The popular sitcom Friends is not only notorious for its leading characters, but also for their popular cafe hangouts at Central Perk. While the cafe never actually existed among the bustling streets of New York City, it’s now going to get a permanent locatation after several succesfull pop-ups.
Expected to open in Fall 2025, Central Perk will open its doors in Times Square. Don’t expect a full replica of the ’90s hangout, with the new location tagged as having a “modern-day” edge to it. But fans can still expect the iconic orange sofa where Phoebe, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Ross sat and talked about failing relationships, work troubles, and drank boatloads of caffeine in giant mugs.
The cafe will include Friends-inspired food by Top Chef judge and James Beard Award winner Tom Colicchio, as well as artisanal coffee drinks. Special coffee blends will also be available for purchase alongside merch.
The first permanent location opened in Boston and was met with success, with EVP of Warner Bros Discovery Global Experience, Peter Van Roden, calling the New York location a “homecoming.”
“This is about delivering an experience in the heart of Manhattan, where the story began, and letting fans from around the world step into a space that’s both nostalgic yet freshly reimagined. There’s no better place than New York City to celebrate the legacy of Friends and to continue building on the connection fans feel with Central Perk,” he said to Variety.
A mock-up of the fitire cafe shows a modern design mixed with the iconic colors the show is known for. Besides the orange couch, the cafe will have wood floors, a checkered black-and-white floor pattern under the seating area, some brick design, and green wallpaper.
If visiting the place where Friends came to life or want to relish in one of your favorite sitcoms, the Central Perk cafe will open on the northeast corner of 7th Avenue and 47th Street.
