“Hi, Terry. How’s your son? Back at school yet?” As I crouched to take this shot, I overheard yet another familiar conversation between owner Janea and one of her regulars. In fact, it seemed like everyone in here must’ve been a regular because she knew almost every name that came in the door, greeting them from behind her deli counter. If you’re hip to “The Merc”, you already know exactly the vibe I’m talking about. But if you’re like me and Scoutmob is the first reason you set foot in this local grocer, let me tell you: your curiosity will be pleasantly rewarded.

To even call it a “local grocer” seems too general, so let’s just do this the easy way:

My Grocery List from The Merc:

__ Local produce, local cheeses, local yogurts and milks (fresh from the Johnston Family Farm and Atlanta Fresh)

__ Chef-prepared foods, a new menu every day from Chef Samantha

__ Artisan sandwiches, all with an Atlanta neighborhood namesake (I had “The Edgewood”)

__ From-scratch soups (Three everyday)

__ Fresh-baked cookies and breads (everyone shopping had a loaf under their arm)

__ Local juices, unique European sodas & beers (Try the Lychee Bionade from Germany. Yum.)

__ All-natural, whole roasted Springer chickens (w/ two side items, feed four people for $20)

__ A well-edited selection of wines best described as “interesting yet affordable enough for everyday indulgence” (All of ‘em top out at a very reasonable $15-$17. )

__ A host of friendly folks behind the counters; say hi to them on Twitter @TheMercantile

Every grocer’s list should check-off like this one.

So as Janea might say, “See you in the shop!”