Mercer Street Meals recently made a significant leap forward thanks to Invest Atlanta's Open for Business Fund. The funding enabled the business to transition from a home kitchen to a fully equipped commercial kitchen.
The Atlanta Open for Business Fund aims to help small business owners in Atlanta build wealth by investing in crucial assets like commercial space, equipment, and technology. Supported by a generous $20 million donation from Wells Fargo and in partnership with United Way of Greater Atlanta, this fund has been instrumental in enabling businesses like Mercer Street Meals to grow and thrive.
Before the inception of Mercer Street Meals, owners Lance and Gracie Gummere were no strangers to the food industry. They previously managed a restaurant that served breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. This hectic lifestyle left little room for family or downtime. Now, with Mercer Street Meals, the Gummeres have found a more balanced approach. Their new business operates five nights a week with an additional breakfast service on Sundays, allowing them to enjoy a more controlled and family-oriented lifestyle.
Mercer Street Meals was born during the COVID-19 pandemic when neighbors, aware of Lance’s professional chef background, approached him for home-cooked meals. With restaurants closed and Lance out of work, he agreed - and what started as a service for neighbors on Mercer Street gradually expanded to the entire neighborhood.
Recognizing the challenge in providing a nutritious meal after a long workday, Mercer Street Meals specializes in pre-order, ready-made and high-quality meals. “We are committed to providing good, nutritious meals at an affordable price, making everyday life a little easier for busy families,” Gracie tells us.
With support from Invest Atlanta’s Atlanta Recovery Loan, Lance and Gracie renovated a commercial space they found in their neighborhood, as it was important for them to stay close to their customer base. They recently marked one year at their new space and are thrilled to continue to serve the community.
Running a small business comes with its own set of challenges, the most significant being competition with larger brands. “We have been fortunate to attract customers who specifically seek out local, independent eateries,” Lance explains.
Invest Atlanta's Open for Business Fund proved to be a perfect match for Mercer Street Meals. The funding provided the assistance needed to establish a commercial kitchen and significantly reduce the financial burden of launching a new small business.
To learn more or place an order, visit http://www.mercerstreetmeals.com/order.