Get ready to experience the iconic Central Perk Coffeehouse from Friends in real life! The first-ever Central Perk location is set to open its doors this year, but you might be surprised to learn that it won’t be in the show’s beloved city of Manhattan. Instead, you’ll find it on Newbury Street in Boston, where fans can gather to relive their favorite Friends moments and enjoy a cup of coffee just like Ross, Rachel, and the gang.
Warner Bros. made the exciting announcement last year, revealing plans to turn the fictional coffeeshop into an actual chain. The Central Perk Coffeehouse aims to recreate the nostalgic ’90s atmosphere of the original set while offering exclusive coffee blends that pay homage to the sitcom. Coffee lovers can look forward to sipping on blends with names like “How You Doin’?” (medium roast), “We Were on a Coffee Break” (dark roast), and “Oh.My.GAWD!” (cold brew), all inspired by the show.
Although Central Perk was famously situated in Manhattan on Friends, the decision to open the first brick-and-mortar store in Boston is intentional. Despite the geographical difference, company president Joe Gurdock believes that Newbury Street and the Back Bay neighborhood are ideal locations for the flagship store. Gurdock expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Newbury Street and the city’s Back Bay neighborhood are such treasured gems, known and admired around the globe. We are so fortunate to have found the ideal first location for this concept.” To make the experience even more special, fans can take a short stroll from Central Perk to Beacon Hill and visit the original Cheers bar for a pint.
While an exact grand opening date has not been revealed, the Central Perk Coffeehouse chain remains committed to its plan to launch sometime in 2023. In the meantime, eager fans can still get a taste of Friends nostalgia by ordering their favorite Friends-branded coffee blends online. So, get ready to gather your friends, immerse yourself in the Central Perk atmosphere, and create your own unforgettable moments in this iconic coffeehouse.
