The Franklin Mercantile Co.

10/10/08

Fine for atmosphere, not value

by boyzmama at Citysearch

This place suffers from lack of imagination and a lackadasical staff. I recently ordered a soup and salad along with a kid's meal for my 5-year-old. The kid's meal was around $4.50. My child ordered chicken nuggets, even though this is not a nuggets kind of place. But they were on the menu, so.... With it you get a choice of a (small) fruit cup or chips. Kid chose Fritos, but the nuggets were 5 frozen nuggets warmed up in a panini press, which kid said made it too "crunchy." Petrified nuggets and a lunchbox-size bag of Fritos for almost $5. Then the "three stooges" noveaux hippie kids behind the counter completely forgot my half of the order. They forgot the soup, and the cashier didn't tell me that I'm supposed to get my own salad. We had waited nearly 15 minutes at this point, so I threw some field greens, slivered almonds and oil and vinegar dressing in a bowl and sat down. A big problem is the set-up of the place, which has the order counter at one end, causing the inevitable line of waiting customers to bisect the dining space. This creates a huge jam of people trying to get back and forth to pick up food, drinks or silverware so you don't want to fight for refills even if you want more. It's a quaint place but a rip-off. I'd try Dumplin's or other soup-and-sandwich places in downtown.

08/18/06

It's a must!

by davisa1 at Citysearch

I love the Franklin Mercantile...been there numerous times for breakfast and lunch. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is adorable (old painted tables/chairs...mason jars with flowers adorn each table). The breakfast is the best I've had in a while...fabulous hashbrown casserole, home-cooked bacon, excellent breads. Definitely one of my favorite lunch spots...highly recommend the "annabelle" sandwich with the pasta salad. If I didnt live downtown, I would eat here every week!

• Pros: parking around the corner, atmosphere, price
• Cons: none I can think of

09/04/03

lunch for 2

by BBuchanan at Citysearch

Relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Simple menu with great sandwiches, soups, salad bar and a variety of teas/coffees. The quaint furnishings (granny's kitchen tables and chairs) are perfect for the historic Franklin location. The work of local artists and photographers adorn the walls. This is a great lunch spot for groups of 2-4. Carry out available; credit cards accepted. I've heard there is live music on some evenings, but have not checked this out.