplied by the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Significant deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 were as follows (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Property and equipment   $ (22,258 ) $ (23,448 )
Net operating loss carryforwards (net of valuation allowance of $10,214 and $11,295 at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively)     131     4,757  
Insurance reserves     9,054     8,245  
Inventories     304     269  
Pension     6,831     (2,164 )
Intangible assets     (4,906 )   (5,098 )
Tax credit carryforwards     9,671     7,869  
Deferred gain     4,617     4,489  
Other     2,794     2,156  
   
 
 
Net deferred tax asset (liability)   $ 6,238   $ (2,925 )
   
 
 

10. RESTRUCTURINGS

        On October 10, 2001, the Company eliminated approximately 70 positions at corporate headquarters. The purpose of the reduction was to streamline functions and reduce redundancy among its business segments. In addition, approximately 30 positions in the restaurant construction and fabrication areas were eliminated by December 30, 2001. The Company believes the outsourcing of such activities will be more cost effective in the future. Annual salaries and fringe benefits associated with these 100 positions were approximately $5,600,000. As a result of the elimination of the positions and the outsourcing of certain functions, the Company reported a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $2,536,000 for severance, rent and unusable construction supplies due solely to the outsourcing in the year ended December 30, 2001.

F-23



        In March 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan that provided for the immediate closing of 81 restaurants at the end of March 2000 and the disposition of an additional 70 restaurants over the next 24 months. In connection with the restructuring plan, the Company eliminated approximately 150 management and administrative positions in the field organization and at corporate headquarters. As a result of the March 2000 plan, the Company reported a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $12,056,000 for severance, rent, utilities and real estate taxes, demarking, lease termination costs and certain other costs associated with the closing of the locations, along with a pre-tax write-down of property and equipment for these locations of approximately $17,008,000 in the year ended December 31, 2000. Due to earlier than anticipated lease terminations, the Company reduced this reserve by $400,000 and $1,900,000 during the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively.

        The following represents the reserve and related costs associated with the March 2000 and October 2001 restructurings (in thousands):

 
  For the Year Ended December 29, 2002
 
  Restructuring Reserve as of
December 30, 2001

  Costs Paid
  Reserve Reduction
  Restructuring Reserve as of
December 29, 2002

Severance pay   $ 516   $ (473 ) $ (43 ) $
Rent     1,318     (426 )   (213 )   679
Utilities and real estate taxes     185     (113 )   49     121
Equipment     480     (557 )   154     77
Outplacement services     6     (6 )      
Other     551     (144 )   (347 )   60
   
 
 
 
Total   $ 3,056   $ (1,719 ) $ (400 ) $ 937
   
 
 
 
 
  For the Year Ended December 30, 2001
 
  Restructuring Reserve as of
December 31, 2000

  Expense
  Costs Paid
  Reserve Reduction
  Restructuring Reserve as of
December 30, 2001

Severance pay   $ 74   $ 1,186   $ (753 ) $ 9   $ 516
Rent     3,585     440     (1,169 )   (1,538 )   1,318
Utilities and real estate taxes     1,105         (583 )   (337 )   185
Demarking     138         (138 )      
Lease termination costs     120         (120 )      
Environmental costs                    
Inventory     5         (5 )      
Equipment         515     (35 )       480
Outplacement services         143     (103 )   (34 )   6
Other     544     252     (245 )       551
   
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 5,571   $ 2,536   $ (3,151 ) $ (1,900 ) $ 3,056
   
 
 
 
 

        Based on information currently available, management believes that the restructuring reserve as of December 29, 2002 was adequate and not excessive.

F-24



11. FRANCHISE TRANSACTIONS

        On November 13, 2002, the Company sold the real property and equipment for one franchised location and assigned the lease and sold the equipment for a second franchised location to the existing franchisee. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $1,300,000, of which approximately $200,000 was for the assignment of the lease. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $700,000 related to the sale in the year ended December 29, 2002.

        On September 14, 2001, the Company entered into an agreement granting Revere Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Revere") certain limited exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly's full-service restaurants in designated areas within Lehigh and Northampton counties, Pennsylvania (the "Revere Agreement"). Pursuant to the Revere Agreement, Revere purchased certain assets and rights in six existing Friendly's restaurants and committed to open an additional four restaurants over the next seven years. The president of Revere is a former employee of the Company. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $3,400,000 of which approximately $200,000 was for franchise fees for the initial six restaurants. The $200,000 was recorded as revenue in the year ended December 30, 2001. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $350,000 related to the sale of the assets for the six locations in the year ended December 30, 2001.

        On April 13, 2001, the Company entered into an agreement granting J&B Restaurants Partners of Long Island Holding Co., LLC and its subsidiaries ("J&B") certain limited exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly's full-service restaurants in the franchising regions of Nassau and Suffolk Counties in Long Island, New York (the "J&B Agreement"). Pursuant to the J&B Agreement, J&B purchased certain assets and rights in 31 existing Friendly's restaurants and committed to open an additional 29 restaurants over the next 12 years. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $19,950,000, of which approximately $4,250,000 was received in a note and $940,000 was for franchise fees for the initial 31 restaurants. The $940,000 was recorded as revenue in the year ended December 30, 2001. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $4,300,000 related to the sale of the assets for the 31 locations in the year ended December 30, 2001. The cash proceeds were used to prepay approximately $4,711,000 on the term loans with the remaining balance being applied to the revolving credit facility, in each case under the Old Credit Facility. The 5-year note receivable bears interest at an annual rate of 11% using a 20-year amortization schedule. Payments are due monthly through the first five years with a balloon payment due at the end of five years. The Company also sold certain assets and rights in four other restaurants to three franchisees resulting in a loss of approximately $17,000 during the year ended December 30, 2001. During the year ended December 29, 2002, J&B closed one restaurant.

        On January 19, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement granting Kessler Family LLC ("Kessler") non-exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly's full-service restaurants in the franchising region of Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse, New York (the "Kessler Agreement"). Pursuant to the Kessler Agreement, Kessler purchased certain assets and rights in 29 existing Friendly's restaurants and has an option to open an additional 15 restaurants over the next seven years. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $13,300,000 of which $735,000 was for franchise fees for the initial 29 restaurants. The $735,000 was recorded as revenue in the year ended December 31, 2000. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $1,400,000 related to the sale of the assets for the 29 locations in the year ended December 31, 2000. The Company also sold certain assets and rights in six other restaurants to two additional franchisees resulting in a gain of $687,000 during the year ended December 31, 2000.

