UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 24, 2004 FRIENDLY ICE CREAM CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Massachusetts 0-3930 04-2053130 (I.R.S. Employer (State of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) Identification No.) 1855 Boston Road Wilbraham, Massachusetts 01095 (Address, including zip code of registrant's principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (413) 543-2400 Not Applicable (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report) ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS AND REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE On February 24, 2004, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation issued a press release announcing that it intends to raise $175 million of gross proceeds through a private placement of senior notes. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibits: 99.1 February 24, 2004 Press Release by Friendly Ice Cream Corporation. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and 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 24, 2004 Exhibit Index 99.1 February 24, 2004 Press Release by Friendly Ice Cream Corporation