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Finally! Farrell’s reveals first O.C. location
May 8th, 2009, 2:00 am · 231 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
Rumors have been floating for months about where Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour will land in Orange County.
Today, the wait is over. Farrell’s will make its O.C. comeback at… .(insert big Farrell’s drum gong here)
…The Shops at Mission Viejo.
The mall and Parlour Enterprises have inked a deal to open a 7,300-square-foot restaurant and ice cream shop in the space once-occupied by Oceans 33.
Although there’s a Farrell’s in Santa Clarita, the Mission Viejo restaurant will be the first of several “original concept” parlours planned in California by Laguna Niguel-based Parlour Enterprises.
At its peak, Farrell’s boasted more than 130 restaurants in the United States. Several were located in Orange County. Parlour officials said the Mission Viejo location will maintain “the heart and soul” of the ice cream parlour that most kids and families remember.
That nostalgic ambiance includes employees dressed in pin-striped vests, old-fashioned ties and cane hats. A player piano will set the musical tone as will the beat of the famous “Farrell’s drum,” gonged every time a major announcement is made in the restaurant.
Still, the restaurant will be modernized to accommodate diet trends. For example, “sugar-free” and “no sugar added” ice cream and topping options will be available. The restaurant will also feature frozen yogurt, as well as a diverse bistro-style lunch and dinner menu.
“We know that things have changed a lot in 30 years so we’re mixing in some more current ideas, but it will be much like what people remember,” said Michael Fleming, Chief executive of Parlour Enterprises.
Mall officials said Farrell’s is scheduled to open in early fall.
Tell us: What do you think of this new location? Delighted? Disappointed? Write in and let us know. I know you have a lot to say because my first Farrell’s comeback story generated more than 150 comments.
Social Networking: Farrell’s on Facebook or Follow Farrell’s on Twitter.
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Can’t wait! Ocean’s 33 had that separate room - will that be the party room?
1984 I was 11 and my sister was 12. We went to the Farrells in Downey for a cousins bday. My uncle surprised us with Duran Duran concert tix that night. Not only were we enjoying a party at the most wonderful place called Farrells but we were going to enjoy the second best thing in the world DD. Awesome memory amongst many.
I will be there opening day with lots of friends who love Farrells and with my 2 year old son and husband. I can’t wait! Ready to make new memories.
Unfortunately, doesn’t look like the new Farrells will be open in time for the Duran Duran show at the Pacific Amp. on July 11.
I think it’s a great plan, I tell you what I keep telling my husband if they brought Farrells back to Mighigan it would do so well!!! If I win the lottery someday I would open one in my area. Everyone I talk to about Farells can not say enough good about the place. So bring one back to Mighigan I have a great spot Northville Livonia area Haggerty and seven mile Rd area. It’s a no brainer put a Farrels in the area and watch the money roll in.
I agree, It NEEDS to come back to Michigan!!!
I agree! I used to go to Farrell’s when I was young and when I was a teenager when they had the store located in Livonia, Michigan on Telegraph Road. Man, that place was always busy on the weekends! Had to wait in line to get in.
Many wonderful Birthdays there!
I can’t wait!!! I love sharing my childhood experiences with my kids. Now I will get to introduce them to the “pig’s trough”. On the other hand, I doubt I’ll ever be able to take them to Thrifty’s for a 15 cent double cone.
Well I hope you bring back Farrells to Sacramento CA we had two here in town I had my birthday parties there when I a kid back in the 70’s stood on the chair and the big metal urn with moutains of Ice cream and the candy store with jaw breakers size of snowballs.
WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO i grew up on Ferrell’s in Huntington Beach Ca and I am So Excited to see them come back it is a good old fashion ice cream paroular and can not wait
hey hank! the h.b. farrell’s was my stompin’ grounds too! I’m so excited to see it come back and I’m lucky enough to live in Lake Forest. whoo hoo! less than 10 minutes from new farrell’s!
I also use to go to the on in Huntington Beach. My grandmother would always bring me there for my birthday.
We had The BEST Birthday Partys at Farrell’s in Huntington Beach …we lived across the street ( can’t get much sweeter than that!) can’t wait for my kids to enjoy”THE ZOO” and all the other fun..and Yummy Ice Cream !
Spent many weekends in Farrells in NJ….need one in the Charlotte, NC area for northern transplants. It would ROCK!
I worked at a Farrells in NJ.. Now living in the Charlotte area. I too would love to see one here. It would be great for our kids to experience it.
I think it is awsome………… I have wonderful memories. I can’t wail.
Awesome! Can’t wait!!!
Can’t wait to take my kids here! I loved Farrells growing up in Sacramento and now I live in Mission Viejo - Yeah!
I grrew up in Venice and had my 10th birthday party at the one on Canoga Ave. I wonder if they will bring back the Zoo. I went to the one in Santa Clarita last year and was disappointed. Bring Farrells back to Sacramento!
Weight Watchers, close your eyes.
Used to go to the one on Beach Blvd. in H.B. as a kid.
Glad to see it back!
Me too!
Nancy: I knew it! In fact I was at the mall last night and I walked by the space looking for signs, notices, etc, ‘cuz I just knew that was what was going to go in that spot! There was nothing posted yet.
I remember going to the one in Fullerton; I think it was on St College, but I could be wrong (yes, it has been known to happen).
It will interesting to see if they make it, this time around. We need something like this; give Chuck E. Cheese a run for his money, even though they are totaly 2 different concepts.
Who doesn’t love Farrell’s. We can’t wait for a birthday to share a zoo with everyone.
Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, we finally get something new in South County before the rest of the universe.
i grew up in New Jersey Farrells’s is THE BEST! Welcome to OC.
I will believe it when I’m dipping my spoon into a pig trough!
Eric, You’ve become so cynical!
Well, they’ve been talking about it for how many years now?………….5 or 6 at least!………BTW……………..a couple of years ago, we drove to Santa Clarita so my kids could experience a Farrell’s before they ALL became extinct……….what a dissapointment that place was!
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I wish they would retake the building the Farrell’s in Orange was in………it sat empty for a long time………..a seafood buffett place recently went in……..it would be great to have them back in the building they were in when I was a kid…………
Eric,
Thanks for the comments…I think. LOL.
I understand your skepticism as all of at Parlour have been trying get this going for many years…more than 6!.
However, I can assure you we will be opening Farrell’s Mission Viejo hopefully in late summer/early fall….but it WILL open.
Please see my comments regarding Santa Clarita in my response to ANDREA below.
Many thanks and we WILL see you at the opening!
Sincerely,
MIchael Fleming
CEO
Parlour Enterprises
Please email me so I can communicate further with you.I have a business where I deal with hundreds of families.I am a fan .I was a big customer at Tysons.Now I can share the legacy with my children.This is so great.I want to help.
C Peterson
Cheska’s childcare consulting Inc.(20 years)
Dear FAST FOOD MAVEN readers:
All of us at Parlour Enterprises are excited that The Shops at Mission Viejo will be the home of our “original concept” Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour.
We want to hear your suggestions, and memories so blog away right here as we follow Food Maven daily.
I will answer any questions you have like “OCReaderGal” wanting to know if the side room will be for parties. The side area will be used for regular seating but will be available by reservation for groups, team trophy parties, special events, or team building events. We will also have dividers if a party wants some privacy.
Any other questions??!!
Farrell’s founder, Robert “Bob” Farrell, who started the company in 1963 will be part of our grand opening events so you can all meet him and let him know your fondest memories.
Our new theme is “OLD TIME MEMORIES FOR A NEW GENERATION”
See you all soon!
Sincerely,
Michael Fleming
CEO
Parlour Enterprises Inc
Thanks Michael for being so responsive to my readers.
So you heard the man, ask away right here….
YEAH!!! All us “soccer moms” (and dads, and kids) have been waiting soooo long for this! Finally, another option for end of the year soccer parties! We’re sick of pizza!! My son is almost out of AYSO now (yes…been waiting a LONG time, since The Block was a possibility), but we’ll still enjoy Farrell’s!
