Sweet Sanctuary
Brooke’s House Coffee and Chocolates is 6,000 square feet of sweet treats, smooth drinks and community unity.
Brooke’s House Coffee and Chocolate offers tasty treats full of hope and promise
By April Bartel
Who doesn’t like chocolate and coffee–especially when it comes with a side of service to humanity? Brooke’s House Coffee and Chocolate is more than just a place to indulge in delightful treats and warm beverages. It is a sanctuary of hope and transformation, where women in recovery find solace, structure, and a new beginning.
Opened in December 2021, this unique establishment grew from a modest fundraising project into a thriving enterprise that supports women on their journey to sobriety and self-reliance.
Meaning & Purpose
Handcrafted chocolates of rich flavor and bright designs.
The inception of Brooke’s House Coffee and Chocolate is as heartwarming as its mission. Dana and Kevin Simmers founded Brooke’s House in honor of their daughter who struggled with substance abuse and ultimately died from a heroin overdose in 2015. Out of that heart-rending tragedy, they sought to give others a path to triumph in recovery. Brooke’s House is a long-term residential addiction treatment center providing a safe and supportive environment where women can remake their lives.
The initial idea for the shop came from a small fundraising project. Residents of Brooke’s House began crafting chocolates, such as nonpareil chocolates and chocolate-dipped pretzels, from their place on Downsville Pike. The effort was a success, leading to pop-up shops in the local mall.
With enthusiastic encouragement of supporters, they decided to establish a permanent storefront to create a stable and independent revenue stream for Brooke’s House. Even sweeter, the coffee shop and chocolate-making process offer therapeutic and rewarding experiences that help build participants’ self-esteem, job skills, and hope.
Taste and Transformation
Now, the space at 1083 Maryland Ave. in the South Side Plaza offers guests a warm welcome. To the left, an open kitchen dominates the front windows. To the right, is a bright and airy seating area that can accommodate 50 to 60 people, with an additional patio space for about 30 guests. There’s a drive-thru, too, and a gift nook that features pre-boxed candies for easy grab-and-go, greeting cards, sturdy briefcases and bags, photo frames, mugs, artwork, and branded merchandise in support of the organization.
Candy cases are loaded with their original dipped pretzels and a changing retinue of other handmade chocolates and confections, created with all-natural ingredients. From coconut clusters and chocolate-dipped Oreos to sea salt caramels and jumbo s’mores, the array of goodies is both extensive and enticing.
The chocolate turtles, cranberry almond clusters, and home-style treats like Ritz crackers with peanut butter enrobed in chocolate are particularly popular among patrons. About 90 percent of the chocolates are made in-house, offering something for every taste.
But the delights don’t end with chocolates. Brooke’s favorite flavor combination inspired the coffee shop’s chocolate peanut butter latte. Its diverse menu boasts a variety of coffee preparations, spiced chai, protein shakes, smoothies, and frappes along with breakfast sandwiches, paninis, and homemade soups.
The tomato basil bisque is a consistent favorite. It’s a classic pairing with the indulgent grilled cheese made with provolone, Swiss, and cheddar on a panini. Breakfast sandwiches come with options like bacon, ham, or sausage, served on a bagel, English muffin, or potato roll. The cinnamon rolls and chocolate or raspberry “cigars” are standout pastries that keep customers coming back for more.
Community and Unity
Brooke’s House Coffee and Chocolate is a place where the community gathers, shares, and supports one another. The shop sources its coffee beans from River Bottom Roasters, a local supporter, and its pastries from a nearby distribution center.
There is live music on Saturdays featuring local artists, with the establishment also serving as a venue for events like baby showers and retirement parties to birthday and holiday celebrations. Catering is available, allowing customers to enjoy Brooke’s House delicacies at their own events.
Brooke’s House handbags and greeting cards.
Manager Courtney Gunter is a graduate of Brooke’s House program and sees its transformative power at work. “We’re all in recovery and the support means the world to us. We appreciate being able to have a safe environment, that’s filled with love to work in,” she says, adding that some of the women have never had jobs before. “They may have been lost, so it’s really cool for me to see them grow and be productive members of society…You could say, anything is possible as love and support.”
That’s the best excuse for stopping by to grab a treat, a special gift, or to meet up with friends. Every purchase and donation contributes to the ongoing mission of Brooke’s House, making a difference in the lives of the people it serves…on both sides of the counter.
Making a Difference
• Located in the South End Shopping Center, the same plaza as Brooke’s House Thrift Store and their counseling center.
• The shop is run entirely by women in recovery and only women from Brooke’s House can be hired as the venture is aimed at empowering women and making a difference in their lives.
• Look for performances in September by Will Wright and The Tans.