Coffee Barn in Londonderry celebrates first year in business with public event

West River Coffee Barn, the community coffee shop at Routes 11 and 100 in Londonderry, will celebrate its first anniversary with a free, family-friendly event running from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21.

West River Coffee Barn opened on Aug. 21, 2025, on the site of the former Shoe Barn, a longtime local landmark. The shop was founded by sisters Kristin Nelson and Karen Nelson, whose family has had ties to the Londonderry area since the early 1960s. In its first year, the business has become a daily gathering spot for the town and passers-by, employing a team of about seven part-time staff and opening its doors seven days a week.

“This whole year has been about this corner and this community,” said Kristin Nelson, co-owner of West River Coffee Barn. “We want the anniversary to celebrate the people who have come through these doors each and every day and helped create a vibrant community spot.”

The anniversary celebration will include:

• With every coffee purchase earn a raffle ticket for WRCB merchandise, gift card or coffee beans, and a free ice cream cone;
• Hourly iced tastings of customer-favorite drinks;
• Tacos and quesadillas from Taqueria El Chepe from 11 a.m. until the food runs out;
• A community toast and raffle drawing at noon;
• Homemade ice cream from Brattleboro’s Blueberry Haus from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• Live music from local musician Jill Sachs, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
• A community comment board about West River Coffee Barn’s past and future.

The event is free and open to the public.