Franklin Mercantile

Restaurant · Franklin

Franklin Mercantile

Restaurant · Franklin

2

100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064

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Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null
Franklin Mercantile by null

Highlights

Family-owned eatery offering breakfast, coffee & sandwiches amid country-chic decor.  

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100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064 Get directions

franklinmercantile.com
@franklinmercantile

$$ · Menu

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100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064 Get directions

+1 615 790 9730
franklinmercantile.com
@franklinmercantile
𝕏
@MercDeli

$$ · Menu

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dine in
takeout
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outdoor seating

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@eater

"Cozy and quaint, this rustic homespun spot is a go-to destination for breakfast and lunch among locals — one order of the creamy Parmesan grits and it’s easy to understand why. The couple who own Franklin Mercantile, Graeme and Corrie Asch, let their Southern roots shine in everything from sweet potato pancakes to the guacamole and pimento cheese mashup that adorns the Guacamento sandwich." - Eater Staff, Jackie Gutierrez-Jones

Franklin’s Essential Restaurants
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@eater

"With its shabby chic, eclectic decor, Franklin Mercantile is where locals go for a low-key breakfast or brunch with flavors that pack a wallop. Place your order at the front register, then grab a table and wait for your sweet potato pancakes or breakfast burrito to come streaming out of the open kitchen. Don’t miss the Southern parmesan cheese grits — it’s one of the finest examples of the breakfast staple in the area." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones

12 Essential Brunch Spots in Franklin - Eater Nashville
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TY4AU Yates

Google
Had the 4th Avenue Club. My husband ordered one too and the sandwiches are so big, I think we could have shared. They were delicious, as was the pasta salad and fruit. There was plenty of seating available. Very comfortable atmosphere and very helpful people working. The prices are super reasonable and the food was made fast. The parking deck is not too far away and there are restrooms available. We will definitely visit again.

T Z

Google
Wow, this place is a gem. My wife and I stopped in for quick lite bite and were not disappointed. We got the Salad scoop trio. It was organic mixed greens, topped with a scoop of tuna, chicken and pimento cheese salad. I thought I came with just one scoop but it had one of each. All for just 12.50$. I don’t know what pimento cheese salad is/was but it’s NOW my new favorite salad. My wife raved about the tuna salad and I devoured the chicken salad. The atmosphere had a very friendly vibe and the staff could not be a friendlier bunch. This place deserves to be a top stop for lunch if you visit Franklin. They have so much to offer with their choices of meals that my review will not do it justice. Go check it out for yourself.

Keiron Miles

Google
It’s so good! Fresh food, made to order. Quick and good customer service. Great variety. Salad bar is solid! Decorative environment. Great local spot!

Miss Val

Google
I stopped in for an early lunch on a Saturday while traveling. I had a cup of white chicken chili and it was very good. They have breakfast/brunch/lunch options and the prices were reasonable. I ended up stopping back later for a hot tea a little later in the day and they were packed. Cute place, nice people.

Stephenie Gilmore

Google
Mediocre sandwich. Ordered the chicken club panini and it was chunks of flavorless chicken. Wouldn’t come back.

Tonya T

Google
When I say this is the best potatoe soup I've ever had in my life. It was so savory. The grilled cheese was so cheesy and crunchy. I felt like a kid at home after a long day of playing outside in the cold and came in to the perfect meal.made by mom.

Aubrey

Google
I was all excited to try a new place on this rainy day. The staff had great customer service . The sausage in my breakfast burrito and the bacon in my friends sandwich were both burnt. I like well cooked bacon...but, I don't like the taste of burnt and neither does my traveling companion. So thats why 3 stars....maybe ill give this place another try...😅

Maria O’C

Google
Stopped into this happy little restaurant for breakfast. Lots of families gathered around sharing a meal and coffee. I had the breakfast sandwich on sourdough. Delicious and fresh. Definitely stop in next time you’re in Franklin.

Lindsay W.

Yelp
Super cute sandwich type shop where you order at the counter and can sit inside or out. It's off the main road about 2 doors down. I ordered a chicken salad sandwich and a side of pasta salad. My son enjoyed the pasta salad a lot. He just felt like he needed more of it. My sandwich was tasty but not as filling as I was hoping for the price. It came on a white style bread and had I had known, I would have asked for. Different bread option. Because the pasta salad didn't fill up my son, he took the other half of my sandwich. The chicken salad was super smooth and had small crunchy pieces of pecans. There might have been grapes too Overall it was good, just a little pricy for what I got.

Austin S.

Yelp
Some of the most gas sammies I've had in Franklin. But seriously, love the warm vibes this place gives. The food here is DELISH, and it came out FAST. All around, amazing. Coming back for sure!