F-25



        On October 2, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement granting Kessler non-exclusive rights to operate and develop Friendly's full-service restaurants in the franchising region of Elmira, Binghamton, Utica and Watertown, New York (the "Second Kessler Agreement"). Pursuant to the Second Kessler Agreement, Kessler purchased certain assets and rights in 12 existing Friendly's restaurants and has an option to open an additional eight restaurants over the next six years. Gross proceeds from the sale were approximately $8,100,000, of which $370,000 was for franchise fees for the initial 12 restaurants. The $370,000 was recorded as revenue in the year ended December 31, 2000. The Company recognized a gain of approximately $3,600,000 related to the sale of the assets for the 12 locations in the year ended December 31, 2000. During the year ended December 30, 2001, the Company recognized an additional gain of approximately $200,000 since the estimates for remaining closing costs exceeded actual payments.

        In 2000, the Company and its first franchisee, Davco Restaurants, Inc. ("Davco"), agreed to terminate Davco's rights as the exclusive developer of new Friendly's restaurants in Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia and northern Virginia, effective December 28, 2000. At that time, Davco had the right to close up to 16 existing franchised locations and operate the remaining 32 locations under their respective existing franchise agreements until such time as a new franchisee was found for those locations. The existing franchise agreements for the 32 locations were modified as of December 29, 2001 to allow early termination subject, however, to liquidated damages on 22 of the 32 franchise agreements. During the year ended December 30, 2001, Davco transferred its rights to three franchised locations to a third party and closed two restaurants. During the year ended December 29, 2002, Davco transferred its rights to 24 additional franchised locations to six separate third parties and closed six restaurants. As of December 29, 2002 Davco operated 13 restaurants.

12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

        Substantially all of the employees of the Company are covered by a non-contributory defined benefit cash balance pension plan. Plan benefits are based on years of service and participant compensation during their years of employment. The Company accrues the cost of its pension plan over its employees' service lives.

        Under the cash balance plan, a nominal account for each participant is established. The Company makes an annual contribution to each participant's account based on current wages and years of service. Each account earns a specified rate of interest which is adjusted annually. Plan expenses may also be paid from the assets of the plan.

F-26



        For the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, the reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation was (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Beginning of year benefit obligation   $ 85,343   $ 81,876  
  Service cost     3,241     2,841  
  Interest cost     6,633     6,247  
  Actuarial loss     16,522     2,780  
  Plan amendments     (5,717 )    
  Disbursements     (7,141 )   (8,401 )
   
 
 
End of year benefit obligation   $ 98,881   $ 85,343  
   
 
 

        In 1997, pension benefits were reduced to certain employees. In 1998, death benefits were increased. The effect of these amendments is being amortized over the remaining employee service period of active plan participants. In 2002, pension benefits that were reduced in 1997 were restored to certain employees. In 2003, pension benefits will be reduced to all employees.

        The reconciliation of the fair value of assets of the plan as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 was (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Beginning of year fair value of assets   $ 100,123   $ 113,577  
Actual return on plan assets     (11,101 )   (4,664 )
Disbursements     (7,141 )   (8,401 )
Other         (389 )
   
 
 
End of year fair value of assets   $ 81,881   $ 100,123  
   
 
 

        The reconciliation of the funded status of the pension plan as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 included the following components (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Projected benefit obligation   $ 98,881   $ 85,343  
Fair value of plan assets     81,881     100,123  
   
 
 
Funded status     (17,000 )   14,780  
Unrecognized prior service benefit     (9,391 )   (4,402 )
Unrecognized net actuarial loss (gain)     34,786     (4,701 )
   
 
 
Prepaid benefit cost   $ 8,395   $ 5,677  
   
 
 

F-27


        The amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Deficit were (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Projected benefit obligation   $ 98,881   $ 85,343  
Additional benefits based on future salary increases     (719 )   (10,349 )
   
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligation     98,162     74,994  
Fair value of plan assets     81,881     100,123  
   
 
 
Minimum pension liability     (16,281 )    
Prepaid benefit cost     (8,395 )   5,677  
   
 
 
(Accrued) prepaid benefit liability     (24,676 )   5,677  
Income tax benefit     10,117        
   
       
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   $ (14,559 )      
   
       

        The components of net pension benefit for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 were (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
Service cost   $ 3,241   $ 2,841   $ 3,145  
Interest cost     6,634     6,247     6,251  
Expected return on assets     (11,590 )   (12,177 )   (11,628 )
Net amortization:                    
  Unrecognized prior service benefit     (728 )   (805 )   (805 )
  Unrecognized net actuarial gain     (275 )   (1,489 )   (1,899 )
   
 
 
 
Net pension benefit   $ (2,718 ) $ (5,383 ) $ (4,936 )
   
 
 
 

        A summary of the Company's key actuarial assumptions as of December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 follows:

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
Discount rate   6.75 % 7.25 % 7.50 %
Salary increase rate   3.25-4.75 % 3.75-5.25 % 3.75-5.25 %
Expected long-term rate of return   9.50 % 10.00 % 10.50 %

        The Company's Employee Savings and Investment Plan (the "Plan") covers all eligible employees and is intended to be qualified under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. For the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, the Company made matching contributions at the rate of 75% of the first 2% of the participant's contributions and 50% of the next 4% of the participant's contributions for employees of certain job classifications. For other employees of the Company, the Company made matching contributions at the rate of 75% of the first 2% of the participant's contributions and 50% of the next 2% of the participant's contributions. All employee contributions are fully vested. Company contributions are vested at the completion of five

F-28



years of service or at retirement, death, disability or termination at age 65 or over, as defined by the Plan. Company contributions and administrative expenses for the Plan were approximately $729,000, $837,000 and $974,000 for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 30, 2000, respectively.

13. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS

        The Company provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain groups of employees upon retirement. Eligible employees may continue their coverages if they are receiving a pension benefit, are at least 55 years of age and have completed ten years of service. The plan requires contributions for health care coverage from participants who retired after September 1, 1989. Life insurance benefits are contributory for participants who retired after July 1, 2002. Benefits under the plan are provided through the Company's general assets.

        The Company accrues the cost of postretirement benefits over the years employees provide services to the date of their full eligibility for such benefits. The reconciliation of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 was as follows (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Beginning of year benefit obligation   $ 6,798   $ 6,038  
Service cost     123     176  
Interest cost     500     444  
Plan participants' contributions     194      
Amendments     (1,097 )    
Actuarial loss     1,318     715  
Disbursements     (649 )   (575 )
   
 
 
End of year benefit obligation   $ 7,187   $ 6,798  
   
 
 

        The reconciliation of the funded status of the postretirement plan as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 included the following components (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

 
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation   $ (7,187 ) $ (6,798 )
Fair value of plan assets          
   
 
 
Funded status     (7,187 )   (6,798 )
Unrecognized prior service benefit     (1,789 )   (804 )
Unrecognized net actuarial loss     1,789     519  
   
 
 
Accrued benefit liability   $ (7,187 ) $ (7,083 )
   
 
 

F-29


        The components of the net postretirement benefit cost for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 were (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
Service cost   $ 123   $ 176   $ 152  
Interest cost     500     444     438  
Recognized actuarial loss     49          
Net amortization of unrecognized prior service benefit     (112 )   (61 )   (62 )
   
 
 
 
Net postretirement benefit cost   $ 560   $ 559   $ 528  
   
 
 
 

        A summary of the Company's key actuarial assumptions as of December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 follows:

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
Discount rate   6.75 % 7.25 % 7.50 %
Salary increase rate   3.25-4.75 % 3.75-5.25 % 3.75-5.25 %
Medical cost trend:              
  First year   8.50 % 9.50 % 5.25 %
  Ultimate   5.50 % 5.50 % 5.25 %
  Years to reach ultimate   3   4   1  

        A one-percentage-point increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have increased postretirement benefit expense by approximately $49,000, $64,000 and $58,000 and would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $491,000, $617,000 and $518,000 for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively. A one-percentage-point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate would have decreased the postretirement benefit expense by approximately $46,000, $58,000 and $52,000 and would have decreased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by approximately $446,000, $558,000 and $470,000 for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively.

14. INSURANCE RESERVES

        At December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, insurance reserves of approximately $30,986,000 and $30,562,000, respectively, had been recorded. Insurance reserves at December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 included RIC's reserve for the Company's insurance liabilities of approximately $7,198,000 and $7,830,000, respectively. Reserves also included accruals related to post employment benefits and postretirement benefits other than pensions. While management believes these reserves are adequate, it is reasonably possible that the ultimate liabilities will exceed such estimates.

F-30


        Classification of the reserves was as follows (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

Current   $ 11,330   $ 13,333   $ 13,095
Long-term     19,656     17,229     15,244
   
 
 
Total   $ 30,986   $ 30,562   $ 28,339
   
 
 

        Following is a summary of the activity in the insurance reserves for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 (in thousands):

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
Beginning balance   $ 30,562   $ 28,339   $ 26,994  
Provision     11,352     11,825     15,437  
Payments     (10,928 )   (9,602 )   (14,092 )
   
 
 
 
Ending balance   $ 30,986   $ 30,562   $ 28,339  
   
 
 
 

        The provision for insurance reserves each year was actuarially determined and reflected amounts for the current year as well as revisions in estimates to open reserves for prior years. Payments included amounts paid on open claims for all years.

15. STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT

        In connection with the Recapitalization, FICC adopted a Restricted Stock Plan (the "Restricted Stock Plan"), pursuant to which 371,285 shares were authorized for issuance. The Restricted Stock Plan provides for the award of common stock, the vesting of which is subject to conditions and limitations established by the Board of Directors.

        Such conditions may include continued employment with the Company or the achievement of performance measures. Upon the award of common stock, the participant has the rights of a stockholder, including but not limited to the right to vote such stock and the right to receive any dividends paid on such stock. The Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may designate employees and persons providing material services to the Company as eligible for participation in the Restricted Stock Plan.

        A summary of the shares issued under the Restricted Stock Plan is presented below:

 
  Number of Shares
 
Shares outstanding at January 2, 2000   351,977  
  Forfeited   (86,835 )
   
 
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2000   265,142  
  Forfeited   (41,422 )
   
 
Shares outstanding at December 30, 2001   223,720  
  Forfeited   (7,846 )
   
 
Shares outstanding at December 29, 2002   215,874  
   
 

F-31


        The issued shares vest on a straight-line basis over eight years or on an accelerated basis if certain performance criteria are met. The Company is recording the fair value of the shares issued at the issuance dates as compensation expense over the estimated vesting periods. During the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001, and December 31, 2000, the Company recorded stock compensation expense of approximately $531,000, $298,000 and $529,000, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The stock compensation expense recognized in 2002 included expense for accelerated vesting.

        In connection with the Recapitalization, the Board of Directors adopted a stock option plan (the "Stock Option Plan"), pursuant to which 395,000 shares of common stock options were authorized for issuance. The Board of Directors amended the Stock Option Plan to increase the shares available by 200,000 options and 439,970 options on October 24, 2001 and March 27, 2000, respectively. The Stock Option Plan provides for the issuance of nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options (which are intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code) and stock appreciation rights. As of December 29, 2002, no stock appreciation rights had been issued. The Board of Directors will determine the employees who will receive awards under the Stock Option Plan and the terms of such awards. The exercise price of a stock option or stock appreciation right shall not be less than the fair market value of one share of common stock on the date the stock option or stock appreciation right is granted. The options generally expire ten years from the date of grant. Options were issued on July 24, 2002 with a five-year expiration date, which was approved by the Board of Directors. Options issued prior to October 25, 2001 vest over five years, options issued subsequent to that date vest over three years.