Can’t wait for my Tin Roof Sundae!
Is it possible that we here in Seattle could have this FABULOUS Eatery back in our state ? ? ? ?
Farrell’s was an enormous part of my childhood ! It was THE place to go for your Birthday. The Mt Ranier or The Woodland Park Zoo were the crowd pleaser’s.
They started taking them away in my early 20’s and by my early 30’s I had children and would have LOVED to start a tradition with them, sadly there were none left here. Luckily I kept having children
. . . 4 total, the younger ones are at a perfect age for this very festive and fun place to celebrate !
Pleas oh please . . . if there is a God, let there be another Farrell’s here in Seattle !
I have heard the rumor for years that ferralls is coming back. I am so glad we all get to share in the excitement I had as a kid at Farrells in Huntington Beach. Good luck!
Hi Michael,
I was wondering if you guys will have DirectTV so that everyone will be able to enjoy watching sports while at a great/festive atmosphere… Great for adults, little leaguers, etc…
Michael,
Isn’t the point of a Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, to “get away” from the everyday “stuff” (like tv) and have fun and conversation with our children and family?
How about Michigan? We had one in Southfield when I was growing up. Someday I will upload some photos.
Any change of opening one in the San Francsico Bay Area? I used to go to the one at Serramonte ( Daly City) and was sad that it closed down. One in Concord, Walnut Creek, CA would be great
Don’t scale down like the one in Santa Clarita…
Make the Candy section big like the one in Cerritos, Ca the way the line for the register went through that big Candy Section and how the line to get in was on the other side of the wall.
You seriously need to do the stretcher with the hole in it for the icecream, run through the place like they did years back.
Make sure the booths are not small… part of the charm was the long booths for parites…
And that horn needs to be more than the accordian pull handle… make it big like the old days!!!! And the player Piano needs to be louder than the one in Santa Clarita…
Love your french fries! And the Icecream with the fudge on the side in those steel cups. I would appeal to the HS Croud, the B-days and parties will come, but you get the HS kids to hang out after a game… the parents will come back to remember when they used to go there… Good Luck!
Cash
Yeah!
I’ve heard from many that the player piano in Santa Clarita is toooooo quiet.
Come on, turn up the fun!
Oh my goodness–
Tin roof sundaes tall enough I had to sit on my knees to eat them…every birthday party at Farrell’s and the big ice cream pot full and the workers running back & forth with it on the big fire truck thing…with the siren ringing. Oh—and the trip thru the old fashioned candy store with penny candy! Such great memories!!!
YES…The CANDY STORE TOOoooo!!!!
Helene Hodge-Ladd
I had most of my birthday parties at the El Con Mall location in Tucson, Az. I loved the taffy in the candy store in the front, the Green River soda and always shared a ZOO with all my friends! Loved the siren and craziness when they brought it out!
Are you coming back to Michigan???
I have many, many memories at Farrell’s growing up. I am so happ you are making a come back!!! Please let us know if you coming home!!!
I grew up in SoCal and ate alot at Farrells then took my kids there. Its the best place ever!!! I now live in Boise, Idaho and we have very few Ice cream shops. I think there is 3 or 4 small business and Baskin Robbins( which dont compare). We had a Ice Cream Parlour that had been here for 40 years but it got sold then sold again and finally went under. It had a small inside eating area. They also served sandwich plates with chips. The community loved this Parlour and many are upset it is gone since it was a one of a kind. So i am positive that many citizens in Boise would welcome a Farrells here with enthusiasm. I also now many mnany SoCal ppl have relocated here, So Many will flock to Farrells. I hope you seriuosly look into a location in Boise, Idaho.
Thank You
Debbie Oates
Michael,
I would love to be kept posted on when the Farrells will open. I was one of the original employees at Farrells in Santa Ana, CA and went on to work and eventually Manage a couple of stores.
I remember meeting Bob Farrell when he visited us at the Santa Ana store. It was a great place to work, don’t tell Bob, but I would have worked there for free back in those days it was so much fun.
I worked at the following stores: Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, there were 2, I worked at the Beach Blvd store. Downey, Rosemead(management trainig),Whittier, Torrance, Fullerton, and the last store was Northridge. I worked shifts for others at Woodland Hills, and at the second H.B. store on Adams.
I sitll have photos from those days, the black and white and as a side note, I met my wife at the Downey store and have been married for over 35 years now.
Please keep me informed, I would appreciate it.
Kurt Thomas
Just wanted to say ‘hey’. I worked at Torrance Farrells in ‘79, I believe. Didn’t work there long but have nothing but great memories. Still the best food, ice cream, candy store and uniforms! Met my first boyfriend there who was a long-time waiter there.
Yipee………….the best memories as a kid going to the Farrell’s on Tustin Avenue in Orange. Can’t wait to take my kids there!!!
Ooooh, I’m so excited! I loved Farrell’s!
With the “healthier options,”will they have soy ice cream, for all of us lactose intolerant people that have nowhere to go for an old fashioned ice cream sundae?? We’re always stuck with sorbets, which is NOT the same!
SWEEEEEEEEET! I don’t care where the location is in OC…I will be there opening day!
Actually, I’m glad the location in MV isn’t close to me because if it was I would be going there a lot!
Wow - I can’t believe it. My brother & I both worked at the Farrell’s in San Mateo, CA and my brother was still working there when all the stores in the chain closed (he was in charge of closing the stores and packing up all the stuff). I worked in the fountain, the kitchen and as a waitress and I still remember most of the announcements we had to do for birthdays and for the gastro sandwich.
Will there still be the gastronomical epicurean’s delight sandwich? How about the triple treat hot fudge sundae? The tin roof? The pig’s trough? Clown sundaes?
I used to go to the one in San Mateo when I was a kid! Tons of fun!!! Did they also have a “Volcano”? Loved the hot fudge nutty nutty…soooo good!
I think everyone living in the Bay Area has been to Farrell’s at least once.
Growing up that was the spot to have your birthday party and going out with the family. Hoping one comes back to San Mateo, CA…..
I have Great Memories of the Farrells on Telegraph in MICHIGAN!!!Things are tough here right now…Do you think you will ever return to this area??It would lift peoples spirits and Brighten many days!!!
Fond memories of Farrell’s on Telegraph Road ~ and Elias Brothers Big Boy. But I really miss White Castle the most since moving to So Cal in the mid 70s.
So many great memories at the Farrell’s on Beach Blvd. One of the highlights was that I could go to the candy store and get whatever I wanted. Usually those big jawbreakers. My poor dentist…
Great location. I remember going to the one in Fullerton as a kid. Can’t wait.
I used to celebrate my birthdays at the one in NE Portland. So many good memories….bring one back up here!
Congratulations to Mike, Paul and the rest of the Farrell’s team! This is going to be fun and exciting!
Were you ever in Portland?
We need a Farrell’s here! I loved the one in (Riverside?) as a kid, and there are so many Cali transplants here that we are sometimes hated by the locals. That’s why we need Farrell’s even more to cheer us up!
Jen, Farrell’s started in Portland in 1963. That’s where Mr. Farrell was from and started his nationwide empire there. The Portland area had multiple Farrell’s in the 1960’s-80’s. As of the early 1990’s there was still one near Llloyd Center that I ate at, but that one is long gone.
could you please think of moving to FLa
try the West Palm Beac h area we need something like this here
I used to live In Mich and loved the food and the memories
Is there ever going to be a Farrells in Nashville? I went to the one in Flint Mi as a kid and have wonderful memories. I would love my grandchildren to have them too!
FARRELL’S ROCKS! I have many happy memories of birthdays in the one in Van Nuys, CA.
