The beloved coffee shop from the hit TV show Friends is finally coming to life in New York City. Central Perk Coffeehouse will open in Times Square in late fall 2025, bringing a major dose of nostalgia to one of the busiest spots in the world. For ten seasons, the fictional Central Perk was where Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe gathered to laugh, cry, and share their lives.
Fans will soon get the chance to relive that television magic while sipping coffee in a real café setting. The opening marks a collaboration between Warner Bros. Discovery and experienced restaurateurs who want to merge pop culture with modern dining. Visitors can expect both authenticity and creativity when they step inside.
1. Iconic Orange Couch Experience
One of the biggest attractions will be the Orange Sofa Room, designed to showcase the famous couch from the series. The orange sofa became a visual symbol of Friends, appearing in nearly every episode as the group’s gathering place. At the café, guests can sit down on replicas of the sofa and take photos that mirror their favorite on-screen moments.
The room itself will be decorated with references from the show to enhance the immersive feel. Tourists and locals alike will likely make this space one of the most photographed spots in Times Square. For fans, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with a cultural icon in person.
2. Cultural Touchstone In Times Square
Beyond the food and décor, the café will serve as a cultural touchstone in Times Square. It blends nostalgia with modern café culture, offering fans a chance to connect with one of television’s most beloved series. Tourists may view it as a bucket-list stop, while locals can embrace it as a unique spot in their own city.
By merging immersive design, themed products, and high-quality dining, the café positions itself as more than just a novelty. Instead, it becomes part of New York’s ever-evolving dining and cultural landscape. Central Perk is set to deliver an experience that celebrates Friends while standing on its own merits.
3. Six Exclusive Blends Of Coffee
Coffee will naturally be at the heart of the Central Perk experience, and six exclusive blends have already been announced. These blends are inspired by quotes and catchphrases from the show, with names like “How You Doin’?” and “Pivot Blend.” The beans will be sold in several formats, including whole bean, ground, and compostable capsules for at-home brewing.
Each blend is designed to combine novelty with quality, ensuring visitors get more than just a gimmick. Fans who fall in love with a particular flavor can take it home as a souvenir or gift. This strategy ensures the café becomes both an attraction and a place for genuine coffee lovers.
4. Mouthwatering Food Menu
Food is also a major part of the project, and award-winning chef Tom Colicchio is helping design the menu. Colicchio, known for his work on Top Chef and restaurants like Craft, lends credibility to the kitchen. The menu will highlight items that nod to the Friends universe while also appealing to a modern audience. Baked goods and seasonal dishes will balance nostalgia with culinary sophistication.
Visitors can expect food that goes beyond standard café fare, offering a reason to linger over meals as well as coffee. The culinary aspect reinforces the café’s mission to be both fun and high-quality.
5. Immersive Set Recreation Details
Atmosphere is crucial, and the creators have worked closely with original consultants from the TV show. The design will include exposed brick, cozy seating, and lighting reminiscent of the sitcom’s warm look. Memorabilia and themed décor will line the walls, further connecting the space to its source material.
Exclusive merchandise will also be available, giving fans tangible keepsakes from their visit. Combining familiar visuals with contemporary design ensures the café feels welcoming rather than kitschy. The space will strike a balance between being a tourist destination and a genuine neighborhood hangout.
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