        A summary of the status of the Company's Stock Option Plan is presented below:

 
  Number of Shares
  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price

Options outstanding at January 2, 2000   312,830   $ 9.09
  Granted   548,040     3.71
  Forfeited   (143,744 )   6.65
   
     
Options outstanding at December 31, 2000   717,126     5.46
  Granted   274,820     2.47
  Forfeited   (189,117 )   4.96
  Exercised   (1,000 )   3.88
   
     
Options outstanding at December 30, 2001   801,829     4.55
  Granted   127,000     7.54
  Forfeited   (86,603 )   4.99
  Exercised   (46,552 )   3.30
   
     
Options outstanding at December 29, 2002   795,674   $ 5.05
   
     

        At December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, options were exercisable on 374,790, 221,748 and 76,618 shares of stock with a weighted average exercise price of $5.34, $6.60 and $10.50, respectively.

F-32



        The following table summarizes information related to outstanding options as of December 29, 2002:

Range of Exercise
Prices

  Number Outstanding as of
December 29, 2002

  Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)

  Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

$  0.00 - $2.48   185,744   8.4   $ 2.19
    2.48 -  4.95   341,386   7.4     3.72
    4.95 -  7.43   91,414   6.1     5.83
    7.43 -  9.90   131,200   4.6     7.60
    9.90 - 12.38   550   5.6     12.00
  17.33 - 19.80   43,530   4.8     17.38
  22.28 - 24.75   1,850   5.4     24.75
   
         
    795,674   6.9   $ 5.05
   
         

        The Company applies APB No. 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for its plans. Under APB No. 25, no compensation cost has been recognized for its Stock Option Plan. Had compensation cost for the Company's stock plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income (loss) and basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 would have been the following pro forma amounts:

 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
Income (loss) before extraordinary item, as reported   $ 6,187,000   $ 3,120,000   $ (10,806,000 )
Less stock based compensation expense determined under fair value method for all stock options, net of related income tax expense     (385,000 )   (373,000 )   (165,000 )
   
 
 
 
Pro Forma Income (loss) before extraordinary item   $ 5,802,000   $ 2,747,000   $ (10,971,000 )
Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense         547,000      
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss)   $ 5,802,000   $ 3,294,000   $ (10,971,000 )
   
 
 
 
Basic income (loss) per share, as reported:                    
Income (loss) before extraordinary item   $ 0.84   $ 0.43   $ (1.45 )
Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense         0.07      
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share   $ 0.84   $ 0.50   $ (1.45 )
   
 
 
 
Basic income (loss) per share, pro forma:                    
Income (loss) before extraordinary item, as reported   $ 0.79   $ 0.37   $ (1.48 )
Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense         0.07      
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share   $ 0.79   $ 0.44   $ (1.48 )
   
 
 
 
Diluted income (loss) per share, as reported:                    
Income (loss) before extraordinary item   $ 0.82   $ 0.43   $ (1.45 )
Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense         0.07      
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share   $ 0.82   $ 0.50   $ (1.45 )
   
 
 
 
Diluted income (loss) per share, pro forma:                    
Income (loss) before extraordinary item   $ 0.77   $ 0.37   $ (1.48 )
Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense         0.07      
   
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per share   $ 0.77   $ 0.44   $ (1.48 )
   
 
 
 

F-33


        Fair value was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Risk free interest rate   3.60%   4.24%-5.26%   5.24%-6.85%
Expected life   5 years   6 years   7 years
Expected volatility   79.97%   85.30%   82.32%
Dividend yield   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%
Fair value   $4.99   $1.44-$3.18   $1.98-$3.56

        Pursuant to a stockholder rights plan (the "Stockholder Rights Plan") that FICC adopted in connection with the Recapitalization, the Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of common stock. The Stockholder Rights Plan provides, in substance, that should any person or group (other than certain management and affiliates) acquire 15% or more of FICC's common stock, each Right, other than Rights held by the acquiring person or group, would entitle its holder to purchase a specified number of shares of common stock for 50% of their then current market value. Until a 15% acquisition has occurred, the Rights may be redeemed by FICC at any time prior to the termination of the Stockholder Rights Plan.

16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

        FICC's Chairman of the Board is an officer of TRC. FICC entered into subleases for certain land, buildings and equipment from a subsidiary of TRC. For the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, rent expense related to the subleases was approximately $68,000, $219,000 and $312,000, respectively. On May 11, 2001, FICC purchased the first lease position from the master lessee for one of these properties for $100,000 and terminated the sublease with the subsidiary of TRC for approximately $52,000.

        In 1994, TRC Realty LLC (a subsidiary of TRC) entered into a ten-year operating lease for an aircraft for use by both the Company and TRC (which operates restaurants using the trademark Perkins Restaurant and Bakery ("Perkins")). In 1999, this lease was cancelled and TRC Realty LLC entered into a new ten-year operating lease for a new aircraft. The Company shared proportionately with Perkins in reimbursing TRC Realty LLC for leasing, tax and insurance expenses. In addition, the Company also incurred actual usage costs. TRC Realty LLC anticipates terminating the lease and disposing of the aircraft by May 2003. The Company's share of the expected net loss on disposal is approximately $950,000 and has been included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 29, 2002. Total expense associated with the plane for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000 was approximately $1,450,000, $686,000 and $927,000, respectively. Expense for the year ended December 29, 2002 included the $950,000 expected loss for the disposal of the aircraft.

        The Company purchased certain food products used in the normal course of business from a division of TRC at cost plus a mark-up. For the years ended December 29, 2002, December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, purchases were approximately $463,000, $618,000 and $759,000, respectively.

        In 1998, Friendly's entered into an agreement with The Ice Cream Corporation ("TICC") which conditionally granted TICC exclusive rights to purchase and develop Friendly's full-service restaurants

F-34



in the Lancaster and Chester counties of Pennsylvania (the "TICC Agreement"). The owners of TICC are family members of the Chairman of the Board of Directors FICC. Pursuant to the TICC Agreement, TICC purchased at fair market value certain assets and rights in two existing restaurants and committed to open an additional ten restaurants by October 11, 2004 with an option to purchase an additional three restaurants. TICC paid to Friendly's $125,000 for development fees for certain of the additional restaurants discussed above and $25,000 for the option to purchase two additional existing restaurants. On March 21, 2001, TICC and Friendly's agreed to terminate their development agreement and TICC forfeited their exclusive development rights. The $112,500 of unearned development fees was offset against the amounts due from TICC for product purchases.

