CLAREMONT, N.H. – One year after opening two downtown businesses, Theresa Taylor reflects on how T’s Coffee Shop and Downtown Gift & Thrift Store have helped bring new energy to Claremont, while her historic Windsor Diner continues to undergo extensive renovations.
Taylor has called Claremont home since the age of 5, and has deep roots in the community. She purchased the Windsor Diner in 2002 and has operated it ever since. When structural issues forced the diner to temporarily close in January 2025, she turned an unexpected setback into an opportunity to invest in her hometown. She turned her attention to helping revitalize downtown Claremont.
Taylor saw the many empty storefront spaces in downtown Claremont and came up with two new concepts for bringing new business and opportunity to the community. Within weeks, she opened Downtown Gift & Thrift, located at 1 Pleasant Street, and T’s Coffee Shop, at 26 Opera House Square.
Downtown Gift & Thrift Store opened its doors on June 26, 2025, offering a curated mix of locally made artisan goods, gifts, thrifted clothing, and household items. The thrift store combines artisan booths in the front, with a mix of new and gently used clothing, as well as household items in the rear. Taylor said her mission for the thrift store was to give local artists a place to showcase their work. Currently, about ten local vendors rent display space. She added, “I’ve always had a thing…for wedding gowns, and creating a display.”
T’s Coffee Shop opened on July 14, 2025. Taylor’s original concept was to open the coffee shop while her diner was closed, expressing, “Claremont needed a coffee shop.” When she first saw the spot located at Opera House Square, she said, “I immediately took it…It was perfect!”
T’s Coffee Shop serves coffee, espresso, lattes, smoothies, and breakfast throughout the day. Taylor mentioned lattes are the number one best-selling coffee beverage. Take-out orders are available through Door Dash and Toast. Taylor is thrilled that she was able to fill a need in the community, and plans to continue, as she recently signed a new two-year lease. T’s Coffee Shop is open daily, Monday-Saturday, from 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.