New Friends-Themed Coffee Shop Opens in Times Square
Central Park has taken a step into the modern age for “Friends” enthusiasts in New York, though it may not resemble the one fans remember from the show.
A new replica of the beloved coffeehouse, inspired by the iconic meeting place from Warner Bros.’ hit series, officially opens its doors on Friday in Times Square. The launch, set for December 12th, includes numerous nods to the beloved show and, of course, plenty of freshly brewed coffee.
Jenny Donadio, a 41-year-old fan from New York City who admits to watching reruns “almost every day,” expressed her excitement to experience this fresh addition to the “Friends” culture during a screening event on Thursday.
“This is the center of everything,” she said, pointing to its key location at the corner of West 47th Street and Seventh Avenue, near the TKTS booth. “It’s such a great place to celebrate an iconic show… it feels like we’re ‘friends’.”
While there has been a Friends-themed coffee shop before—Warner Bros. hosted a pop-up in Soho for the show’s 20th anniversary in 2014—it’s a different story now. The new owners previously tested the waters with Central Park Coffee Company in Boston back in 2023.
This marks the first permanent location where fans can immerse themselves in the show’s atmosphere in New York, the same city that the main characters call home.
“It’s a fantastic experience. It’s fun,” said fan Leisa Cremona, 35, who plans to visit with friends. “I think they’ve done the show justice.”
Though it pays homage to the iconic coffeehouse, Central Park Coffee Company isn’t a perfect replica. Fans who are perhaps looking for a more authentic experience might want to check out the long-running Friends Experience interactive event on East 23rd Street.
While the venue features memorable elements like the large orange sofa and pop art by Burton Morris—who famously contributed to over 100 episodes—the lead architect, Glenn Corben, emphasized that the shop aims to reflect modern sensibilities, not recreate the past.
“We didn’t want to stay in 1994,” Corben explained. “We aimed to create a community space where people can enjoy quality coffee and embrace the spirit of Central Park. I wonder what that looks like in 2025?”
Phil Colicchio, whose consulting group helped bring this concept to life, noted the importance of modernizing while ensuring functionality. “Friends has a global appeal, so we imagined where these characters would go if they were living in New York today,” he mentioned.
Upon entering, you’d know you are in Central Perk, but it’s clear you’re not on the show’s set. It mixes familiarity with a fresh take, avoiding any sense of pandering.
The atmosphere is vibrant, filled with references for both casual viewers and die-hard fans alike. For example, there’s art featuring the series’ memorable “chicks and ducks,” and metal bookends that remind fans of Chandler’s quirky gift choice.
The coffee shop also boasts a full menu of themed food and drink options. Savory items include “Morning After” yogurt, “The Tribbiani” prosciutto sandwich, and “Rachel Green ‘Side’ Salad.” The drink menu features whimsically named concoctions like “Oh. My. Gawd!” cold brew.
Kathy Choi, 47, an avid fan who watched the show during its original run, was thrilled to share the experience with a new generation. She reflected, “The humor still resonates… It would’ve been great to have something like this years ago. It’s exciting, and with Times Square’s foot traffic, I think it’ll thrive.”
As for the coffee, the shop will serve three signature blends, including “Pivot” (medium-dark roast) and the robust “Gunther!” espresso. Colicchio mentioned they’re waiting on a liquor license to eventually add cocktails to the menu.