        In July 2000, the pension plan sold a restaurant property located in Waldorf, Maryland to an independent third party. The Company, the occupant of the property, bought out the remaining full term of the lease for approximately $69,000. As a result of the sale, the pension plan realized a loss of approximately $108,000 in fiscal 2000.

        In June 1999, the Company sold a restaurant business (excluding the related property which was owned by the pension plan), located in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, to a franchisee of Friendly's Restaurants Franchise, Inc., a subsidiary of FICC. Under the original lease agreement between the Company and the pension plan, the Company leased the restaurant from the pension plan for approximately $63,000 per annum through June 2001. In conjunction with the Company's sale of the restaurant business to the franchisee, the Company subleased the property, with all of its rights, to the franchisee for an aggregate annual amount of $77,000 through July 31, 2001. Under the terms of the sublease agreement, the pension plan received rental income directly from the franchisee. On March 30, 2001, the franchisee exercised an option to purchase the property directly from the pension plan at fair market value of approximately $712,000.

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

        The Company is a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business which management believes, after consultation with legal counsel, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or future operating results.

        As of December 29, 2002, the Company has commitments to purchase approximately $114,164,000 of raw materials, food products and supplies used in the normal course of business. The majority of the commitments cover periods of one to 12 months. Most of these commitments are noncancelable.

18. SEGMENT REPORTING

        Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company's chief operating decision-maker is the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. The Company's operating segments include restaurant, foodservice and franchise. The revenues from these segments include both sales to unaffiliated customers and intersegment sales, which generally are accounted for on a basis consistent with sales to unaffiliated customers. Intersegment sales and other intersegment transactions have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

F-35



        The Company's restaurants target families with children and adults who desire a reasonably priced meal in a full-service setting. The Company's menu offers a broad selection of freshly-prepared foods which appeal to customers throughout all dayparts. The menu currently features over 100 items comprised of a broad selection of breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon and evening snack items. Foodservice operations manufactures frozen dessert products and distributes such manufactured products and purchased finished goods to the Company's restaurants and franchised operations. Additionally, it sells frozen dessert products to distributors and retail and institutional locations. The Company's franchise segment includes a royalty based on franchise restaurant revenue. In addition, the Company receives rental income from various franchised restaurants. The Company does not allocate general and administrative expenses associated with its headquarters operations to any business segment. These costs include expenses of the following functions: legal, accounting, personnel not directly related to a segment, information systems and other headquarters activities.

        On May 1, 2001, the Company's foodservice division decreased its ice cream pricing to all restaurants. This resulted in decreased total foodservice revenues of 1.0% and 2.4% for the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively, and decreased external foodservice revenues of 0.5% and 1.4% for the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001, respectively.

        The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that the financial results for the foodservice operating segment, prior to intersegment eliminations, have been prepared using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which the Company's management internally reviews financial information for the purpose of assisting in making internal operating decisions. The Company evaluates performance based on stand-alone operating segment income (loss) before income taxes and generally accounts for intersegment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market prices.

        EBITDA represents net income (loss) before (i) (provision for) benefit from income taxes, (ii) interest expense, net, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) extraordinary item, net, (v) write-downs of property and equipment and (vi) other non-cash items. The Company has included information concerning EBITDA in this Form 10-K because it believes that such information is used by certain investors as one measure of a company's historical ability to service debt. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, earnings (loss) from operations or other traditional indications of a company's operating performance.

F-36


 
  For the Years Ended
 
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Revenues:                    
  Restaurant   $ 454,569   $ 447,953   $ 508,976  
  Foodservice     234,420     224,736     234,455  
  Franchise     9,472     9,174     8,710  
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 698,461   $ 681,863   $ 752,141  
   
 
 
 
Intersegment revenues:                    
  Restaurant   $   $   $  
  Foodservice     (128,089 )   (129,368 )   (157,820 )
  Franchise              
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ (128,089 ) $ (129,368 ) $ (157,820 )
   
 
 
 
External revenues:                    
  Restaurant   $ 454,569   $ 447,953   $ 508,976  
  Foodservice     106,331     95,368     76,635  
  Franchise     9,472     9,174     8,710  
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 570,372   $ 552,495   $ 594,321  
   
 
 
 
EBITDA:                    
  Restaurant   $ 53,476   $ 53,986   $ 45,731  
  Foodservice     17,051     13,496     24,600  
  Franchise     6,027     4,359     3,821  
  Corporate     (17,924 )   (16,242 )   (21,854 )
  Gain on property and equipment, net     14     5,892     10,895  
  Restructuring costs     400     (636 )   (12,056 )
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 59,044   $ 60,855   $ 51,137  
   
 
 
 
Interest expense, net-Corporate   $ 24,870   $ 27,310   $ 31,053  
   
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:                    
  Restaurant   $ 17,472   $ 18,914   $ 20,828  
  Foodservice     3,258     3,449     3,477  
  Franchise     251     259     339  
  Corporate     3,540     6,405     6,106  
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 24,521   $ 29,027   $ 30,750  
   
 
 
 
Other non-cash expenses:                    
  Corporate   $ 531   $ 298   $ 527  
  Write-downs of property and equipment     976     800     20,834  
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 1,507   $ 1,098   $ 21,361  
   
 
 
 

F-37


 
  For the Years Ended
 
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

  December 31,
2000

 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item:                    
  Restaurant   $ 36,004   $ 35,072   $ 24,903  
  Foodservice     13,793     10,047     21,123  
  Franchise     5,776     4,100     3,482  
  Corporate     (46,865 )   (50,255 )   (59,540 )
  (Loss) gain on property and equipment, net     (962 )   5,092     (9,939 )
  Restructuring costs     400     (636 )   (12,056 )
   
 
 
 
    Total   $ 8,146   $ 3,420   $ (32,027 )
   
 
 
 
 
  For the Years Ended
 
  December 29,
2002

  December 30,
2001

Capital expenditures, including assets acquired under capital leases:            
  Restaurant   $ 15,386   $ 10,821
  Foodservice     1,667     2,090
  Corporate     1,039     1,011
   
 
    Total   $ 18,092   $ 13,922
   
 
Total assets:            
  Restaurant   $ 144,927   $ 148,475
  Foodservice     39,631     38,474
  Franchise     9,062     7,076
  Corporate     63,578     58,537
   
 
    Total   $ 257,198   $ 252,562
   
 

19. EXTRAORDINARY ITEM, NET OF INCOME TAXES

        Extraordinary item, net represents the $4,255,000 gain on the repurchase of Senior Notes net of (i) $2,806,000 of deferred financing costs which were expensed as a result of the repayment of Tranche A of the term loans in July 2001 and the repayment of the Old Credit Facility and the repurchase of $21,300,000 of Senior Notes in December 2001, (ii) $522,000 of expenses associated with releasing mortgages, etc. in connection with the repayment of the Old Credit Facility and (iii) $380,000 of income taxes.