Sarah K.

Yelp
A Franklin classic. The soup and sandwich combo is a classic! Crave this tomato soup on a cold day! Parking is hit or miss- just depends on how busy downtown is!

Abby E.

Yelp
Perfect Sunday afternoon lunch spot! Franklin Mercantile Deli is the cutest "order at the counter" breakfast or lunch spot conveniently located just off of Main Street. The service is prompt and the food is tasty! We had the smoked turkey panini and the chicken club panini. The chicken was a little bit dry, but the red onions and mustard helped add flavor. The turkey panini was indulgent! I would come back again just for it! We had a fruit cup side and potato salad! The fruit was perfectly ripe and the potato salad was flavorful. There are a few outdoor tables, and plenty of places to dine inside.

Robin S.

Yelp
Will never eat here again. I ordered the Annabelle-turkey sandwich which came with chips, the turkey was Oscar Meyer quality and they were out of every bread except white. And...it cost $13. Bathrooms were a mess and dirty. Tables outside were not bussed and no one ever came out to clear them or the inside ones. They were out of ice, every kind of bread, 3 different kids meal items, chicken sandwiches, and chips. We ordered for 4 people and it cost $50 for poor quality, terrible service and a dirty restaurant.

Deepa Z.

Yelp
I have lived in this area for 8 years and have totally slept on the Merc. A lot of the breakfast places in town are Southern focused (creamy grits, huge biscuits, fried chicken), which is delicious, but when you're looking for a lighter option, the Merc was quiet and chill with so many options on a Saturday at 9 am. This veggie scramble with fresh sourdough and fruit was just what I needed to charge up for a long day of kid activities! And echoing other reviews, the owners and folks behind the counter were SO warm and kind. This feels like small town Franklin at its best and I'll definitely be back for more.

Mark D.

Yelp
The food was excellent. The food prepared quickly. I enjoyed the steak panini and but the loaded potato soup was simply amazing. That said, the sandwiches were a little on the small side (my four year old ate 1/2 a sandwich and a good bit of soup and was still hungry) considering the price. I'd definitely go back, but not on days I wanted a good sized meal.

Mac M.

Yelp
This place was SO busy but I'm so glad I waited because the tomato basil soup was awesome! I got the half sandwich and soup. Try it!

Sarah B.

Yelp
The tomato soup is my absolute favorite soup. I get it every time. Their sandwich's and salads are pretty standard but good. Nothing too unique. This is a small restaurant so finding a seat on a weekend is sometimes challenging and the lines can get long.

Rachel D.

Yelp
Cutest place and the best food! Why this deli gets anything but 5-star reviews is beyond me. The staff is so friendly and kind and the ambiance is over-the-top cute. Definitely the Luke's Diner of Franklin.

Mike V.

Yelp
This was a very cute little sandwich shop in the heart of downtown Franklin. Stopped in here with a friend for lunch and we both ordered a sandwich each and a side. The only thing to be aware of is that the sandwiches are served a little dry, so if you like the taste of Mayo, mustard, etc., ask for them to put it on a bit heavier than normal. (That's not a complaint, it's just my personal preference).

Bill C.

Yelp
This place has the shabby sheik charm which is popular in so many businesses in downtown Franklin. Think Meridee's decor. Definitely eclectic and old looking. The staff was very friendly and we felt welcome. It was our first visit and we decided to go for a big breakfast so we ordered the Vegetarian plate and also the quiche. The bread was nice and thick and tasty but the quiche and the grilled vegetables were drenched in oil. I'm sorry to say but it was very off-putting and neither of us ate more than half. Coffee was decent. They had some good looking house-made cinnamon rolls so if I come back I'll give those a try instead.

Jojo H.

Yelp
A very cute spot, nothing crazy-- just sandwiches and great service. The staff were kind and accommodating and it was packed on a Wednesday around noon.

K F.

Yelp
Not to hard to make a sandwich. Panini had very little meat, no flavor and was very dry. Cucumber salad side was cucumbers and red vinegar. Plain plain plain. Very hard uncomfortable chairs too. Would not recommend.

Suzanne C.

Yelp
My husband and I going there every weekend for breakfast. The sweet potato pancakes are to die for ( when they aren't out). Cheesy grits and bacon so yummy too! Girls that work there are always so sweet. My only complaint is that they don't serve sweet potato pancakes all day long. They are SO DELICIOUS!!!

John B.

Yelp
What a great little place for soup and a sandwich. Everything is freshly prepared and delicious. Really quaint building in a great downtown Franklin location and if your lucky in the summer you can get one of the roadside tables and watch the world go by as you enjoy your food. Try the cinnamon rolls, they're delicious

Don T.