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and always remember the one in Woodland Hills on Ventura Blvd, as well as the one in Van Nuys. I loved it..tho for me the “zoo” I hated as I did NOT like the big loud sounds!! I was weird as I hear much louder than most people so it hurt my ears. But the concept of Farrells I loved. I now live in Santa Clarita (Valencia) and the one here is just a taste of what they used to be. The kids working there usually look like they want to be anywhere but. And basically it mainly has LARGE tables to accomodate parties with only a few tables for people who want to come in with their friends or family. I wish they would expand and build another one as a free standing regular Farrells, so it would be easier to have the past back so our kids could really know what it was like! They also only have a player piano which doesn’t even work most of the time.
Hi Andrea and thanks for your comments.
The Farrell’s location that we built inside the Mountasia Family Fun Center was created to test the concept in today’s market. We did it with a limited budget and limited space which we knew was not the ideal situation. However, we were able to see what works and what doesn’t work in today’s marketplace. When Santa Clarita opened, Farrell’s had been gone for 20 years. We discovered that expectations of our guests, health issues, society issues, and other external issues required us to make modifications to accomodate these changes. In Santa Clarita, our control was limited as well. Mission Viejo is an entirely different story so that why it will be much like Farrell’s of the past.
Finally the player piano in Santa Clarita was changed out with a more reliable model. The piano plays over 8,000 songs a month. The Mission Viejo piano will be even bigger.
Thanks again and hope to see you.
Sincerely,
Michael Fleming
CEO
Parlour Enterprises Inc
I worked at the Farrell’s in Torrance, Ca on Crenshaw Blvd. (?) my last year of high school in 1974-1975. The Hot Fudge Nutty Nutty is a very fond memory, and one of the reasons I gained 15 pounds that year.
My time at the restaurant is also one of the reasons that I decided to finally go to culinary school (CIA, Hyde Park NY) and make a career in this industry. Although I now make my home in Boston, MA, I will be coming to Mission Viejo in November, and will make a point of revisiting the past.
I hope you find great success, and continue to create wonderful American memories.
Best,
Peter Slack
notslack@hotmail.com
I cant wait to take the family there. That banana split looks awesome!
Fond memories of Farrell’s on Telegraph, too.
Please come to Nashville!
AWESOME!!! I can hardly wait!!! I am pregnant and can’t wait to take my child to Farrell’s like my parents used to take me as a child. Now my child can have some of the same happy memories that I have. THANKS!!!
Dear Mr. Flemming,
I, like most of us, have all been great fans of Farrell’s, and will always have fond memories, that will last a lifetime. All I can say is that I’m glad your finally bringing it back, its been too many years since the last restaurant/parlour closed.
That said, I’m curious about future locations here in the Inland Empire area of Southern California? considering, this is where I’m from, and currently, it’s over an hours’ drive to either location for me.
I’ve checked the website at: http://www.farrellsusa.com, although informative, there wasn’t anything I could find relating to future locations at http://www.farrellsusa.com/Locations.aspx. Any information about future locations you can provide for us fans, will be greatly appreciated.
Take care Mr. Flemming, and have a wonderful day. Welcome back Farrell’s
Hi Randy and thanks for your question.
As you can see, the question about where are we going next is the most asked.
Farrell’s in Mission Viejo will be the first “old concept” location for us and we have to make sure it lives up the the expectations of all those who have memories of going to Farrell’s when they were younger. We are certain we will be able to do that, but we are dedicated in making sure that the quality and service will be nothing less than outstanding. That being said, we plan to walk slowly to make sure that every future store that is opened is able to provide that kind of service. Long term, we do plan to eventually have Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlours in every state. We don’t have a timeline because we will do it right, or we won’t do it. I have all the confidence in the world that our Parlour Enterprises team will make this comeback bigger and BETTER than Farrell’s of the past.
Many thanks,
Michael Fleming
CEO
Parlour Enterprises Inc
Hi Michael,
Thanks so much for bringing Farrell’s back. I grew up going to the Farrell’s in the Cerritos Mall - and there was nothing like collecting the little plastic animals from the zoo to see who got the most.
Although Mission Viejo is quite a trip from where I live now, I don’t think I’ll be able to NOT go and take my 3 & 5 year old - and I think I’ll take along the 17 & 19 year old as well - I love Farrell’s at all ages and I’m soooo excited to see them making a comeback. I have long mentioned to people about Farrell’s and how awesome it was.
Our Farrell’s in Cerritos had a candy shop as you entered the restaurant and then you wound around all the sugar into the restaurant. I loved the sirens and drums when the zoo came out!
I just can’t wait - it will be like I’m a kid again!
Thanks again!
Mmmmm memories and calories. I think my diet just jumped out a 10 story window. Oh well nuts to that. I can’t wait!!!!
There was one in Downey. Farrell’s was my favorite!! The candy store where I bought licorice whips… I can’t wait to introduce my kids to it.
Finally you are coming back home to OC! Looks like I’ll have to drive on down (it’s 50 mile RT)….but worth it!
I’m so excited!!!!! I had at least 3 birthdays at Farrell’s. So many good memories….I can’t wait to take my children and grandchildren!
Have MANY memories of several birthdays at one in Miami, FL as a kid. Wish there was one opening in the Raleigh-Durham area so I could take MY kids!
I’m so excited Farrell’s is making a comeback! We celebrated many birthdays at the Hunnington Beach location. I can’t wait to take my niece there.
Any plans to come back to the San Fernando Valley? We had the best memories at Farrells!! So happy you’re coming back!!
I have been talking about this to my teenage daughter for so many years, I can’t wait for her to experience it for herself. Thank you Palour Enterprises for choosing Mission Viejo!
YES!! I am so excited! Can’t wait for the grand opening!! I grew up going to and having birthday parties at Farrell’s in San Diego.
Fond memories of Farrells in the SF Bay Area (San Leandro and Fremont) back in the 1970’s…I’d sure love to see one open up here in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV - us desert folks could sure use a “cool” family getaway such as Farrells!
I loved the Farrell’s in Downey in high school! I wish I still lived in Cali so I could visit this new one opening! Come to Omaha!
When I was a teenager in the 80’s and 90’s, I worked for Mike Fleming at his roller skating rink Holiday Skate Center in Orange, CA. He sold the rink in the late 90’s and moved on to other ventures. He was a fantastic boss and made EVERYTHING fun! I know without a doubt that this new venture will be amazing too! Can’t wait to see it! Best wishes Mike!
Sandee,
I’m sure your brother-in-law Mike and his Parlour Enterprises partners will do well with Farrells.
As someone else wrote, I too am disappointed that The Block location didn’t happen.
Awesome- I can’t wait to take my kids there! What a flashback!
I’m thrilled Farrell’s is back in OC, but disappointed that they chose to put it in a mall. Oh well!
Q31: you could sorta say it’s in a mall , but not. Where it’s gonna be you can enter either thru the mall or from the parking lot. It’s gonna be on the outside edge of the food court.
Just like the one in Escondido, CA.
We NEED one in Peoria Il? Any plans for that happening???
I hope they staff the place with up-scale, high energy people, not just the standard minimum wage dullards.
I remember going to the one in San Fernando Valley on dates when I was in college. Lovely to see how many people remember their good times as kids and now have kids of their own to take there….now that is truly awesome!!
Good post Steverd -
We are here in Central Florida - I never could understand why Ferrell’s
closed. We really missed the place. Good luck in OC.
What about the Seattle area??
.
I hope they don’t put aspartame, and other toxic / sugar alternatives into their products.
Or many people will NOT go there.
Hoping they will offer real ice cream.
The other people if they have a problem with it ( like diabetes or other excuses) should deal with their issues, not demand the world changes just for them.
,
Last year I went to the Farrells in Santa Clarita. They do (& will) offer REAL ice cream. Our family of 8 ordered the Pigs trough, the Golddigger, the Gibson girl and the Mt. St Helen, so I imagine that all the traditional favorites should be at MV.