F-38



20. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 
  Quarter ended
 
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  March 31,
2002

  June 30,
2002

  September 29,
2002

  December 29,
2002

 
2002 (a)                          
Revenues (b)   $ 129,174   $ 152,181   $ 158,314   $ 130,703  
Operating income     5,259     12,456     11,495     3,806  
Net (loss) income     (408 )   3,815     3,488     (708 )
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share:                          
  Basic net (loss) income   $ (0.06 ) $ 0.52   $ 0.47   $ (0.09 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted net (loss) income   $ (0.06 ) $ 0.49   $ 0.46   $ (0.09 )
   
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares:                          
  Basic     7,353     7,366     7,379     7,390  
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted     7,353     7,722     7,607     7,390  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  April 1,
2001

  July 1,
2001

  September 30,
2001

  December 30,
2001

 
2001 (a)                          
Revenues (b)   $ 124,810   $ 149,359   $ 148,448   $ 129,878  
Operating income     4,136     13,598     9,451     3,545  
(Loss) income before extraordinary item (c)     (1,935 )   4,041     1,862     (848 )
Net (loss) income     (1,935 )   4,041     1,641     (80 )
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share:                          
  (Loss) income before extraordinary item   $ (0.26 ) $ 0.55   $ 0.25   $ (0.11 )
   
 
 
 
 
  Net (loss) income   $ (0.26 ) $ 0.55   $ 0.22   $ (0.01 )
   
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares:                          
  Basic     7,376     7,364     7,359     7,353  
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted     7,376     7,370     7,416     7,353  
   
 
 
 
 

(a)
During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 30, 2001 the Company recorded restructuring costs of $2,536,000 as a result of the Company's restructuring plan announced in October 2001. During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $12,056,000 and write-downs of property and equipment of $17,008,000 as a result of the Company's restructuring plan announced in March 2000. The Company reduced the March 2000 restructuring reserve by $400,000 and $1,900,000 during the second quarter of the year ended December 29, 2002 and fourth quarter of the year ended December 30, 2001, respectively.

(b)
The Company has reclassified its revenues and operating expenses for all previous quarters presented due to a change in classification of certain retail selling expenses against retail revenue. See Note 4.

(c)
See Note 19 for discussion of the $547,000 extraordinary item, net.

F-39


21. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        FICC's obligation related to the Senior Notes are guaranteed fully and unconditionally by one of FICC's wholly owned subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on FICC's ability to obtain dividends or other distributions of funds from this subsidiary, except those imposed by applicable law. The following supplemental financial information sets forth, on a condensed consolidating basis, balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows for FICC (the "Parent Company"), Friendly's Restaurants Franchise, Inc. (the "Guarantor Subsidiary") and Friendly's International, Inc., Restaurant Insurance Corporation, and the three LLC subsidiaries, Friendly's Realty I, LLC, Friendly's Realty II, LLC and Friendly's Realty III, LLC (collectively, the "Non-guarantor Subsidiaries"). All of the LLCs' assets are owned by the LLCs, which are separate entities with separate creditors which will be entitled to be satisfied out of the LLCs' assets. Separate complete financial statements and other disclosures of the Guarantor Subsidiary as of December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 and for the years ended December 29, 2002 and December 30, 2001 are not presented because management has determined that such information is not material to investors.

        Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Company on the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. Earnings of the subsidiaries are, therefore, reflected in the Parent Company's investment accounts and earnings. The principal elimination entries eliminate the Parent Company's investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

F-40



Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 29, 2002
(in thousands)

 
  Parent
Company

  Guarantor
Subsidiary

  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
Assets                                
Current assets:                                
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 29,717   $ 1,944   $ 2,680   $   $ 34,341  
  Accounts receivable, net     9,695     1,158             10,853  
  Inventories     17,278                 17,278  
  Deferred income taxes     7,718     18         35     7,771  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     8,624     1,175     7,778     (14,515 )   3,062  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total current assets     73,032     4,295     10,458     (14,480 )   73,305  
Deferred income taxes         264         (264 )    
Property and equipment, net     108,805         49,568         158,373  
Intangibles and deferred costs, net     16,930         2,712         19,642  
Investments in subsidiaries     4,222             (4,222 )    
Other assets     4,963     6,742     915     (6,742 )   5,878  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets   $ 207,952   $ 11,301   $ 63,653   $ (25,708 ) $ 257,198  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:                                
  Current maturities of long-term obligations   $ 9,138   $   $ 1,031   $ (7,776 ) $ 2,393  
  Accounts payable     23,902                 23,902  
  Accrued expenses     42,581     3,654     6,861     (6,654 )   46,442  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total current liabilities     75,621     3,654     7,892     (14,430 )   72,737  
Deferred income taxes     1,762             (229 )   1,533  
Long-term obligations, less current maturities     183,771         53,103         236,874  
Other long-term liabilities     50,500     885     5,198     (6,827 )   49,756  
Stockholders' (deficit) equity     (103,702 )   6,762     (2,540 )   (4,222 )   (103,702 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity   $ 207,952   $ 11,301   $ 63,653   $ (25,708 ) $ 257,198  
   
 
 
 
 
 

F-41



Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 29, 2002
(in thousands)

