Central Perk Brings Friends to the Heart of New York
Article: Central Perk Brings Friends to the Heart of New York • 2025-12-19 • 4 min read • By Valentina G.

Central Perk Brings Friends to the Heart of New York

OOH Print Behavior Change
Quick Answer: Central Perk Coffeehouse has opened its first New York City location in Times Square, turning a fictional Friends landmark into a real-world café experience.

Could this coffeehouse be any more New York? Central Perk Coffeehouse has officially opened its first New York City location—right in the heart of Times Square.

A fictional icon becomes real

For Friends fans, it’s a full-circle moment. The café that defined ’90s TV friendship culture now exists at one of the busiest intersections in the world.

Nostalgia without turning into a museum

Rather than recreating the sitcom set, the space feels like a contemporary café with subtle nods to the show—warm tones, expansive windows, and design details that reward fans without overwhelming non-fans.

central

A menu built on inside jokes

The Times Square menu leans into playful references. NYC-exclusive drinks like The One with NYC Matcha and the NY Relaxi Taxi Tall Iced Cooler sit alongside fan favorites such as Chandler’s Chocolate Cold Foam Latte and the emphatic Oh. My. Gawd! Cold Brew.

Food takes center stage

Food plays a bigger role than expected. The hero item is The Tribbiani, a serious sandwich created by Tom Colicchio, stacked high with Italian meats, provolone, and giardiniera on semolina bread.

cent

Art, merch, and brand depth

Artwork by pop artist Burton Morris—whose work appeared in Friends—adds authenticity. The space also features Times Square-exclusive merchandise and all six Central Perk Coffee Co. blends available to drink or take home.

A café that actually works

Despite the constant stream of tourists outside, Central Perk functions as a real café. Whether you’re a diehard Friends fan or just need caffeine before navigating Midtown, the experience is unapologetically on-theme—and surprisingly practical.

perk
Written by: Valentina G.  •  Reviewed by: Ed Saenz, CEO — BM Outdoor

FAQs about this campaign

Where is the new Central Perk Coffeehouse located?

At 20 Times Square, on the northeast corner of Seventh Avenue and 47th Street in New York City.

Is the café a replica of the Friends set?

No. It uses subtle visual references rather than recreating the TV set, functioning as a real modern café.

Are there exclusive menu items?

Yes. The NYC location features exclusive drinks like The One with NYC Matcha and the NY Relaxi Taxi Tall Iced Cooler.

Does it sell merchandise?

Yes. The location offers Times Square-exclusive merch and Central Perk coffee blends.

Bring your idea to breakfast-time OOH

Explore formats that meet audiences in morning routines and commuter corridors.

Summary: Central Perk’s NYC debut shows how pop culture brands can translate nostalgia into functional, high-impact physical experiences.
#CentralPerk #Friends #TimesSquare #BrandExperience #PopCulture

Outdoor Advertising

Outdoor advertising reaches people where they spend the majority of their time—outside. This includes posters, wall murals, and superboards that captivate audiences as they move through urban spaces.

Transit Advertising

Transit ads make use of public transportation to deliver messages, whether on buses, subways, or train stations. Ideal for reaching commuters in high-traffic areas.

Public Space Advertising

From airports to stadiums, public space advertising places your message in locations where large groups gather, creating strong brand awareness and high visibility.

Digital Advertising

Maximize your brand's impact with digital screens, which offer flexibility and dynamic content that can be tailored to different audiences and times of day.