Some "Friends" fans may have wondered whether the hit sitcom characters' favorite watering hole, Central Perk, exists. No, not just a coffee shop with the same exact name, but an establishment that looks and feels exactly like the one where Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe like to hang out.
From September 17 to October 18 this year, one such place will exist, according to TV Guide.
"A Central Perk pop-up shop is opening in NYC to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 'Friends' premiere," the news source said. "Fans will be able to enjoy free cups of Eight O' Clock coffee, including a limited-edition Central Perk roast, in a fully functional replica."
"Located at 199 Lafayette Street in Manhattan, the pop-up shop will open onWednesday, Sept. 17 and remain in business through Saturday, Oct. 18. (Hours: Mondays-Fridays from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays-Sundays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.)," the site continued.
This project is said to be a collaboration between Warner Bros. TV and Eight O'Clock Coffee and is named "The One With the Free Coffee," E! News reported.
"The pop-up shop features more than just free coffee," the entertainment publication went on to say. "Fans can also check out signature props from the show in the decorated storefront, relax on the iconic orange couch, listen to life performances à la 'Smelly Cat,' win prizes through in-store promotions and contests and even hang out with Friends star James Michael Tyler, aka Gunther!"
Variety also noted that there will be "other special activities in conjunction with Eight O'Clock Coffee on Sept. 29, also known as National Coffee Day."
This is great news! We're predicting hordes of "Friends" fans flocking the shop starting next month. Will you be there? You can probably plan on making your version of the show's first 20th anniversary episode at the said pop up shop. This is because a "Friends" reunion episode is not likely to happen, if Courteney Cox - one of the series' stars - is to be believed. She can even barely organize an informal get together with the other stars!
"I've been trying to put together a cast dinner for 10 years," Courteney said in an interview this year, according to The LA Times. "I can get the girls to come, maybe Matthew Perry, Matt Le Blanc canceled last time, right at the last minute, Schwimmer lives here."
She then went on to say that a reunion is "not gonna happen."
But you can hang out at Central Perk starting next month.