 
  Parent
Company

  Guarantor
Subsidiary

  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
Revenues   $ 562,366   $ 8,006   $   $   $ 570,372  
Costs and expenses:                                
  Cost of sales     202,418                 202,418  
  Labor and benefits     161,647                 161,647  
  Operating expenses and write-downs of property and equipment     119,699         (6,893 )       112,806  
  General and administrative expenses     31,813     4,648             36,461  
  Reversal of restructuring expenses     (400 )               (400 )
  Depreciation and amortization     22,186         2,335         24,521  
Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties     (675 )               (675 )
Loss on sales of other property and equipment, net     332         246         578  
Interest expense, net     20,165         4,705         24,870  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before benefit from (provision for) income taxes and equity in net loss of consolidated subsidiaries     5,181     3,358     (393 )       8,146  
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes     1,027     (1,377 )   (1,609 )       (1,959 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before equity in net loss of consolidated subsidiaries     6,208     1,981     (2,002 )       6,187  
Equity in net loss of consolidated subsidiaries     (21 )           21      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)   $ 6,187   $ 1,981   $ (2,002 ) $ 21   $ 6,187  
   
 
 
 
 
 

F-42



Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 29, 2002
(in thousands)

 
  Parent
Company

  Guarantor
Subsidiary

  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 28,626   $ 1,840   $ 2,707   $ (702 ) $ 32,471  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                                
  Purchases of property and equipment     (17,877 )               (17,877 )
  Proceeds from sales of property and equipment     6,263                 6,263  
  Proceeds from non-operating note receivable             1,038     (1,038 )    
  Return of investment in subsidiaries     619             (619 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (10,995 )       1,038     (1,657 )   (11,614 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                                
  Repayments of obligations     (3,103 )       (866 )   1,038     (2,931 )
  Payments related to deferred financing costs     (80 )               (80 )
  Reinsurance deposits received             2,024     (2,024 )    
  Reinsurance payments made from deposits             (2,726 )   2,726      
  Stock options exercised     153                 153  
  Dividends paid             (619 )   619      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities     (3,030 )       (2,187 )   2,359     (2,858 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents     14,601     1,840     1,558         17,999  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year     15,116     104     1,122         16,342  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   $ 29,717   $ 1,944   $ 2,680   $   $ 34,341  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest paid (received)   $ 24,444   $   $ (680 ) $   $ 23,764  
  Income taxes (received) paid     (628 )   1,026             398  
  Capital lease obligations incurred     215                 215  

F-43



Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 30, 2001
(in thousands)

 
  Parent
Company

  Guarantor
Subsidiary

  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
Assets                                
Current assets:                                
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 15,116   $ 104   $ 1,122   $   $ 16,342  
  Accounts receivable, net     9,468     501             9,969  
  Inventories     12,987                 12,987  
  Deferred income taxes     7,448     99         112     7,659  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     8,902     1,002     3,560     (9,728 )   3,736  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total current assets     53,921     1,706     4,682     (9,616 )   50,693  
Deferred income taxes         350     1,327     (1,677 )    
Property and equipment, net     117,564         51,925         169,489  
Intangibles and deferred costs, net     18,271         2,937         21,208  
Investments in subsidiaries     4,863             (4,863 )    
Other assets     10,258     4,863     6,229     (10,178 )   11,172  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets   $ 204,877   $ 6,919   $ 67,100   $ (26,334 ) $ 252,562  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:                                
  Current maturities of long-term obligations   $ 5,489   $   $ 930   $ (3,500 ) $ 2,919  
  Accounts payable     20,505                 20,505  
  Accrued expenses     43,853     1,042     7,689     (5,956 )   46,628  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total current liabilities     69,847     1,042     8,619     (9,456 )   70,052  
Deferred income taxes     12,149             (1,565 )   10,584  
Long-term obligations, less current maturities     190,308         54,070     (5,314 )   239,064  
Other long-term liabilities     28,587     1,095     4,330     (5,136 )   28,876  
Stockholders' (deficit) equity     (96,014 )   4,782     81     (4,863 )   (96,014 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' (deficit) equity   $ 204,877   $ 6,919   $ 67,100   $ (26,334 ) $ 252,562  
   
 
 
 
 
 

F-44



Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 30, 2001
(in thousands)

 
  Parent
Company

  Guarantor
Subsidiary

  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
Revenues   $ 544,874   $ 7,621   $   $   $ 552,495  
Costs and expenses:                                
  Cost of sales     197,846                 197,846  
  Labor and benefits     157,312                 157,312  
  Operating expenses and write-downs of property and equipment     106,528     191     525         107,244  
  General and administrative expenses     31,679     4,633             36,312  
  Restructuring expenses, net     636                 636  
  Depreciation and amortization     28,886         141         29,027  
Gain on franchise sales of restaurant operations and properties     (4,591 )               (4,591 )
Gain on sales of other property and equipment, net     (2,021 )               (2,021 )
Interest expense (income)     27,866         (556 )       27,310  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before benefit from (provision for) income taxes, extraordinary item and equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries     733     2,797     (110 )       3,420  
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes     799     (1,147 )   48         (300 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries     1,532     1,650     (62 )       3,120  
Extraordinary item, net of income tax expense     547                 547  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries     2,079     1,650     (62 )       3,667  
Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries     1,588             (1,588 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)   $ 3,667   $ 1,650   $ (62 ) $ (1,588 ) $ 3,667  
   
 
 
 
 
 

F-45



Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 30, 2001
(in thousands)

 
  Parent
Company

  Guarantor
Subsidiary

  Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries

  Eliminations
  Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 15,212   $ 71   $ 2,413   $ (2,224 ) $ 15,472  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                                
  Purchases of property and equipment     (13,922 )       (52,061 )   52,061     (13,922 )
  Proceeds from sales of property and equipment     108,736             (52,061 )   56,675  
  Investment in subsidiaries     (3 )           3      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     94,811         (52,061 )   3     42,753  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                                
  Proceeds from borrowings     79,405         55,000         134,405  
  Repayments of obligations     (186,828 )               (186,828 )
  Payments related to deferred financing costs     (1,107 )       (2,941 )       (4,048 )
  Reinsurance deposits received             1,280     (1,280 )    
  Reinsurance payments made from deposits             (3,504 )   3,504      
  Stock options exercised     4                 4  
  Contribution of capital             3     (3 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (108,526 )       49,838     2,221     (56,467 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents     1,497     71     190         1,758  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year     13,619     33     932         14,584  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   $ 15,116   $ 104   $ 1,122   $   $ 16,342  
   
