Merritt's Store & Grill - A Taste of Chapel Hill History
Historically, we have great taste by Glenda Wilson
The imagination is an awesome thing and
reading the history of Merritt’s Store and Grill in Chapel Hill, North Carolina was like taking a stroll back in time. I admire people who keep history alive through storytelling and preserving landmark buildings. I give honor to people who remember and honor the hard work of their predecessors. For instance, Ruby and Eben Merritt, a hard working couple back in the depression started Merritt’s when there were hardly any roads and very little money. I can almost imagine all the different types of people, the words spoken, the dollars spent, the services bartered. Those thoughts take me to a time when life must have been simple, the people friendly and helpful –no pomp and circumstance –no pretensions –just honest -good folk.
MERRITT'S -"Home of the World Famous BLT"
Robert Britt loved Merritt’s since coming to the area in 1972 and took over the lease in 1991. Robert and his wife Robin also own a “Country Store and gas station on Mt. Carmel Church Road. When he acquired a store with a grill Robert decided that it needed a “destination” sandwich. One of his first thoughts was BLTs –not any old BLT though – the best darned BLT around. He knew it could be a winner. And indeed he was right –Merritt’s Store and Grill is touted as the “Home of the World Famous BLTs”.
Merritt’s also has hot dogs, barbecue, sausage, eggs, hamburgers and smoked sausage dogs, to name a few -Coca-Cola in real glass bottles, take-out Mexican. Altura French roast coffee with half-and-half or even a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Merritt's has added Joe Van Gogh's local Artisan roasted coffee (certified organic) - freshly ground and brewed -by the cup or bag. The big sign over the aisle "Simply The Best Food In Town."
DOOR OPEN SINCE 1929
Merritt’s has been a loved and respected landmark in the Chapel Hill area since its inception in 1929. It has had some renovations, and has exchanged its rough reputation to one of sweet southern hospitality with the spirit of an old corner store.
AN OLD TIME FAVORITE
“During the 49 years Merritt ran the store, Merritt's became more than a gas station. Students and veterans came for the social atmosphere. Law students sat around Merritt's pot-bellied stove, on a bench Merritt nicknamed the "liar's bench” (Laura Oleniacz, MyNC).
COUNTRY FRIED HUMOR
There is something about the down-home southern atmosphere and menu that attracts customers from university staff, local business owners. Its rich history has made it a “must see” by tourists. Just ask anyone at the University of North Carolina, “Where shall I eat before I leave?” Their answer will be, Merritt’s Store and Grill, of course. Another writer said the food is outstanding, but the best part could well be the chicken fried humor. Patrons don’t seem to mind that it doesn’t have a dining room – in the midst of a steady flow of traffic, people can always be seen sitting on the historic bench out front. Or some opt for the rundown wooden tables out back. People say it is where James Tayl
or and his kid brother Livingston played gigs as teenagers in Chapel Hill. EVOKING PRECIOUS MEMORIES
One of the other things that seemed harmoniously consistent was that most writers described the food and atmosphere as an experience that took them back to the 'good ole days'. One writer ordered a fried bologna and egg sandwich evoking memories of his youth when he was young, carefree and comforted –comparing it to mornings with his dad and brother.
Andrea Griffith says, "The BLT reminds me of summer and takes me back to childhood days spent at my grandparents' mountain home. To this day, my grandmother makes me a BLT for breakfast when I visit. That's probably why so many people love Merritt's BLT. The only thing better than good food is good food that conjures up great memories.
“Excuse Me Officers, I Only Wanted a BLT Laura Oleniacz By Laura Oleniacz, MyNC,
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Deborah Day whizzed by a policeman at a traffic stop, got a ticket and had to go to court, all because she was she engrossed in a "fabulous" BLT, layered with nine slices bacon from Merritt's Store & Grill. "I was thinking only about my sandwich," she said…. This was my favorite article.
(Let to Right -Christen Matthews, Bob Britt and Deborah Day)
Store Hours
Store hours 6 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday. 8 am to 8 pm Saturday-closed Sunday. There is always something to pick up from the cooler–the popular chicken barbecue sandwich, hamburgers with bacon, pimento cheese or other favorites... except for BLTs which are made fresh when ordered.
Merritt's Store & Grill
1009 S Columbia St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
1009 S Columbia St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-4897