I’m glad to hear that alternatives will be offered. I don’t think people should be denied the opportunity to relive their childhood memories or not be able to enjoy themselves while out with family and friends just because of a health condition.
Hey Mr. Fleming! I’m hoping you will offer the Farrells coffee cups for sale. I purchased the 2 coffee cups you had on display while I was at the Santa Clarita restaurant. I ended up giving one away to a childhood friend as a gift. It was a wonderful surprise to them and we enjoyed talking about the “good old days”. Our family looks forward to making many new memories at the MV location. Thanks for bringing Farrells back to OC!
Too cool. Memories of my childhoold are sure to rush back when I set foot in there. Awesome to see this coming back.
I have so many memories of Farrell’s! Zoos, troughs, everything. You must bring back the clown sundaes, those were my favorite! I really hope this is for real and as good as it was because usually, “you can’t go home again”, but this would be so great.
Awesome. I live in MV so I’m glad it’s going in there. I remember going to the Farrell’s in Hawthorne for every birthday. My little sister couldn’t get me a Bday present so she gave me a card that said she would buy my a Earthquake at Farrell’s. Now it’s time to collect on that present!! The best times were had there.
I grew up with the Torrance Farrell’s in the 70’s and it was wonderful. Please keep it the same. Don’t make changes or else it will no longer be Farrell’s! Please have the same big “candy store” with the great vintage candy! Thanks!
Oh, Ms. Luna, congrats on breaking open the next chapter in this 6+ year long saga of Farrell’s returning to OC!
As for the Santa Clarita location, two years ago I made the huge mistake of convincing a group of friends to drive up there to relive our youth and return to the last remaining Farrell’s. The place was dingy and tired looking, the punky looking employees were dressed in boring polo shirts and acted like they were counting down the minutes until their shift was over. There was no showmanship in anything the employees did. The overall look of the place was nothing like an original Farrell’s, and we all left after 45 minutes disappointed and dejected.
All that said, Mr. Fleming deserves a pat on the back and a word of thanks for coming here and responding personally to the comments. If this new Mission Viejo location really is as authentic and fully-funded as he says it is, then he may have a better shot at success than with the Santa Clarita location. And if this is just the first of several new Farrell’s, then perhaps some thought should be given to shutting down the Santa Clarita mini-golf location as it only seems to be damaging the Farrell’s brand name and confusing people.
My hope is that Mr. Fleming has watched Mr. Farrell’s excellent training video “Give ‘Em The Pickle” and takes to heart the need to focus with laser-like intensity on the details and minutae of the operation. The employees need to be just as friendly, just as efficient, and just as clean cut as InN’Out employees. The uniforms need to be just as themed, just as accesorized, and just as freshly starched as Disneyland uniforms. The dining room needs to be just as minutely decorated and furnished as our collective memories remember them being circa 1977. And of course the food and ice cream need to be top notch. If any one of those things gets cheaped out on, or an attempt is made to “value engineer” any element out of the 2009 version, then it won’t succeed. (See the Santa Clarita location for a living example of that.)
Again, I thank Ms. Luna for keeping us updated on this story. And I thank Mr. Fleming for being so gracious with his visits here, as that is a very good sign that management is serious this time. But for those of us who have followed this saga in the OC Register for six years, or visited the faux-Farrell’s location currently operating in Santa Clarita, you will have to excuse our lingering skepticism.
I will only believe all of the words I read until I’m actually digging into a Pig’s Trough in Mission Viego this fall. And when I finish the whole thing, I had better get a blue ribbon from the waitress that says “I MADE A PIG OF MYSELF AT FARRELL’S!”, just like the ribbons they gave out in the 1970’s and 80’s.
Good luck to all involved in this project! See you in September!
Troy,
Thanks for your comments and I appreciate your candor.
As I discussed in my response to another blogger, our Santa Clarita location was not intended to be the “comeback” store as we had too many limitations given it’s location within a Fun Center. Yet we needed to see if the concept was viable today before we invested alot of time and money going forward.
For the past two years, Farrell’s in Santa Clarita was voted “Best Kid Friendly Restaurant” and “Best Place for Kids to Have Fun”. This was by a vote of the community residents. There have been lots of changes and modifications to Santa Clarita so I am not sure when you visited. While no restaurant gets 100% guest approval all the time, our secret shoppers and surveys have given us very high scores overall. Can we always do better? Yes, but that is true of any business. I can assure though, we have spent enough time on this project that we know it inside and out and we are dedicated in obtaining 100% satisfaction from our guests.
Bob Farrell and I have become great friends over the years and it his opinion of what we have done and are doing that matters greatly to us. We are carrying on his name and want to make sure we do it right.
I give a lot of educational seminars and one of them is “Give ‘Em the Pickle Revisited”. I have seen Bob do his seminar live several times with multiple standing ovations so I fully understand the values we need to have.
I invite you to contact me personally via our web site http://www.Farrell’sUSA.com if you are interested in being part of an upcoming focus group on Farrell’s return.
I hope for those skeptics still out there, that you have read my blogs, and know that this return of Farrell’s is not only for real, but it will be a restaurant that you will want to enjoy over and over again.
Sincerely,
Michael Fleming
CEO
Parlour Enterprises Inc
Mr. Fleming, you’ve got yourself a deal, and a customer shortly after you open in Mission Viejo!
Your honesty and willingness to listen to your potential customers and fans here bodes well for your success with your first location. In this day and age of mindless corporate psycho-babble filtered through a humorless legal department, the honesty and personality you share here is a breath of fresh air. Bravo, and good luck!
Mr. Fleming,
Bring back the Farrell’s in San Mateo and you’ve got yourself your first waitress! I worked cashier, fountain, kitchen, waited tables and assistant managed. I went back to waiting tables because it paid better. I worked from 16 years old until I was 22. I went there every year on my birthday (Halloween) as early as I can remember and always wanted to be a Farrell’s waitress when I “grew up”… and I was!! It was a blast!!!!! Best of luck to bringing Farrell’s to a new generation. There is nothing quite like Farrell’s :o)
Charlotte
Are you kidding about the Disney uniforms. They are just as baggy and sagging as every other place now. Disney does not have the same standards as they had in the past. Still better than most, but not the same.
Remember the Farrell’s on Beach Blvd.? I swear we used to eat there like once a week. It was ALWAYS one of our birthdays. My brother and sister would sneak out and take me there all the time…
HOORAY! Mission Viejo Mall is the closest mall to me so I’ll definitely give them a go when they finally open.
This is all great news and it’s great that Michael is kindly answering questions here rather than sitting in an ivory tower far removed from the fan base. It’s also great that they are reviving the “old concept.” In areas where there had never been a Farrell’s before it’s probably fine to have the new concept but people with fond memories of how it was will crave for nothing but the real thing.
http://warmth-of-the-sun.blogspot.com/2009/04/farrells-we-hardly-knew-you.html
We miss you in the DC area. Any idea if you’ll get be coming out here?
Thanks!
Just wondering if a Farrells will make it to the DFW area here in Texas.
It stays so warm here in Texas and we all need a great fun way to cool down. There are so many wonderful memories of birthday’s and then after the football games parties ect….
The funniest memory was remembering having contest bewteen each class in the primary schools 1-6th grades, on who would get the most people to sign up for the PTA groups. They would keep track of it in the hallway with icecreamcones so that everyone could see wich class was winning so the competition grew very hot between the classes and the winner with the most parents and friends that joined the PTA would win a zoo party at Farrell’s. IT was great.
Please bring your wonderful magical place back to Dallas,TX so that we can once again share the fun with our children and grandchildren! Besides the icecream place around here don’t know what having fun truly is…….
Thanks, for dreaming your magical restraunt and icecream purlour up;hopefully we won’t be to far down on the list of re-openings.
