Coffee shop from ‘Friends’ to open in Times Square
An iconic hangout that had a starring role in a popular television sitcom is opening its second real-life permanent location.
The Central Perk Coffeehouse from “Friends” will open in Times Square this fall, on the corner of Seventh Avenue and 47th Street. The same team of food, beverage and design experts behind the inaugural Boston location (on Newbury Street) will guide the New York City outpost, including “Top Chef” judge and James Beard Award Winner Tom Colicchio and New York architects Glen & Co.
Designed as a modern take on the classic Central Perk from “Friends,” the Times Square cafe will feature a “cozy” orange sofa room inspired by the iconic couch in the show. The food and beverage offerings will include six original "Friends" themed coffee blends. The shop will also sell exclusive, newly-created merchandise.
"When we launched the first Central Perk Coffeehouse in Boston, our goal was always to expand to New York City, a place where fans and friends alike could create their own stories in the city where the series was set," said Paul Landino, company executive CenPer Holdings, LLC. "Opening in Times Square, known as the crossroads of the world, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring that vision to life, offering creative coffee drinks and delicious food in a space that is both familiar and refreshingly modern."
One of the highest-rated shows on television in its original network run, the series remains popular in syndication and on streaming services such as HBO Max. It originally aired on NBC in 1994 and ran for 10 seasons.
"'Friends' is one of those rare shows that continues to bring people together, generation after generation," said Peter van Roden, executive VP, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences. "At the heart of that story was always Central Perk, the iconic coffeehouse and the group's home base, set in Manhattan. It was a place where laughter, connection and unforgettable moments were shared... and it remains that today. After a warm welcome in Boston, we're excited to bring Central Perk Coffeehouse to Times Square, a location that perfectly captures the energy, spirit, and global love for 'Friends,' right in the city where it all began."
