Central Perk Coffee Co. Brews Up Friendship in Boston's Back Bay

Today, the very first real-life iteration of Central Perk Coffee Co. opened on Newbury Street, Boston, bringing the iconic setting of NBC's series "Friends" to life. This is no museum piece—it is a fully-functional coffeehouse, inspired by its fictional counterpart rather than merely reenacting it, reported NBC Boston.

The Central Perk's venue was due to open in June, but setbacks, along with the sad loss of "Friends" star Matthew Perry late in October, delayed plans. To commemorate their opening day, they distributed Chandler Bing-themed coffee sleeves, adorned with Perry's well-known quip, "Can I Interest you in a sarcastic comment?" as per a CBS News Boston article.

While fans might have expected the first physical Central Perk cafe to open in NYC, where the sitcom was set, Central Perk Coffee Co.'s President Joe Gurdock explained that they chose Boston instead due to Gurdock's appreciation of Boston city and its landmarks, including Newbury Street and the Back Bay neighborhood.

In lieu of purely copying the show's set, designer Glen Coben's vision for Central Perk in real life was to "reimagine Central Perk as it would look and serve as a gathering spot for friends today," fusing modern design with essential, recognizable elements like the orange couch.

Thanks to a collaboration with famous chef Tom Colicchio, Central Perk's menu is unique. It features a selection of premium coffees named after unforgettable "Friends" moments: "How You Doin'?" for medium roast, "Pivot Blend" for medium dark roast, and "We Were on a 'Coffee' Break" for dark roast. Additionally, gourmet homages to the series can be found in food items like Joey's Meatball Sandwich, The 'Moist Maker' Turkey Sandwich, and Grandma's Chicken Salad.

To become a true hub for the community, Central Perk intends to extend its operating hours and add beer, wine, and espresso martinis to their beverage selection.