Debbie
Hot Dog! Farrell’s in MV! I can’t wait. I grew up with the Farrell’s in, what I think was, Garden Grove. It was a great place–Zoo’s, Troughs and Hot Fudge Nutty Nutty! What a place! My kids are going to love this!!! Good Luck!!
Michael Fleming,
I have no problem with you thanking me for my comments as critical as they may be…….
After reading many news stories about Farrell’s parlours making this great comeback about every 18-24 months….for as you say.more than 6 years……….one does become skeptical…………I also understand those newspaper stories and feedback positive and negative also help you and your investors in gauging what the market share for a retro concept will be…………
Back in late 2006 early 2007 I drove my family and a friends family (8 of us total) from Orange to Santa Clarita……..google maps says 68 miles………on a sunday mid afternoon……….Like I and others have said………….we……the 4 adults were pretty dissapointed in what that location had to offer………….we all sat there and discussed how we would ultimatley be traveling just shy of 140 miles that day for “This?”
Just months before your San Diego location closed………..we attended a buddies B-Day there…………no kids that time………that location was great that night!……..lots of sights and sounds……….we were bummed when that location closed less than 6 months or so later……….
So, as you can see…………..you have a ready made/ pent up following for your product…………goood luck and yes, I will be at the opening!
I did the same thing; drove up to Santa Clarita with friends around October, 2006 to visit Farrell’s and relive our youth. And we were disapointed. It just wasn’t the same.
Perhaps it was the two hours of grueling LA traffic we had to fight to get there, and the impossibly rosy memories we all have of this place from decades ago. But we simply felt let down when we arrived and experienced the 21st century version in Santa Clarita.
But it sounds as though Mr. Fleming and his leadership team realize they are working with some very powerful memories and very high expectations here. And to be honest, some of our expectations are so warped by nostalgia that they are probably a bit too high. After reading Mr. Fleming’s responses here, I feel confident he’s the right guy for the job.
I’ve never heard of this place before, ever. Which decade did they have restaurants in Orange County, the 1960s and 1970s?
They started up in Portland in 1963, and I believe they arrived in SoCal by the early 1970’s. They had multiple locations in OC during the 1970’s and 80’s, before dying out by the early 1990’s.
Mr. Farrell’s story of selling his succesful ice cream parlor chain on to a corporate giant who then value engineered the concept out of existence is an important lesson in not trying to cut too many corners and squeeze profit at every turn.
Would love to see you guys in Portland, OR again!
Yes…I can not wait to share with my children and grandchildren such warm happy memories…
“Which decade did they have restaurants in Orange County, the 1960s and 1970s?”
The Beach Blvd. location (the best one, IMHO) closed in 1985. I wrote about it in my own little story, including a photo of what the HB location now looks like, that I linked to in my prior comment.
“Mr. Farrell’s story of selling his succesful ice cream parlor chain on to a corporate giant who then value engineered the concept out of existence is an important lesson in not trying to cut too many corners and squeeze profit at every turn.”
Yes, or you’ll find the profits slipping through your fingers until nothing is left. BTW, just found this:
http://www.giveemthepickle.com/
I’m more than delighted with the location!!! It’s a very family orientated area and should do very well. I just wish it was opening in July as I was hoping to do my daughter’s birthday party there.
Can’t wait for the grand opening!!! I used to go to the one in HB on Beach, south of the 405. Before that, the one in Torrance. I’ll be there with my own spoon. I hope my doc will give me a pass on my next cholesterol test.
WOO HOO! I am 36 and I still can’t wait to step into a Farrell’s. Can anyone relate? I grew up with Farrell’s in Eugene, Oregon and was crushed when I went back to see it and it was gone. This is going to be the happening place for kids and adults alike!
I have sooooo many happy memories of Farrell’s-I would LOVE to welcome you back to the San Francisco Bay Area!!
Can’t wait to take my kids here. I always tell them how when we were kids we used to have B-day parties at Stonewood Center in Downey and how much fun they were.
Funny how many people are from Michigan and remember the one on Telegraph - many happy memories there as a kid.
Gee, there goes my diet again!
I hope they serve real ice cream with plenty of butter fat; none of that slow churn stuff - that really just means adding more air. Has anyone heard of Swensons?
Glad to hear that Ocean’s 33 is gone. That place sucked!
.
Now onto Ferrell’s. I will probably try it because I remember going there back in the early 80’s, but the only thing that will get me to go there more than once is if the ice cream is good. If it’s just crappy ice cream with a ton of toppings to cover it, then I won’t be back. High quality ice cream is the only thing that will get in the door again.
“Has anyone heard of Swensons?”
Yes, used to go to the one at Magnolia & Adams all the time. It closed around 1989.
They also had one at the Tustin Marketplace for a while.
Nont only have I heard of Swenson’s but we used to go to the Mag/Adams location all the time and we still have some Sundae glasses from that place. My sister used to ALWAYS get “Bubble Gum” Ice Cream and she would pick out all the Gum and load them in her mouth at once and chomp away on the gum all at once - to the massive laughter of the rest of us
As for Farrell’s - damn right I will check them out
Yes! . . . the comeback of the Trough! As a teen, my friends and I enjoyed the Huntington Beach Farrells for birthday party celebrations. Laughter and good times and delicious ice-cream.
Welcome back Farrells! I’m not driving from Orange to Mission Viejo for you but will be the first in line when you open in central OC with the kids.
What?! It’s only like 15 miles or less! Come on! Make a road trip out of it!
Oh yeah…we’ll be driving from Yorba Linda!!!!
Huh? Its closer than the one in Santa Clarita?!?
I can’t wait for the new MV store. I grew up in MV and my parents still live there. Looks like I might be paying then a few more visits each month.
Farrell’s!!!! I remember the Downey location well! Also the San Jose location!
I do remember Swenson’s as well!
We are in SoCal a lot (live in NorCal), and Disneyland especially. How far is MV from Anaheim?
30 miles and not a bad drive on a weekday.
Can’t wait. I hope there will be the candy store as well as the regular restaurant / ice cream parlour. I used to go in the Bay Area all the time (loved to eat the EARTHQUAKE up there!!). My final stop was always to buy a giant jawbreaker on the way out. My tongue would bleed for days while I tried to finish it. I always eventually got out a hammer and smashed it to make it easier. I know you can get those jaw breakers at other candy stores - but it’s never been the same as Farrells!
I will never freeze Slimfast again in a vain attempt to make ice cream
now that Ferrals is back!
My wife and I both worked at most of the Farrells over several years (Cerritos, Downey, HB, Torrance, Riverside, and Whittier) . I still remember most of the fountain recipes, so let us know if you need some help! It’s been a long time, but I could at least show someone how to run a zoo
I was wondering if Farrell’s would ever be coming to Las Vegas? Or if they’ll be heading back to Minnesota? I used to go to Farrells in Maplewood Mall (MN) every birthday, and many, MANY days in between when I was growing up in the 70’s and early 80’s. It would be awesome to go again!!
Are they coming up north? I grew up on Farrell’s and could finish a huge sundae even at the tender age of 5! My family would just sit back, watch me and laugh.
I cried my eyes out when they closed. To sit in a Farrell’s booth and dip my spoon into a Farrell’s ice cream creation again would be a dream come true!
I can remember the first time I ever went there and it was someone’s b-day and I thought a train was going thru the restaurant. I have talked about Farrell’s and the memories to all four of my children! We lived at the beach in the summer and always went to the one in St. Petersburg, Fl PLEASE TELL ME YOUR COMING TO TAMPA OR NEAR BY! I loved when my dad paid the bill - you always had to go thru a wonderland of candy!
I had my surprise sweet 16 birthday party at the Farrell’s in Whittier at the Whittwood center! It’s something i’ve NEVER forgotten!
We will definitely make the drive out to Mission Viejo to come to the new Farrells! though a good 1-1/2 hour drive for us - we’ll definitely make it a Sunday outing once a month!