 
 
 
 
 

Supplemental disclosures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest paid (received)   $ 29,183   $   $ (750 ) $   $ 28,433  
  Income taxes (received) paid     (422 )   596     65         239  
  Capital lease obligations terminated     170                 170  
  Note received from the sale of property and equipment     4,250                 4,250  

F-46



Report of Independent Auditors

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation

        We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 29, 2002, and for the year then ended, and have issued our report thereon dated February 14, 2003 (included elsewhere in this Form 10-K). Our audit also included Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts as of December 29, 2002, and for the year then ended, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this schedule based on our audit. The financial statement schedule of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, and for the two years in the period ended December 30, 2001, was subjected to the auditing procedures applied by other auditors, who have ceased operations, in connection with their audit of the consolidated financial statements for those two years and whose report dated February 11, 2002, indicated that such financial statement schedule fairly stated in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

        In our opinion, the financial statement schedule as of December 29, 2002, and for the year then ended, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

February 14, 2003

F-47



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

        Friendly Ice Cream Corporation:

We have audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, the consolidated balance sheets of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' deficit and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2001, included in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report thereon dated February 11, 2002. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The accompanying Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. The information reflected in the schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.


 

 

 

/s/  
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP      
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
February 11, 2002

Note: This is a copy of the audit report previously issued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with the Friendly Ice Cream Corporation's filing on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2001. This audit report has not been reissued by Arthur Andersen LLP in connection with this filing on Form 10-K. See Exhibit 23.2 for further discussion.

F-48



ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
ITEM 14(D)

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2002, DECEMBER 30, 2001 and DECEMBER 31, 2000
(In thousands)

Column A
  Column B
  Column C
  Column D
  Column E
Description
  Balance at
Beginning
of Period

  Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

  Charged to
Other
Accounts

  Deductions
  Balance at
End
of Period

2002                              

Reserve for restructuring costs

 

$

3,056

 

$

(400

)

$


 

$

1,719

 

$

937
   
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable   $ 588   $ 359   $ 68   $ 248   $ 767
   
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts—notes receivable   $ 914   $   $ (68 ) $ 533   $ 313
   
 
 
 
 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve for restructuring costs

 

$

5,571

 

$

636

 

$


 

$

3,151

 

$

3,056
   
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable   $ 413   $ 246   $   $ 71   $ 588
   
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts—notes receivable   $ 520   $ 414   $   $ 20   $ 914
   
 
 
 
 
2000                              

Reserve for restructuring costs

 

$


 

$

12,056

 

$


 

$

6,485

 

$

5,571
   
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts—accounts receivable   $ 191   $ 253   $   $ 31   $ 413
   
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts—notes receivable   $ 100   $ 420   $   $   $ 520
   
 
 
 
 

F-49



EXHIBIT INDEX

3.1   Restated Articles of Organization of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (the "Company"). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Reg. No. 333-34633).

3.2

 

Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1998, File No. 0-3930).

4.1

 

Credit Agreement among the Company, Fleet Bank, N.A and certain other banks and financial institutions ("Credit Agreement") dated as of December 17, 2001 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2001. File No. 0-3930).

4.1(a)

 

Consent, Limited Waiver and Amendment No. 1 to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of February 15, 2002.

4.1(b)

 

Limited Waiver and Amendment No. 2 to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 27, 2002.

4.2

 

Loan Agreement between the Company's subsidiary, Friendly's Realty I, LLC and G.E Franchise Finance Corporation dated as of December 17, 2001 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2001. File No. 0-3930).

4.3

 

Loan Agreement between the Company's subsidiary, Friendly's Realty II, LLC and G.E Franchise Finance Corporation dated as of December 17, 2001 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2001. File No. 0-3930).

4.4

 

Loan Agreement between the Company's subsidiary, Friendly's Realty III, LLC and G.E Franchise Finance Corporation dated as of December 17, 2001 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2001. File No. 0-3930).

4.5

 

Senior Note Indenture between Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, Friendly's Restaurants Franchise, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1998, File No. 0-3930).

4.6

 

Rights Agreement between the Company and The Bank of New York, a Rights Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Reg. No. 333-34633).

10.1

 

The Company's Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Reg. No. 333-34633).*

10.1(a)

 

The Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan (as amended effective March 27, 2000).*

10.1(b)

 

The Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan (as amended effective October 24, 2001).*

10.2

 

The Company's Restricted Stock Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Reg. No. 333-34633).*

10.3

 

Purchase Agreement between Realty Income Corporation as buyer and Company as seller dated December 13, 2001 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2001. File No. 0-3930).


EXHIBIT INDEX (Continued)

10.9   Sublease between SSP Company, Inc. and the Company, as amended, for the Chicopee, Massachusetts Distribution Center (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Reg. No. 333-34633).
10.10   TRC Management Contract between the Company and The Restaurant Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Reg. No. 333-34633).
10.11   Aircraft Reimbursement Agreement between the Company and TRC Realty Co (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 1998, File No. 0-3930).
21.1   Subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
23.2   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
99.1   Certification of Annual Report dated February 25, 2003 signed by Donald N. Smith.
99.2   Certification of Annual Report dated February 25, 2003 signed by Paul V. Hoagland.

*
—Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement



QuickLinks

PART I
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
PART II
MARKET PRICE OF COMMON STOCK
EXPECTED YEAR OF MATURITY (dollars in thousands)
PART III
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATIONS
FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands)
FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data)
FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT (Dollars in thousands)
FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands)
FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of December 29, 2002 (in thousands)
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations For the Year Ended December 29, 2002 (in thousands)
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Year Ended December 29, 2002 (in thousands)
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of December 30, 2001 (in thousands)
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations For the Year Ended December 30, 2001 (in thousands)
Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Year Ended December 30, 2001 (in thousands)
Report of Independent Auditors
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K ITEM 14(D) SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2002, DECEMBER 30, 2001 and DECEMBER 31, 2000 (In thousands)
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT INDEX (Continued)