Chef Lance Gummere Expands Mercer Street Meals into Brick-and-Mortar Space in East Atlanta Village
Chef Lance Gummere has expanded Mercer Street Meals into a 650 square-foot brick-and-mortar space at 845 Flat Shoals Avenue in the heart of East Atlanta. What started as a meals-to-go side hustle to help his friends and neighbors during the pandemic, has been so widely received that he has outgrown his Ormewood Park home kitchen.
“We came out of the pandemic with a fresh perspective on dining,” said Gummere. “Atlanta has so many great restaurants, and Mercer Street Meals aims to close the gap on a healthy, family-friendly and cost-effective dining option that’s not fast food.” he said.
Gummere continues to offer his pre-order prepared four-course meals and add grab-and-go salads, sides and his highly acclaimed desserts, which often feature his take on classic snack cakes, like Ding Dongs and Star Crunch, and candy bars like Mounds and Snickers. Rotating menus include seasonal salads; fresh-baked breads; entrees like pork schnitzel, spaghetti & meatballs and roast chicken; sides, including gratins and mashed potatoes; and his coveted desserts. Menus are served five days per week, on Sunday, “Meatless Monday,” Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, available for pickup from 5 to 7 p.m.
Mercer Street Meals serves families of two for $25 and four for $45, in addition to special holiday offerings for Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and more. Look for special add-ons, like homemade biscuits and his famous truffle chicken salad.
Gummere’s culinary career has spanned more than two decades. He co-founded Bantam & Biddy and The Federal, which was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2017. Prior to that, he garnered stellar reviews as executive chef at The Shed at Glenwood. He honed his skills in the kitchens of acclaimed eateries, Mumbo Jumbo, MidCity Cuisine and Shaun’s. Gummere continues to operate a robust catering business for the likes of Dolly Parton, Jay-Z, Iggy Pop, Cyndi Lauper and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He lives in Ormewood Park with his wife, Gracie; two sons, Ryland and Miles; and Dave and Gus, their two chocolate labs.