The Merc Coop

I go in for Mainly for the coffee and the plants. Occasionally for actual groceries and if I do it’s usually for quick meal. They are my favorite place in town to get coffee. When I get coffee the baristas are always very kind as well! Their plant selection is amazing! Coming from someone who collects succulents and cacti it’s a spot to go to regularly check as they have new plants in about every week.

Sadly very disappointed after my visit today. I go to the Merc for lunch several times a week. The food choices have always been great. Food was always fresh and reasonably priced. Today the food options on the hot bar looked old and dry. What was there just looked like leftovers that sat in a warmer a few hours. I was there at 12:10. Ordered a sandwhich instead only to find out chips and drink are no longer included but paying the same price. The sandwhich was also made differently and did not taste freshly made even though it was. I hope this was just a bad day.

I really love The Merc; it's a great Lawrence original. They're very environmentally conscious and community first. Between their hot bar, sushi, deli, cafe, and groceries you'll always find what you're looking for. This is a great place if you're looking for local, fresh, and unique products. There are many options for all kinds of diets here. I enjoy studding and drinking smoothies at the cafe. Go check it out!

I love stopping through here "just because." That's how much I love the atmosphere! Their cold and hot food bar are wonderful for getting a quick and nourishing meal. They've got sandwiches made to order, sushi, salad bar, soup bar, smoothie bar, and a variety of cold sides and entrees ready to be heated up, as well as an assortment of hot meal items. I love their local vegetable selection as well as their local items throughout the store. Their workers seem to always be happy too!

Mr. Jason...the financial manager, just came to my office, while I was out with a client, and proceeded to get hostile towards my employees regarding our company car being parked in what he called "their parking lot". I came back and was informed by my employees that he threatened to have it towed unless it was moved. I have had my business in this spot before the Merc even existed here, more than 20 years ago. I have been an owner, and have referred a lot of other people to the Merc, but over the last several years, they have become so "corporate" that they seem to have forgotten what it is like for small businesses to be successful, especially in these times of Covid. Why is my company vehicle, parked in the large parking lot such a problem? You would think that there would be some sort of cohesiveness since we have been neighbors for so long, but instead, it has become more and more toxic over the years, and now they feel like they own the entire lot, and they absolutely DO NOT!! YOU DO NOT OWN THE LAND!!! I have dealt with pest problems due to them, among many other things, and after today's episode, I have HAD IT!!! I will be cancelling my membership with them, and would encourage everyone to shop at Sprouts where everything is REALLY organic. Having worked next door to them for so many years, I know for a fact, that they have processed food deliveries in the back. SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES!!!