Yelp
Great Sandwich, soup and salad in a very relaxed setting. The Orlander is a good breakfast sandwich and the soup was delicious.

Tanya H.

Yelp
Amazing Deli with friendly staff and a menu that will more than satisfy the picky eater to the adventurous. Loved the pimento cheese! The atmosphere is clean and pleasing with many options for seating. Hope to come back one day!

Cindy N.

Yelp
Sweet place. I like the ambiance. Our error was ordering the BLT. Old Cold bacon on untoasted bread is so unappetizing. In their defense, they offered to refund me. I have never seen a BLT served untoasted, and this bacon was falling into bacon bits. I have eaten here and had a decent sandwich. Don't recommend.

Lindley D.

Yelp
Yelp hours are incorrect. Which can cause a big frustration when trying to plan to meet people to eat here and then find out they are closed at 2:00 rather than 3:00.

Alyssa S.

Yelp
This is a 'must' for a delicious, yet light lunch. The grilled veggie panini and chicken salad sandwiches were delicious. The tomato basil soup was to die for. Definitely bring a friend to share the meal with. The ingredients are so fresh, the atmosphere is relaxed.

Heather P.

Yelp
Great eats if you are looking for fresh cafe/deli classics. Very cute ambiance. Was perfect for casual dinning and getting 1/2 salad, 1/2 sandwich in between sightseeing in Franklin.

The M.

Yelp
Had a Reuben. Yum yum yum. Need I say more. Friendly service. Steady patrons. I was repeat repeat patrons. Will return definitely. Nice day in Liepers Fork.

Dion E.

Yelp
10/10 would come again if i'm ever nearby here. Love the breakfast burrito and hashbrown casserole and the cakes are also so good !!

Samantha D.

Yelp
2.5 Stars- Franklin Mercantile is a Deli that serves Breakfast and Lunch Daily as an Order at the Counter then Seat Yourself kind of Establishment. Located Downtown Franklin, Outdoor and Indoor Seating is Available. There is no Table Service so be sure to grab everything you will need for your Meal on the way to your chosen table. Napkins, Silverware, Drinks, and Condiments are up front near the Register. Walking Inside the Atmosphere is Country Chic with a Small Town Vibe. The Menu's are on Chalkboards hung up on the walls. They have Merchandise for Purchase for those who are looking for a FM Hat, T-Shirt, Mug, or Gift Cards! We were wanting Breakfast as our first Breakfast Spot did not work out. We arrived about 20 mins before Breakfast Promptly Stops at 10:30am to find a huge slow moving line. Even though people in front of us and in the Restaurant were still being Served Breakfast, once it was finally our turn to order they were no longer serving Breakfast and had switched to Lunch... We have visited for Breakfast before; ordering the Veggie Omelet and Mercantile Breakfast Sandwich. Both were decent nothing outstanding but the In-Laws love it here so back again now for the Served Lunch Hour- My Husband and I both ordered the 4th Ave Club. We tweaked our Sandwiches a bit to our liking with my request being without Cheese, Ham, & Mayo and my Husbands without Cheese & Mayo. What in turn we actually got was two completely different Sandwiches... My Sandwich came as directed Complete with Stale Multigrain Bread. My Husbands Sandwich was a FAIL- Stale Sourdough Bread with a small amount of Ham, No Turkey, and with Mayo & Cheese. The Huge Noticeable Differences in the Sandwiches makes no sense at all. They are the exact same thing with one being Extremely Skimpy and the other being jam packed. How? The rest of the Tables Sandwiches also came with the Notably Stale Bread as well. During the duration of our stay not one Table was Cleaned resulting in about every Table in the Restaurant being left with Dirty Plates, Trash, and a Disaster to look at while we were eating. Staff does not come to check on you and shall you need anything you must make your way back up front to wait again to ordered the necessary item..

Denny K.

