It’s a Toast: Why We Love the “Friends” Kitchen

May 1, 2019

Welcome to our new series, “Roast and Toast!”

Each month we’re going to feature one kitchen we love and one kitchen we hate. It can be from anywhere – a sitcom, a cooking show, a cartoon, a movie, or any other screen you’d see one on!

We’re starting off with a toast to a kitchen from one of the most popular shows in the U.S. and U.K. – the iconic Friends.

Monica was a caterer in the show, and her kitchen was the gathering point for her friends. Whether it was a girls-only chat or the whole group eating dinner, you couldn’t miss the Friends kitchen and its cute kitchen equipment.

Here’s why we love it!

 

Killer Mismatched Décor

If you’ve ever heard of shabby chic, you can thank the Friends kitchen for a lot of its popularity. Through 10 seasons we saw the mismatched chairs, blue cabinets, and open shelves brimming with kitchen equipment and dishes.

The open shelving was perfect for television, allowing Monica to pull out pots and pans or whatever else she needed on a whim. But they became a real trend in décor as well, in no small part because of how popular the show was.

The odd drapes, almost cluttered feel, and even the small decorative plates gave Monica’s kitchen a friendly vibe and made it a great place to create memories.

 

The Versatility of Small Spaces

If you have a small apartment, does that mean you have to do go without the equipment you’d love to have?

Not at all!

One of the things we love about Monica’s kitchen is that it shows you can do a lot with a small space. Yes, there’s a small round table, but that doesn’t keep people from gathering. Sure, there’s not a lot of storage, but she makes the most of what she has.

Just because you don’t have a lot of wall space doesn’t mean that you can’t decorate. You can take advantage of the color of your chairs, your drapes, your cabinets, even your fridge to create a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

 

A Useful Layout

Monica’s kitchen may not be huge, but the layout works well. The table is in the main open space, and the fridge, stove, and sink are in a logical layout. It’s easy to see how someone (even without Monica’s cooking skills or kitchen equipment) would be able to thrive here.

The set uses a one-wall kitchen layout to save space in what’s portrayed as a small city apartment. This is also known as a Pullman kitchen. Some include an island, but in the Friends kitchen, the table takes that place and creates an easy place for a conversation or a cup of coffee.

 

Ready to Outfit Your Own Kitchen With  Equipment and More?

Do you have a great little kitchen that you’d like to set up in a cute and fun way? If you’re also inspired by the Friends kitchen, we understand. It’s a great way to use a small space with a lot of flair!

If you need smallwares or other kitchen equipment to outfit your space, we’re here to help. Tipton Equipment Supply has served the Little Rock area for years. Contact us to see what we can do for you!

Ready to Open a Second Restaurant Location?

Ready to Open a Second Restaurant Location?

If your current restaurant is booming, it might be time to consider a second location. Congratulations on your current success – you’ve already beaten the odds! Opening a second location can be easier than your first one – you’ve already worked out a lot of the kinks....

read more
The One Product to Boost Convenience Store Sales

The One Product to Boost Convenience Store Sales

Is there one product that can single-handedly make or break the success of your convenience store? A lot of store owners would say no. When they look at their store, they see products coming from hot dish foodservice equipment, shelves, and a variety of categories...

read more
Restaurant Equipment Spotlight: Gas vs. Electric

Restaurant Equipment Spotlight: Gas vs. Electric

Does your Little Rock restaurant use gas or electric restaurant equipment? In all likelihood you made this decision a long time ago, but it’s one that can always be reconsidered. There are benefits to both. If you’re opening a new restaurant location, it’s vital to...

read more
Restaurant Equipment: Self-Ordering Technology

Restaurant Equipment: Self-Ordering Technology

One of the biggest challenges of running a restaurant is keeping up with all the technology and restaurant equipment that is available. You might have thought when you opened your location that you could run things basically the same way for decades.  While they may...

read more
Four Tips to Opening a Successful Restaurant

Four Tips to Opening a Successful Restaurant

Have you been dreaming about bringing your food expertise to the forefront of you life? Many people have thought about opening their own restaurant. Folks don’t follow through for a variety of reasons – money, fear, or simple inertia. You can be different, though. You...

read more
The Case for Timeless Restaurant Décor

The Case for Timeless Restaurant Décor

What’s the newest trend in restaurant décor? Evidently, people are loving “Millennial pink,” and they’re using it for everything. If you’re trying to keep up with what’s hot, you better get some new restaurant supplies right away! And remember, this isn’t just any...

read more
Deep Fry Safely & Efficiently

Deep Fry Safely & Efficiently

When it comes to kitchen equipment, knowing how to use it correctly is vital. Not only does it keep your employees safe, it ensures that the food comes out well and that your equipment last a long time in good condition. Using a deep fryer may seem pretty simple, and...

read more
Should You Buy Closeout Restaurant Supplies?

Should You Buy Closeout Restaurant Supplies?

As a restaurant owner, you, of course, want to save money in any way possible. Restaurant margins are known for being razor-thin, so every dollar counts. Because of this, you might be tempted when you see a closeout deal for restaurant supplies. After all, you can get...

read more
Choosing Environmentally Friendly Restaurant Supplies

Choosing Environmentally Friendly Restaurant Supplies

There’s been a lot of controversy recently about restaurant supplies and how they affect the environment. The current focus is on plastic straws, but the same conversation has been had about Styrofoam and a variety of other materials. Can you choose environmentally...

read more
Restaurant Supplies to Prepare Your Location for Spring

Restaurant Supplies to Prepare Your Location for Spring

In March you can begin to feel warmer weather around the corner here in Little Rock. After all, the groundhog didn’t see its shadow this year, so we’re in for an early spring, right? As you think about how to prepare your restaurant for spring, think about getting the...

read more
Proper Use of Cutting Boards

Proper Use of Cutting Boards

Food safety is vital to every restaurant – consistent inspections make sure of it!  Unfortunately, the day-to-day operations can sometimes mean that safety falls through the cracks. One thing that can get overlooked in a busy kitchen is the safe use of cutting boards....

read more
Four Myths About Food Trucks

Four Myths About Food Trucks

You probably know that the food truck industry is booming – it’s grown by 7.3% in the last five years and shows no signs of slowing down. That makes it an attractive industry for anyone interested in serving food – from established restaurants to new entrepreneurs....

read more
Kitchen Equipment: Choosing the Right Cutting Board

Kitchen Equipment: Choosing the Right Cutting Board

Every kitchen, from a food truck to a large restaurant, needs cutting boards. From vegetables to bread to meat and fish, your chefs and cooks have to chop things every day. Have you put a lot of thought into this important piece of kitchen equipment? Like many other...

read more