Central Perk from Friends to Open Permanent Times Square Café

New Yorkers and devoted Friends fans are about to get a taste of television nostalgia in the heart of Manhattan. After years of themed pop-ups that attracted thousands of visitors across the globe, Central Perk – the coffeehouse immortalized in the iconic 90s sitcom – will finally open its first permanent New York City location this fall.

The café is set to debut in Times Square, right on the bustling corner of 47th Street and 7th Avenue, giving fans the chance to step into a fully realized version of the set they watched on screen for a decade.

This marks the second official permanent Central Perk. The brand tested the waters with its Boston café in 2023, which drew impressive crowds and glowing coverage. Yet for many fans, New York was always destined to be the true homecoming. Although Friends was filmed on a Los Angeles soundstage, the show was set in New York City, and Central Perk became a symbol of that imagined version of Manhattan. Bringing the café to Times Square is both a nod to that mythology and a savvy business move: millions of tourists and locals pass through the area daily.

The new location is more than a replica – it’s being pitched as a modern-day reimagining of Central Perk. That doesn’t mean losing the old-school charm. Visitors can still expect the legendary orange couch, backdrops perfect for selfies, and walls lined with memorabilia. At the same time, the café will function as a serious coffeehouse and restaurant, with a menu curated by Tom Colicchio, the acclaimed Top Chef judge and James Beard Award finalist. He’s designing drinks and dishes inspired by the characters and episodes, aiming to give fans something more than just a photo opportunity. Specialty coffee blends and exclusive merchandise will also be available, making the shop part cultural landmark, part lifestyle brand.

Executives at Warner Bros. Discovery are treating the project as both a celebration of nostalgia and a chance to connect with younger generations discovering Friends through streaming. Peter van Roden, EVP of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, described it as an experience that balances reverence for the past with a fresh, contemporary twist. “Central Perk is one of the most iconic landmarks in television history,” he said, adding that Times Square is the ideal backdrop for such a landmark attraction. “It’s about letting fans from around the world feel like they’ve stepped into the series while also making it a place that works in 2025.”

There’s no confirmed opening date yet, but anticipation is already brewing. Whether you’re a lifelong fan who can still quote Joey’s lines by heart, or a curious traveler looking for a new spot to grab a latte, Central Perk NYC is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about café launches of the year. And yes – expect that couch to become one of the most photographed pieces of furniture in all of New York.