‘If your job’s a joke, you’re broke’ Friends Central Perk cafe throws open its doors to fans

The Central Perk coffee shop, which was made famous by the hit sitcom Friends, is set to open a second permanent location in New York City, it has been announced

You’ll soon be able to grab a cuppa and create lasting memories at Central Perk, the beloved fictional coffee shop from the legendary sitcom Friends.

The café, famous as the gang’s favourite hangout spot on the programme, first materialised at its permanent location in Boston back in 2023. Now, the second permanent venue is set to open its doors in Times Square, New York City.

“Central Perk is one of the most iconic landmarks in television history. After the incredible response in Boston, bringing Central Perk to Times Square isn’t just the next step-it’s a homecoming,” Peter van Roden, EVP of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences told Variety.

“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 continued in the statement, reports the Mirror US.

Where will the Central Perk coffeehouse be situated in New York?

The coffeehouse will launch in Times Square, positioned on the northeast corner of 7th Avenue and 47th Street. According to the announcement, the coffee shop’s design includes the legendary orange sofa from the show.

Central Perk’s official website highlights that their range of artisanal coffees are freshly roasted to order.

Are additional locations launching nationwide in the US?

Whilst the coffee shop has only revealed its second Times Square, New York City branch, its website indicates that “there are more locations coming on the horizon.”

What people are saying

The announcement went viral amongst devotees of the programme, with countless fans flocking to Reddit to voice their opinions.

One user posted, “I’ll only go if they have Gunther tending the machine and Rachel serving coffee.”

A second person remarked, “I hate to be a Debbie downer but I feel weird about them making it a real place. Do you know how busy that place will be?”.

And a third user added: “So true and in Times Square of all places. I mean I’ll still go but seems like it’ll be the opposite of the show’s coffee house vibes.”