The Pilot (Friends) some concern that the character roles were undeveloped. Before a date with Paul the "wine guy", Monica Geller is teased by her friends, Phoebe Buffay, Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani, at The Central Perk coffee shop. Ross Geller, Monica's older brother, arrives at the coffee shop, upset after discovering his ex-wife, a recently out lesbian, has moved out of his apartment to begin a new relationship with her partner. A young woman suddenly arrives wearing a wet wedding dress, whom Monica recognizes as her high school best friend, Rachel Green. Monica introduces her to the others as Rachel reveals she
The Coffee Shop (Union Square) The Coffee Shop (Union Square) The Coffee Shop was a restaurant and bar located next to Union Square, New York City. Before The Coffee Shop opened, the building was home to a coffee shop and cafe called Chase. The owners of Chase had placed a large neon sign outside the building reading "Coffee Shop" and the new tenant took its name from the sign and left it attached to the building. The restaurant was known for being popular with celebrities and members of New York's fashion scene. In mid-2018, the restaurant's owners announced it would close in October of 2018.