Glad to see they are coming back - as a mom of two teens today’s kids need a place to go to just hang out with friends, eat some ice cream and have fun! As of now, there is really no where were they can meet to just “be”.
Thank you, thank you for persevering with the Farrell’s concept - look forward to it!
Hey, any chance of you opening one in Long Island, NY? I have many great memories of the Farrell’s in Sunrise Mall, Massapequa in the late 1970’s…would love to take my kids there…please consider us!!!!!!!! We love u!!!
Seriously, I’ve been checking the progress for at least 3 years on when one would open. Please open by end of October so I can celebrate by thirty-something birthday there with my kids!
My ONLY memories of an ice cream shop are of Farrell’s in Costa Mesa. We hung out there as teenagers after a movie or ice skating. It was a great place with a great feel to it.
The most important question…..will you have the huge jaw breakers in the candy store?????
GREAT LOCATION.
I worked at the Woodland Hills Store in the late seventies as a busboy shorty in High School. I carried the “Zoo”
Can’t wait!!! I remember many bdays at the one on Bch Blvd in HB! I was so sad when they closed!
While it’s excellent that the ice cream parlor is coming back, the one in Orange was my favorite. I’m bummed that this one is opening in South County. It’ll only be on special occasions to drive all of the way down there from north county…but I guess it makes sense to have in this location for the demographic of the area.
Dear Fast Food Maven Bloggers,
To end this wonderful day, I want you all to know how humbled we are at Parlour Enterprises that we have your support and that you still carry some wonderful Farrell’s memories around with you. I will be sharing all of your comments with Farrell’s founder, Bob Farrell in the next couple weeks. I know he will be elated to hear some of your memories.
To answer a few questions that I’ve seen repeated, the ice cream we use for Farrell’s has been approved by Bob Farrell himself with his comment, “wow that’s better than mine!”. We also have some of Bob’s original ice cream recipes that will be part of the offerings.
As far as future locations out of California, don’t worry, our plan is to bring back Farrell’s into every state but be patient, we will only do it when we know that we can maintain quality at the highest level.
So God Bless all of you and you have my guarantee that we will live up to our mission, “Old time memories for a new generation”.
Sincerely,
Michael Fleming
CEO
Parlour Enterprises Inc
We need a Farrell’s back up here in the Pacific Northwest, I grew up at the one in Tacoma, Wa. @ the Tacoma Mall. I spent a lot of my allowance money at that location…
Congratualtions Mr. Fleming!
Mr. Fleming,
Please let me cast a vote fote bringing Farrell’s back to The Portland metro area.
Best of success to you!
Very happy for all the lucky Californian’s who get to experience Farrells once more. But WHEN is there going to be one here again in the Portland area? That’s where all this wonderfulness started from to begin with…only fair we at least get one up here again. What do you say Mr. Flemming…will Farrell’s hometown be on your “coming soon” list?
I don’t really care that O.C. is getting one. We want one in Marietta, Georgia. Loved it growing up and working there and I would do it all over again!
I have to say that I am apprehensively (is that even a word- much less spelled correctly!) about this.
I know that you have been blogging on Farrells for a while and I have seen a few postings about openings that failed.
As exciting as it is to have a location in Orange County, I am disappointed to see that it is not going to be at The Block in Orange. Seemed like the perfect central location.
I will believe it when I see it open, but when/if it does, I will be there with bells on.
Here’s to hoping that it will have the awesome candy store included with the ice cream parlor concept!
Disappointed we won’t be seeing a Farrell’s in Washington State again soon.
I am so jealous! We went to the one in Torrance for all special occasions when I was a kid in the 70’s and 80’s. My father got his teeth stuck around one of the huge jawbreakers they sold in the candy store and couldn’t get it out of his mouth! Now I live in Northern Colorado and would LOVE to go to Farrell’s again. Any hope of one coming to us anytime?
Please try to build one in San Jose California. The experience I had as a kid was Fanominal and I cant wait for my children to experience the same. I will be driving to Orange County in order for them to see what They have never seen before in a REAL Ice cream Palor Thanks Farrells
I give it 1 year…
Wrong. You apparently have a bias OldStoneCreamerie, and it has blinded you to the truth. People love the ambiance and flavor of Farrell’s, whereas the appeal of ColdStone escapes me. It is gooey slop that can’t be stomached without a fistful of junk folded in. Bite me.
OldStone is correct-Farrells is doomed to fail again, BattyGirl
What makes you say that? How do you qualify your statement?
So glad Farrell’s is coming back. Ah, fond memories of high school in the San Diego area and hanging out in the La Mesa location.
PS to Nancy: From the readers’ comments about requesting a Farrell’s location in their area, you have readers all over the country — that’s awesome!
WHEN WILL FARRELL’S RETURN TO THE SF BAY AREA? I GREW UP WITH THE STORE IN FREMONT, HAD MANY HAPPY BIRTHDAYS THEIR.
Thank you so much for the good news. I can remember going in late 70’s early 80’s. Looking forward to taking my kids (hopefully before they are too old). Maybe a SERIOUS road trip is in order. (somewhat)Patiently waiting in Michigan.
wow… that is fantastic news! back in the 80’s we went several times per year. Great destination resteraunt.
Went to the one up in Valencia a month ago… many great memories!
Please, please, please come back to Riverside! Our city has grown tremendously, and we would generously support a Farrells! On a selfish note - please don’t make the trendy move of serving shrimp on your menu. There are a lot of us out there who are allergic, and the allergy can be airborne - making it impossible to dine at restaurants who serve it.
Come back EAST…………………………….
Any pland for a Philadelphia store in the near future?
My friends and I always loved to go through the store area and see the stuffed animals hanging from the ceiling!
We need one here in Sacramento again!!! We miss it! I would love to be able to take my kids there!!! Farrells was our favorite place to go for birthday and get togethers!!! Please come back!
I agree Tammy! We just have to be patient. They have to test the waters in Mission Viejo first and work out all the kinds. I wish they still had the one on Howe Ave.
Please let us know when you will be hiring as I have the perfect person for the job!!!!!! I know a young lady who will be 18 this fall and is a performer, artist, outgoing and fun person who would be IDEAL for this position!!! As soon as I hear anything, I will let her know!!!! You would be CRAZY to let this one go!!!!
Atlanta! We have to have one in Atlanta. We used to travel two hours to my allergy doctor there when I was about ages three through nine or so. The ONLY thing that would get me through a visit of being stuck A LOT was my crazy, wonderful doctor and the promise of a trip to Farrell’s afterward. I want to take my daughter, now.
I had my first date at the Farrell’s on Tustin Ave. in Orange in the early 1970’s. My date ordered The Trough and I had the Mt. Whitney. It will be fun to take my teenager to the new Farrell’s and bore her to tears with all the ancient history….. thank you for the happy news!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE come back to the DC area!! I can remember many a summer day, riding the Metro bus 45 minutes to Tyson’s Corner Mall, being a mall rat for the day and eating at Farrell’s!! It was the best thing about the mall and it hasn’t been the same since it closed!! Any chance you’ll come home to the Nation’s Capital? Betcha the Obamas would love y’all!!
I grew up in Cerritos, with our awesome Farrell’s in Cerritos Mall. Everyone was totally bummed when they shut it down. I also visited the one in Whittier and Downey. I live in Alhambra now, hope they come to my area….. if not I’ll be driving to OC.
Farrell’s YUMMMMMM!
“For example, “sugar-free” and “no sugar added” ice cream and topping options will be available.”
What’s the difference between the two?!?
Sugar Free means no sugar was added DURING the manufacturing process. No Sugar Added means, although it’s contents already contains sugar,which means, no sugar was added AFTER the manufacturing process has been done. Hope this helps.
HI—
We used to go to Farrell’s in Escondido for all my brother’s bday parties. He will be 41 this year, wonder if he will want to have his party there this year.
What I remember most beside what has already been said, is the candy area on the way to check out and the plastic animals stuck into the food. Will there be a candy room and plastic animals?