Yelp
To paraphrase of the Classic Latin quote, "Veni, vidi, vici" -- (and hoping that my former Latin teacher Mrs. White doesn't turn over in her eternal resting place) -- I'd like to offer: "Veni, iubet, ut cibum" ... (I came, I ordered, I ate) ... ... "et quod esset bonum" (and it was good). Franklin Mercantile Deli is a busy, bustling, place at noon. But undeterred by the long line waiting at the counter to order, my lunch companions and I chatted in line only a few minutes before ordering, sitting down, and being treated to some delicious lunch offerings. The Spicy Potato Soup absolutely hit the spot on a chilly day, with a thick and creamy consistency plus lots of bite-size chunks of potato and a welcome hit of spicy heat. My sandwich choice was a soft "Guacamento" on sourdough bread. The scoop of Southern down-home pimento cheese was boosted to Cali-consciousness with a spread of guacamole and topped with lettuce and tomato for just a bit of texture. While one of my lunch mates had chicken salad (pretty standard fare) and tomato basil soup - savory and satisfying, the other found a sandwich with the culinary-spice creative name of "Coriander" - a combination of ham, Colby Jack cheese, and the commonplace lettuce, tomato, pickles and honey-mustard. Yes, the names are creative and the fare is ok, just not as upbeat as I anticipated. The menu board is a bit difficult to read - lots of details crammed onto a small space. That might account for the few extra minutes it takes for some folks to order. The paper menu at the corner of the order area would be better placed near the entrance to assist people who are new to the deli. Decor is eclectic. I especially like the butcher paper greeting on the wall that can be rolled down and discarded to make room for a new quotation or greeting. Clever! To me it was a fine place for lunch with a charming - wannabe upscale - old fashioned feel. "Experiri; et frui est." (Try it, you'll like it.)

JoeMahma S.

Yelp
Stale bread , rock hard cookie-45 min wait and out of 90% of what was in the menu- was charged almost $20 for sandwich and cookie - this place preys on tourists!! STAY AWAY!!!!!!$&&&$$$$$$$$$ I have to dispute charges.

Lyle W.

Yelp
Another business in downtown Franklin that exemplifies why this historic part of town is totally tourist driven. No parking. Looked for 10 minutes, finally found one walked in at 10:33 AM AND WERE CURTLY TOLD BY PERSON AT REGISTER that breakfast service quit at 10:30! Might have been two tables occupied in the place. As locals, once again, we felt driven away from the historic part of Franklin. They didn't just drive us away today but permanently. Why would a non tourist ever want to go historic and put up with this? Guess it'll take a tourist to answer that question. There are so many better dining options where you will be treated with true Tennessee service and your business will be appreciated.

Travis B.

Yelp
Soup of the day is listed, in chalk. I ordered one of the two soups listed and "oh, we don't have that. That was last week". Next, we don't have that beer anymore. Your list is hand written by the register. Update it. Ordered my sandwich hot. It was cold. Sent it back, and instead of heating the meat and cheese, they put it in a panini press, which isn't how it was listed or ordered. Great atmosphere, but little things matter and they're missing the little things.

Cissy W.

Yelp
The Mercantile is one of Franklin's more 'established' restaurants and with good reason. The Location is perfect, right off Main Street. It's a perfect stop if you're cruising around Franklin and need a stop and it's a popular spot for locals to meet friends for lunch or dinner. Staff was very friendly and helpful in navigating the menu. I ordered the Turkey & Swiss Panini with Fresh Fruit side. The guy at the counter told me there was no cantaloupe in the fruit as they weren't happy with it's ripeness. All right, I do appreciate when restaurants pull an item rather than serve something inferior. No worries, it was just heavy on the grapes, pineapple, and honeydew. The Panini was very good. Came out fairly quickly but not so fast that you wondered if they prepared it earlier in the day. Bread was nicely toasted, not burnt at all. My only hesitation was the guacamole on a toasted sandwich, but hey, I ordered it! I've been to the Mercantile many times through the years and they are really solid. I wouldn't say it's the best sandwich you can get but it is always really good! It's a great fresh stop while in Franklin!

Mia G.

Yelp
Their food is TOO good. Their tomato soup is the best thing i've ever tasted and it goes perfectly with the grilled cheese which is cooked to perfection. Not only that, their interior is so cute. Nice staff as well!

Michael W.

Yelp
I paid $10.50 for two pieces of bread with some tuna flavoring. I thought I was getting a tuna melt. My wife paid 1050for a Philly cheese steak Panini Panini, and it was equally lacking any substance. I am wondering if they are just short on supplies or if this is standard. Either way there's just not nearly enough between the bread

Brian M.

Yelp
Sunday lunch was so delicious and very cozy not busy at all surprisingly. this place should be packed, it's that good! Worth the drive down from Nashville

Paul T.

Yelp
Great little spot to grab a sandwich. My son got the Coriander and it was packed with veggies and meat. I was a little less hungry and ordered the grilled cheese and the cup of tomato soup. The grilled cheese was on sourdough bread and pressed neatly. The soup was creamy and delicious. The people were super nice. Be aware that they only serve breakfast and lunch closing at 3:00 pm.

Naoko M.

Yelp
This place deserves 5 stars. Come on. The service is great (especially noticeable after being in Nashville area for a few days). The food is very very tasty. The atmosphere is great too. Also, Great salad bar for under $9.00!!! :) I loved it!

