New Hampshire has a very wide variety of unique coffee house experiences sprinkled in large and small towns across the state.  But, there is one that seems to re-invent the wheel when it comes to coffeehouse patronage.

REMIX, appropriately named, was created out of a passion for people in the Claremont, NH area.  Specifically, the focus is on those that have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions.

Brothers, Jimmie and Will, who had two very different encounters with addiction combined their talents and formed REMIX Coffeehouse and Social Club.  Their purpose was to provide a healthy alternative to the typical bar and club scene.

The most genius part of this coffeeshop is that all of the drinks are donation based. There is a sign next to the cashier that states “

You will quickly notice our coffee does not have prices. All items have a suggested donation amount and we ask that you give what you can when you can.  If today isn’t your day, this one’s on us! If you can help cover that extra cup for the next person, We thank you. In turn, all proceeds above our operating costs goes back in to our local communities.”

The donations have been exceeding the overhead costs.  To date, they have been able to donated over $20,000 to other charitable organizations.

Remix has no paid staff.  The coffeeshop has been blessed with a amazing group of volunteers.  They not only serve coffee drinks, but they have a deep desire to help those who need it. They have a keen eye on those with addictions.

While New Hampshire was one of only four states to reduce drug overdose deaths from 2018-2021 (Department of Health and Human Services, New Hampshire), the battle is not over.  The volunteers at Remix believe every life is worth saving.  So, they have gone through training to recognize signs and symptoms of an overdose and how to administer Narcan in the event of a crisis.  That is some real dedication!

Remix has an ability to host some incredible local talent.  Those nights tend to be busy and packed, but everyone seems to enjoy the featured guests.

When the stage is not occupied, patrons make their own entertainment.  There are a lot of things to do including indoor cornhole, video games, and take your own selfies in a decked out photobooth. Most people tend to hang out at the coffee bar or gather around the sofas and play a game of cards.

The story of Remix started many years ago when Jimmie was a DJ, remixing music at clubs to make money for college.  Through that experience in the club scene, he made some decisions about lifestyle and direction that he never thought he would make.

His life was upside down.  He had an encounter that changed his life.  He shared some incredible moments where God really met him where he was.

While spending some time deepening his faith at a retreat in Hawaii, Jimmie happened to noticed a sign on a little boutique, “REMIX.”  It brought him back to those days of being a DJ and taking old versions of music and remixing it to make a new version.

“This”, says Jimmie, “is what happened to me.  Christ remixed my life. He took the old version of me and remixed my life into a new version and changed the direction of my life.”

That experience led him to work with his brother to create a space for individuals 16+ years old that is a fun gathering place and is a safe environment.

Many partnerships with local recovery groups have been formed in the last few years.  Lots of lives have been touched and there are many great stories about how people have gone through recovery themselves and are now giving back to the community.

If you are ever in the area on a Friday night, go by check them out.  And don’t forget to pay it forward!