Welcome back Farrell’s!!!!
Julie Johnson
Lake Forest
I’m wondering if this will be one of those…. “Oh man Farrell’s was so good when I was a kid, what happened?” moments if and when it finally does open.
I should say why I’m wondering this… So many times we remember things to be better than they actually are/were. How many times has this happened to you? Be honest. And also, we’ve come a long ways in our society since the heydays of the original Farrell’s. Better ice cream selections… MORE ice cream selection… more choices, etc. etc. And this just makes me wonder if we are nostalgia-izing the concept and the place. Time will tell of course.
Bob’s Big Boy is a big one that comes to mind for me. I went to a ‘new’ Bob’s Big Boy recently, and guess what? It’s either not as good as how I remember it, or it is exactly the same as I remember and my tastes have changed as I’ve been exposed to many more choices (as we all have). Either way, the new Bob’s Big Boy was a let down and I probably wouldn’t go back.
I have thought the same thing! Boy that hot dog really doesn’t taste so hot, hehe
Nick:
While society has changed since the heyday of Farrell’s, not everything MUST change. Farrell’s was a success because of three basic principles: high quality product, great service, and cleanliness. Farrell’s co-founder Ken McCarthy compares it to a three-legged stool; if one leg fails, the stool topples over.
When the old Farrell’s chain switched to lower butterfat ice cream, sales stared to slip. When the training crews were disbanded, new stores didn’t have the quality of service that Farrell’s was known for.
If we adhere to the fundamentals of quality, service, and cleanliness while following the “original concept,” Farrell’s will win back the old fans as well as win over new fans. Now, more than ever, a business must have high standards and always exceed them to succeed.
It should be interesting to compare the old Farrell’s to the new modern version. I had the responsibility to close 4 of Farrell’s parlors in 1974 when Arden Mayfair sold their master franchise and the Los Angles stores to Marriott Corporation who had bought Farrell’s Inc. from Bob Farrell’s. Marriott was in the drivers seat as Arden Mayfair was on it’s last legs and cut a killer deal. Marriott picked the stores they wanted and forced Arden Mayfair to close the others.. I was able to convince Marriott that they should keep the rights to the Orange Store as it was last one built by Arden Mayfair .For those of you remember the stores were:
North ridge
Torrance
Downy
Santa Ana
Huntington Beach (one on Beach, the otherBrookhurst
Cerritos Mall
Orange
Riverside (Tyler Mall)
Montclair
Rosemead Blvd
Fullerton
Woodland Hills
Getting old there was one more, just don’t remember where
Thanks Bill for the interesting feedback. As a longtime Orange resident, I fondly remember hitting up the Orange Farrell’s. What exactly went South for Farrell’s, do you know?
I lost contact with Farrell’s after Marriott bought the Los Angeles Franchise.
I was offered a job by Marriott but being a West Coast guy was not excited about moving to the East Coast and tuned the offer down.
I am not sure what happened to Farrell’s under Marriott ownership. My guess would be a lingering conflict with what Farrell’s was trying to be as a restaurant. The original concept was and old fashion Ice Cream pa lour. Cloth napkins, Silver plate service wear, etc. I am sure you remember the Tea glass spoons that were used with the Sundays and other Ice Cream dishes, they used to cost us $2,000 a month. Seems that Customers and employee’s could not resist taking them home.
Location was another problem. Some of the stores where big winners others just as big of losers. The Rosemead Blvd store was the most profitable consistently netting $50,000 a month while Santa Ana would lose $50.000.
Marriott took care of some that by forcing Arden Mayfair to close the losers.
The other major problem was what did you want to be, a great birthday party store, and or a great place to go to lunch or dinner. May not sound like a problem but not everybody wants to have a drum beating, sirens etc going off while they are trying to eat.
As to the Orange store, who knows maybe its cursed. I think can think of a least 3 or 4 others who tried to operate restaurant’s there.
There was a Farrell’s in Whittier!!! We went there for many events & into High School with my friends….can’t wait for my daughters to experience it!!!!
I believe it was Montclair. I applied there as a manager after working in the Beach store in Huntington Beach. I just didn’t want to work 60 hours a week as a young mom.
That would be Whittier in th Whitwood Mall.
I too worked at all of those stores.
I remember the Cerritos Mall location best. I spent my first 4 birthdays in a Farrells.
I’m so glad they’re making the comeback. I know there were a lot of setbacks to getting this location and I hope they are all behind you now.
I look forward to the experience. I know it may not be 100% the same but it will still be Farrells. And I can take my kid there for his birthday and remember the good times I had.
Reading some of the comments about the SC location, I’m a little aprehensive about making that drive. Since the MV location won’t be open in time for my sons birthday in July, we decided to make the drive to SC for the day. Now, I’m thinking well just postpone that little trip until the MV one opens. I live in Riverside County now, but my parents live in Laguna HIlls. I’ll be making the drive in to see them more often once the new location opens.
COME BACK TO PORTLAND!!!!!!!!!
We will welcome a Farrell’s in Scottsdale, AZ! It’s been a dream of mine to own one ever since my first visit all those years ago. Let’s do it in the desert!
I want to open one in Charlotte, NC! Many great memories for northern transplants!
Will you be returning to Little Rock, Arkansas!??? Wow i remember going there every weekend….we had all bday parties there…Would love for my kids and grandkids to have a piece of what we had growing up that would be awesome…wow hope you do and maybe the next American Idol Kris Allen can be the ribbon cutter!!?….
I had almost all of my birthdays in grade school with my buddies at Farrells! I so wish they would open one back up in Portland, Oregon!!!! We had 2 here and now they are both gone. I would love to take my kids there someday…so consider it, OK??
I remember going to Farrells alot as a kid.. The Huntington Beach one..I remember it being one of the best places ever!!!!!!!
And over the years my sisters and i would always say
” Remember Farrells” & “We wish there was still a Farrells around”
Ok so now it’s making a comeback…Yeaaaaaaaaayyy…Finally..
Only took 20 something years…So my only question is will it be open by the middle of August both my kids B-Days are in August..
And i can’t think of a better place to have it…
Dear FAST FOOD MAVEN bloggers:
All of us at Parlour Enterprises are overwhelmed at the wonderful responses and encourangement given for the return of Farrell’s at The Shops at Mission Viejo.
I wish I could tell all of you who are from outside California that we’ll be opening one in your city the end of this summer but sadly I can’t. We are hoping that Farrell’s will be a huge hit here in So California so we can move on to your state soon.
Those who live in the OC will soon see the construction fences going up at the space across from PF Chang’s. Stop by and say hi. Be sure to join our Facebook at Farrells Ice Cream Parlor or Twitter: FarrellsIsBack to get the latest updates.
We’ll see you all soon!
Sincerely,
Michael Fleming
CEO
Parlour Enterprises Inc
Michael, thank you soooo much for bringing Farell’s back. We are looking forward to this. As a kid I had my birthdays every year in the Huntington Beach location until it closed. Now my daughter and nephews will have the opportunity to eat there a generation later! The only thing I can ask that is you can have the “Goldmine” dessert on your menu. I noticed that your Santa Clarita store does not. That was my favorite back in the day! See you when you open!!!!!
I am so excited to have Farrells opening in my back yard! I have many wonderful childhood memories of the Whitwood Center location as well as visits to the Montclair location as a college student in the mid 80’s.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you will be open by Sept 5 as that ismy 43rd birthday and I would LOVE to celebrate at Farrells!
Is there any possibility you will be open by the first week of August:) ? we would love to have my daughter’s birthday there..she LOVES ice cream and is excited about the sirens that sound when they bring in the ice cream..at least that is what i remember from a party i went to when i was in PRESCHOOL!
I cried when I found out Farrell’s was opening 15 minuts from my house. Seriously. My parents used to drive my sister and I down to the San Diego locations for our birthdays. I even finished the Pig’s Trough on my 11th birthday (oink oink!). Mr. Fleming, please bring back Farrell’s amazing patty melt and the heaven-esque candy store too!
