Matthew Perry Honored at First Permanent Central Perk Coffeehouse — See Inside (Exclusive)

Central Perk Coffeehouse, a favorite coffee shop frequented by Monica, Chandler and the gang at Friendsopens its doors in Boston on November 14 — and PEOPLE has an exclusive first look inside the store.

Inspired by the NBC series that ran from 1994 to 2004 and starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc, Central Perk is the first permanent cafe and restaurant serving light fare. It is located on the most famous boulevard in Boston: Newbury Street. (There was previously a temporary pop-up location in New York.)

The company delayed their opening after Perry’s death on October 28. Now, Central Perk will honor Perry on a new opening day.

Inside the Central Perk Cafe in Boston.

Brian Nevins

The space of 2,600 square meters, a collaboration of Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and CenPer, is fulfilled Friends-inspired memorabilia and subtle nods to the series’ characters and plots. And of course, it has a huge orange couch. There are also coffee mug sleeves with legendary quotes from each of the six Friends.

On Nov. 14, “Central Perk Coffeehouse will distribute Chandler Bing ‘Can I Interest You in a Sarcastic Comment’ exclusively all day, in honor of the life and lasting legacy of Matthew Perry,” according to a press release.

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Inside the Central Perk Cafe in Boston.

Brian Nevins

Universe

If you are a Friends mega-fan, you’ll notice plenty of feedback on the show’s signature moments in store. But the creators of Central Perk are quick to clarify that the space is not an attempt to duplicate the original scene of the series.

“It’s not about creating a replica of it, it’s about how it would look today,” Glen Coben, founder and principal designer of Glen & Co Architecture, tells PEOPLE. “It’s a modern interpretation of what a coffee shop or Central Perk would look like in 2024.”

A huge piece depicting a cup and saucer by pop artist Burton Morris, who had artwork on the original set, hangs above one corner.

Brian Nevins

After descending the steps of the Brownstone, guests are greeted by a black and white photograph of a floor-to-ceiling fountain with Friends opening sequence, along with the classic black and white floor mosaic. A muted orange central banquette provides comfortable seating, while a full-sized table for small groups or individuals on laptops sits beneath a light fixture composed of upside-down coffee cups and saucers. A huge piece depicting a cup and saucer by pop artist Burton Morris, who had artwork on the original set, hangs above one corner (above).

In the area around the table, a black and white photo of the original set. “The historical elements are in black and white,” says Coben.

An ode to Chandler and Joey’s pets.

Brian Nevins

A door leads to an outdoor seating area, filled with green Central Perk umbrellas emblazoned with the brand’s updated logo. The hallway door is decorated with a golden chicken and duck, beckoning to the feathered friends owned by Chandler and Joey, and leads to a shared hallway with a purple bathroom door with a gold frame around it, like Monica’s front door.

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Orange sofa at Central Perk Coffeehouse in Boston.

Brian Nevins

As for the iconic orange sofa inspired by the one the crew sipped coffee on, which is set in a semi-private space filled with shimmering orange details, ranging from tufted velvet walls to a giant electric sign that reads “the one with…,” which reproduces the format title of each episode of the show.

“The idea is that with… your”, said Gurdock. “So this is a place where everyone comes. The series is no longer in production, but here you can now create your own stories.”

Central Perk Coffeehouse in Boston.

Brian Nevins

Concept

The idea to bring Central Perk to life in the present day has been simmering for some time. It is designed to be a warm, inviting place where people can gather as casually as the characters in the show do, and celebrate everything from the small moments to the big milestones in their lives.

“The show will be 30 years old next year. It has global appeal because it has universal themes about boyfriends and first apartments and first jobs and moving in with roommates — something that everyone in their twenties around the world can relate to,” said Kathleen Wallis, vice president of global themed entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery. “One of the most beloved aspects of the series is the Central Perk, and we’ve dreamed of bringing it to life for years.”

Food at the Central Perk Cafe in Boston.

Brian Nevins

Food and drink

Central Perk is designed to be visited regardless of the time of day.

“The same place you come to in the morning could be the same place you come to a meeting later in the day,” says Gurdock.

In the evening, menus from several local vendors will include local beers and natural wines, along with sharing plates for a light meal. Many menu options will have subtle references to the series that fans will recognize, such as Rachel Green’s Side Salad, Ross Geller’s Moist Maker Sandwich, Monica’s Homemade Jam and Joey’s Grandma’s Chicken Salad.

Food at the Central Perk Cafe in Boston.

Brian Nevins

The coffees for purchase will feature pre-existing options from the brand’s coffee line, each with funny names: How You Doin’?, a medium roast blend; Pivot Blend, medium to dark roast; the We Were on a Coffee Break dark roast; Oh.My.GAWD cold brew mix; Gunther! espresso; and Moo Point, a decaffeinated option. (Pumpkin and spice pie mix is ​​also currently in the works.)

Shoppers can grab merchandise ranging from sweatpants to drinkware with the venue’s logo and some Boston-specific items like a “You’re my Lobster” fridge magnet.

Outside Central Perk Coffeehouse in Boston.

Brian Nevins

“It was important to make sure these were really good coffees,” Gurdock continued. “Coffee drinkers you’ll want for a lifetime. And people will be loyal to coffee after they taste it. I’d just say to anyone reading, listening or otherwise, try it. Taste it — you won’t be disappointed.”

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Mugs for sale at Central Perk Cafe in Boston.

Brian Nevins

A top chef alum and celebrity restaurateur Tom Colicchio serves as an investor and advisor to Central Perk. For Coliccio, whose cousin was already involved, getting involved in the brand was not easy. However, it was the longevity of Friends it really caught him off guard.

“The Friends brand is a great brand, so it seemed like a really good idea,” Colicchio tells PEOPLE. “I think people will use this as their everyday cafe.”

Cup and saucer lights hang from the ceiling of Boston’s Central Perk coffee shop.

Brian Nevins

While many of the menu items have fun names inspired by the series, the quality of the options shouldn’t be underestimated.

“This is not news in any way, shape or form,” says Gurdock. “This is a real-life, real-world cafe that will pay close attention not only to the quality of the coffee, but also to our pursuit of it, but also to the food.”

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Source: HIS Education