New Business: Remix brings roller skating back to NH; The Paper Store in Concord to expand

Dec. 23—DISCO BALLS on the ceiling and retro skates on display at the new Remix Skate & Event Center in Manchester are sure to bring many back in time. But Matt and Kelly Pearson opened with the goal of putting a new spin on the pastime.

Remix is one of three new roller rinks to open in the entire United States this year, and is now the only commercial roller rink in the state, according to Matt Pearson. The space at 725 Huse Road is filled with bright colors and state-of-the-art sound and lighting effects systems.

The "Social Drink Rink" will be officially open for school vacation with reservations able to be made online. The business offers pub fare and beer on draft — not the frozen pizza and pretzels fromconcession stands of yesteryear.

"We knew opening a rink in 2023 was to be a new experience for everybody," Matt Pearson said. "The name REMIX really solidifies that idea of being able to put a new spin on skating and an in-house dining experience."

The "fire alarm guy" and other excited soon-to-be regulars donated old-school skating gear, such as Challenger and Roadster skates, to bring a bit of nostalgia to the space.

The 6,100-square-foot rink is about half the size of a traditional rink, but there's plenty of room to work up a sweat. REMIX is next to Cowabunga's, a kids play and birthday party venue also owned by the Pearsons.

"We call it a boutique rink," Pearson said. "It's kind of the midpoint of rinks across the country from a standards perspective."

The number of skaters will be limited to 100 at any given time. It costs $20 for two hours, including the skates. The place rents both traditional "quads" and inline skates. Pearson said he's interested in finding out what the mix will be for customers.

Kim Wall — "the guy with the utmost credentials for installing rink floors," according to Pearson — came in from Indiana to install the maple wood floors.

On a recent afternoon, some of the tunes ranged from "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson to "I Want It That Way" by Backstreet Boys. Future theme nights will include disco or "Swiftie," for those Taylor Swift superfans.

Jodie Nazaka, director of economic development for the city of Manchester, said the city needs more family-friendly entertainment options.

"This is going to be the new date place for young professionals, or for anyone for that matter," she said.

At the end of a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Wednesday, Mayor Joyce Craig laced up some traditional roller skates to take a few laps. She recalled skating at Bedford Grove and Happy Wheels.

"We can make a chain and swing people," Craig joked.

Haven't been in a while, or ever? Don't worry, they offer lessons and skating aids for beginners.

A bigger piece of paper

The Paper Store will expand its footprint by more than 50% at Fort Eddy Plaza in Concord.

The store is set to move from its current location into the space that will be left vacant by Eastern Mountain Sports, according to owners Torrington Properties.

Unlike other stores, The Paper Store's new 13,270-square-foot store is part of an expansion effort and will be the chain's first "Signature Store," which will offer in-store services including ear piercing, a whimsical candy station, curated gifts and popular on-trend brands, according to a news release. The store is expected to open in mid-April.

Jersey Mike's Subs, a fast-casual sandwich franchise with more than 2,500 locations nationwide, is Torrington's first new tenant since building the plaza in 2022. The chain is expected to open in the former H&R Block early next year.

This will be the second Jersey Mike's location in Concord and the seventh store that franchisee Chris Brown has opened in the state. The first Concord location in September at 4 Merchants Way.

Rite Aid pharmacy in the plaza is also set to close.

Roadside growth

In four years, the Common Man Roadside Market & Deli has seen significant growth with its latest location opening in Epsom last Wednesday. The store is located right at the traffic circle (US 4/NH 28).

The stores are mini versions of the welcome center at the Interstate 93 rest stop in Hooksett, complete with Irving gas stations. A restaurant and cafe is open in Manchester's Millyard. The chain is known for "Real Food. Real Fast," including burgers, sandwiches and pizza.

Next up: Portsmouth. Plans are also in the works for locations in Concord and Derry.

If you have an interesting business or commercial real estate story idea email reporter Jonathan Phelps at jphelps@unionleader.com.