I can’t wait for the opening. Pig’s Trough round 2 here I come!
Some of my favorite childhood & family times were at FARRELLS in the San Fernando Valley location…we were so pleased to see a comeback…HOLYWOOD location is needed, or Studio City, Sherman Oaks??? OH THE CANDY store in the ICE CREAM PARLOUR was the best ROCKCANDY ever!!!! Got to have the CANDY STORE IN there too! Send samples…I will offer to try them all!
We will be in for a banana split for two…or 2,000 if we bring our tribe of friends, family and fans!
Wishing FARRELLS all the best!
Helene & Jim Ladd
The Jim Ladd radio show on 95.5 KLOS!
We remember Farrells foundly from our youth in the 70’s and am pleased to here about its return! We want our kids to enjoy it as we did so many years ago. I believe the earlier success of Farrells was (and will be now) related to the following factors:
1) A feeling of nostalgia for the simpler times of the turn-of-the-century created by a movie set-like decor and ambience. The fully stocked old-time candy parlor is a must, together with a real, working player piano. (I can show up once in a while with my 1924 Model T Ford to add to the effect. Also, it might be nice to have an occasional old car cruise nite, if parking arrangements would permit it)
2) An old fashioned top notch ice cream menu at reasonable prices, together with a few choices for the diet-restricted bunch. Try to limit the other lunch and dinner faire to the bare minimum. (We NEVER went to Farrells for ANYTHING except ice cream!!)
3) Make each customers’ visit a really enjoyable experience, from an outgoing carnival-like circus barker as a greeter, to each employee’s demenour and “fun-for-the-moment” attitude for all. Special awards, ribbons, surprise announcements and give-aways are the things that kids really love.
4) Making accomodations for special events, B-days, after sport events, etc. should be really emphasized, as these events are often planned around “going to Farrells” for ice cream. Please try and take reservations for parties of 6 or more.
5) Don’t ever change the things that people really remember, like the zoo, pigs trough, the various famous sundaes, siren, drum, and running around with the zoo totally embarrasing the person that ordered it! Also, make it possible that once in a while the zoo gets loose from its strecher. That event was ALWAYS a crowd pleaser!
I have so many fun memories of Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Portland, OR. I hope they do come back and to every medium to large city in every state. How about Spokane, WA?
Memories from 1980’s in Hawaii….
Pearlridge Center, Ala Moana Shopping Center and Coconut Plantation on Kauai!!!!
Wow. When I woke up this morning and saw the news segment on KTLA 5, I couldn’t believe it!
I was only 6 years old when the Farrell’s in HB closed so I have to admit that I didn’t even remember the name. I only remembered it as a fun ice cream shop my parents took me to a couple of times in Huntington Beach. I was so young but it made a huge impression on me and I have always wondered what happened to “the ice cream shop I went to as a kid”. I never forgot about all the candy. I think the candy and the decoration made the biggest most lasting impression on me.
Then all of a sudden the news segement came on and I thought, “Could it be? Is that the place I remember?” So I looked up the name and while reading this news article I found out that there was indeed one in Huntington Beach, near where I lived as a child. I am so happy right now I don’t even know what to say. I can’t wait to take my nephew and niece to MV when it opens up.
Thank you for bringing this back!
disappointed about the location! kinda far from where I am. ( HB) I wouldn’t go out of my way to go to MV for that. I’ll stick to Baskin Robbins. Other than that, excited to try it. =)
I am so excited that Farrell’s is coming back… and in my neck of the woods to boot!!! I have many fond memories of Farrell’s from when I was a kid…. My mom used to take us (my brother and I) for our birthdays. My mom especially LOVED Farrell’s… so sad she didn’t live to see them come back. BUT…. I will get to take my daughter there and share the fond memories. I hope it will be just the same as it was when I was a kid.
Ahhh the Farrell’s in Downey, back when Downey was a clean place.
Can’t wait to go!
I can’t wait for Farrel’s to open in Mission Viejo. It’s something that you can describe to your children but in order for them to truely grasp how fun it is they have to experience it for themselves. I’m glad that they are going to offer a little more “healthy” choices on their menu. My favorite Farrel’s that I grew up on was the one in Cerritos Mall. Too fun!!! - Michelle Fairless
I am soooooo super excited. We spent every birthday (6 kids in family) at the Farrel’s in Canoga Park. I’m gonna have the banana slit first !
Thanks so much for bring back the original.
I went to a lot of birthday party’s at Farrell’s in Huntington Beach, I can’t wait to take my kid’s to the new one in Mission Viejo. It will be well worth the 1/2 hour drive. If it’s open in Sept., I’ll throw their birthday party at Farrell’s, like I had some of mine. Bring one back to Beach Blvd!
How can I get information for applying for a job at the new MV Mall Farrell’s?
There was an ad for managers in the Pennysaver - I think that’s where I saw it.
Anyway, you might just go up to the store and see if there is anything posted on the door.
Every year, my Church Youth Group went to Farrells. I can’t remember what it was called but it was a platter of about 25 scoops or so and tons of toppings…. We loved it!
ok so now when is farrells opening ?? early fall what does that mean September~ October ~ or does it mean November?? Please tell me??
Could you please tell me when you will open?
When will you begin to take reservations?
First, Best wishes to you on this venture. If the quality is the same as the original Farrell’s you’ll have a hit on your hands. The next location you’ll need to open a new store in is the Washington DC area. My wife of 25 years and I use to end a Saturday night date over a Hot fudge Nutty Nutty. We continued this tradition even after we move to Irvine, Ca. (Talk about culture shock.) What I loved about the original stores was that the food and Ice Cream was always consistently good location to location. I still have lots of great memories and times spent in Farrell’s
I AM GLAD TO SEE FARRELLS COMING BACK. I HAVE HEARD ABOUT THIS POSSIBILITY FOR SEVERAL YEARS. I WILL BE INTERESTED IN SEEING IF IT IS LIKE IT USE TO BE.
BY THE WAY, I WAS THE MANAGER OF THE CERRITIOS, CALIFORNIA UNIT IN THE CERRITOS MALL FROM 1977 UNTIL 1983.
THOSE WERE SOME GREAT TIMES, GREAT MEMORIES AND WE HAD THE GREATEST EMPLOYEES ON EARTH WORKING THERE. I HOPE SOME OF THEM READ THIS AND MAYBE GET TOGETHER ONE MORE TIME. AS SOON AS THE UNIT IN MISSION VIEJO OPENS I WILL STOP BY.
You gotta have those styrofoam hats! I still have one right here in my office and it’s dusty as hell but according to scientists should not decay for millions of years!
Oh, and the pig trough, that was the ultimate. Especially if you ate it and they embarrassed you in front of the whole restaurant and made you say “I’m a great Piggy Wiggy!’ hahaha.
I’ll come all the way from the East Coast with my 4 kids and wife just to experience a ‘true’ Farrell’s again.
I can’t belive it! I had my 7th birthday celebration there and I still remember it.
Are you planning to open a store in the Northern California area? Please!!!!
Good luck and I hope you get a lot of requests for the Northern Calif area!
I am so excited that they are bringing a Farrells back. I have talked about this place to my kids for so long. It was so fun and family friendly. Can’t wait
I remember my dad and uncles eating the “PIG TROUGH” it was like a double or a quad banana split or something I dont know, I was so little. My parents took us there for our birthdays (three of us in February)
If we had money we got the “ZOO” and they would run around the whole restraunt with this huge silver bowl filled wit hall kinds of ice cream and whip cream and STUFF, ringing the bell and siren. Loved the candy room, gosh. It was on Rosemead Blvd in Rosemead CA just south of Valley Blvd. What great memories!!!
does anyone remember the clown at the Farrell’s in Redford Michigan?