Friendly's appoints chief executive

(File photo: Steven Senne/AP)

Friendly Ice Cream Corp., a Wilbraham-based chain of family restaurants that also sells its ice cream through many retailers, announced the appointment of Ned R. Lidvall as its president and chief executive, effective immediately.

Lidvall replaces George M. Condos, who announced his retirement several months ago, the company said.

Since 1999, Lidvall served as president and chief executive of Rock Bottom Restaurants Inc., a Colorado-based chain with just over 130 casual dining restaurants, Friendly's said in a press release.

Friendly's is a portfolio company of Sun Capital Partners of Florida, a private investment firm.

The Friendly's chain includes 505 company and franchised restaurants. Friendly's also makes ice cream, which is distributed through more than 4,000 supermarkets and other retail locations.

For much of its 73-year history, Friendly's was a local dining icon. But the chain has experienced some ups and downs recently, partly as a result of changing consumer lifestyle habits. For some Globe coverage of Friendly's, please click here.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)