The last remaining Central Perk coffee shops are to close, just weeks after the Chester branch shut its doors.
It has been announced this week that all three of the Friends-themed cafes in Liverpool are to close, meaning there are currently no more remaining Central Perk coffee shops anywhere in the country.
The Chester public reacted with dismay when The Chronicle reported that the Bridge Street shop, a full scale replica of the famous one in the hit show, was closing with the owner blaming high business rates as the reason for its demise.
Related: Central Perk owner says he fears for future of local Chester businesses
Nigel Russell said he had been losing so much money paying the rates that he decided to ‘cut his losses’ and close the cafe.
When The Chronicle contacted him this week he said the three Central Perk shops in Liverpool were rebranding to become Ameriesko, a new American TV and music themed cafe bar.
Related: Central Perk Chester closes its doors
“The Liverpool stores did really well but as we had to close the Chester store, we rebranded due to the negativity that would follow and possibly affect the Central Perk trademark,” he said.
A post on the Central Perk Bold Street’s Facebook page earlier this week read: “We have had a blast and enjoyed all your visits and apologise notice has been shortcoming.”
Items from all of the Central Perk cafes are to be sold off in a silent auction, including the original replicas of the famous orange sofas, neon signs and coffee machines. If you are interested in purchasing any of the items, email ashleyc@central-perk.co.uk.
