Recreating 'Friends,' One Coffee Cup at a Time

BEIJING, Aug. 2, 2010 -- It is a tribute to one of America's most enduring TV shows. A Hollywood invention transformed into real-life hotspots offering fans coffee with a shot of nostalgia. Dubai has one. So did London.

Now, Beijing joins the list of international cities with a replica of Central Perk, the fictional cafe and favorite hangout of characters Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Monica from NBC's hit sitcom "Friends."

Located on the sixth floor of an office building in Beijing's Central Business District, the cafe unabashedly embraces its theme. Although a sign outside the shop reads "PISCES Coffee," the Central Perk logo, with its orange-white lettering and duo of coffee cups, is splashed across the storefront window.

Inside, customers can lounge on the characters' beloved orange couch, be served by "Rachels" and "Joeys," drink from the signature oversized coffee mugs and watch old episodes on a giant TV screen.

Central Perk Beijing is the self-funded project of businessman Du Xin. He began watching the sitcom in 2004, the year of its 10th and final season. Going through a tough, romantic break-up at the time, Du was inspired by the show's optimistic message. He hoped to find a coffee shop like Central Perk where he could meet with friends. After failing to find a suitable match, Du decided to open his own.

"I was very touched by the relationships in the show," he said. "By opening this cafe, I hope to offer a place where customers can appreciate and share the characters' trust, friendship and support for one another, no matter what the outside world is like."

To reproduce Central Perk's original set as faithfully as possible, Du collected and studied photos online and worked with designers to customize every piece of furniture. He began the project in November. After five months, the coffee shop was ready for business.