Macy M.

Yelp
Okay to be honest, I had been avoiding this place for awhile due to the reviews. But I'm on a local Franklin Facebook group, and everyone was raving about the tomato basil soup, so I thought I'd finally check it out. I began to order, and they were out of tomato basil soup for the day, so that changed my plans. I ordered and found a seat in the cozy, eclectic dining area. For my meal, I had half of the Annabelle sandwich (turkey, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo, balsamic and pickles) on multigrain with their other soup of the day, vegetable beef. The sandwich was fresh, but small and nothing special. The soup was sort of like a beef stew with a lighter broth. The broth wasn't rich and hearty like the delicious beef stew I usually crave. It was comforting but average in flavor. I thought it was strange that the soup had potatoes and noodles in it. My half sandwich, cup of soup and glass of tea was $13.88, which I feel is pretty overpriced. I left still a bit hungry. I'm not sure if I will return here. I do think it would be a nice place to grab a quick bite with a friend, and I do want to try the tomato basil. I just don't think the prices add up with the amount of food you receive. The food was okay, but I feel like I could've made better at home.

Jared D.

Yelp
Excellent lunch and a great atmosphere in a bustling little town. Soup and sandwich was a simple and perfect lunch.

Fred W.

Yelp
Been here before food is good but I guess on Sundays service suffers had to CLEAN our table! So we could eat! Asked the counter several times to clean It will probably be a while before I come back

Carly S.

Yelp
Stopped in for breakfast, ordered the breakfast burrito and cheese grits. Both were excellent. Place is super cute and the girls at the counter were very friendly.

Suzanne C.

Yelp
Very flavorful omelette, with a generous amount of ham. spinach and mushrooms. I ordered sourdough toast crispy, which comes dry (they have butter/jelly on the serving station) and it was to my liking. I ordered with fruit which was seasonal offering of red grapes, cantaloupe and pineapple. I ate only half which means I get to enjoy it again tomorrow. Yum!

Champ 7.

Yelp
Had a mediocre breakfast and was astounded at the complete lack of covid protocols common in Most every other restaurant. No masks, no gloves, no hand sanitizers, no worries about the covid. Must be nice to be so care free about your staff and customers well being. Enjoy, I won't be back

Elizabeth C.

Yelp
Excellent food, great service, fun atmosphere. Recommend the Annabelle sandwich or the salad bar coupled with a sweet tea. Enjoy!

Kelsey G.

Yelp
Food was very disappointing and tasted old/stale. Neither my husband or I ate our food and will not be returning.

Aubrey W.

Yelp
Gosh, I love Franklin Mercantile Deli. The food is great, it's adorable, and it never disappoints. It just feels like a local place, because it truly is. I had a smoked turkey and swiss panini with soup on my most recent visit. It is a little dangerous that it's next door to Ivey Cakes, because I always want a cupcake, but it's the perfect local sandwich spot. Skip Panera and head to the Merc! Perfectly located downtown.

Charlene K.

Yelp
I stopped in for takeout one Saturday: BLT with a side of potato salad. Service was excellent and food was even better. Lots of bacon in the BLT and the potato salad had an ingredient that I couldn't identify that made it yummy. Overall, great experience.

Kelsey C.

Yelp
I've been here twice now, both times I had just missed their breakfast hours! I love the vibe of this place. It's a very laid back, coffee shop-like feel. Their service has been great both times and their tomato basil soup is my favorite I've ever had! I can't wait to come early enough that I can try their breakfast! Very reasonable prices compared to the rest of downtown Franklin.

Cassie N.

Yelp
Wanted to get a healthy option for a late lunch in Downtown Franklin and stopped in. The staff was extremely nice! I ordered the Annabelle sandwich which tasted great and had TONS OF MEAT, I mean.. tons! Which left me with a delicious portion to take home and enjoy today again for lunch! Also, I enjoyed the cucumber salad as a side. It was soaked in a vinaigrette. I would be interested in coming back to try out the breakfast menu sometime.

Michelle C.

Yelp
Nice place to grab a sandwich for lunch. Drinks are pricey, but sandwiches are good. I did enjoy Mabel's chicken Salad on a croissant. Nice rustic, shabby chic interior.

Kaleb B.

Yelp
If your shopping and looking for a great tasting, healthy meal for a good price this is the place! Fantastic environment, friendly people and great service. We will be back!!

Jessica S.

Yelp
This is one of the few lunch/kid-friendly places in downtown franklin. We enjoy their sandwiches and have heard they have a great breakfast. I enjoy their fruit tea. It's delicious! There are a few tables outside which can make for a good date spot.