Central Perk - Definition and Overview

Central Perk was a fictional coffee shop in New York City's Greenwich Village, one of the main focal points of the popular television sitcom Friends. This was the main hang-out of the six main characters, where they spent the majority of their free time. It is based on Chomondley's, a coffee shop/lounge in Usen Castle at Brandeis University, the alma mater of the show's creators.

The space was formerly occupied by the gang's old hangout, a bar. Central Perk is owned by a man named Terry, who according to Rachel and Phoebe is a 'jerk'. Terry was rarely seen and so, left most of the running of his coffee shop to Gunther, who became a permanent fixture in the shop.

Both Rachel Green and Joey Tribbiani have worked at Central Perk at one time or another. Waitressing at Central Perk was Rachel's first job. She was not very qualified and regularly got orders mixed up. She eventually quit in the third season episode The One Where Rachel Quits, after Joey and Chandler encouraged her to pursue a career in fashion.

Phoebe Buffay was also a regular fixture in Central Perk, playing songs such as Smelly Cat to often bemused audiences.