Downtown Dayton bar morphs into online market during forced shutdown

Tender Mercy’s new Mercy Mart ‘e-bodega’ offers fresh produce, kitchen staples, beer & wine

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

Just days after the grand opening, the chic underground cocktail bar, Tender Mercy, was forced to shut down by the coronavirus pandemic. The owners pivoted quickly in an effort to utilize their new staff and launched what they call downtown Dayton's first e-bodega: Mercy Mart.

>> Which downtown Dayton restaurants are offering delivery, carryout and curbside options?

Mercy Mart is an online store, offering a user-friendly shopping experience. There you can replenish your stock of fresh produce, such as heirloom carrots, red peppers, avocados and oranges, as well as kitchen essentials such as almond milk, beans, bread, butter, eggs, and flour. The menu also includes a mix of fresh pastas, soups and desserts from fellow downtown small business, Grist Provisions. Beer and wine also are available, as are toilet paper and vinyl gloves.

>> RELATED: Struck down only 3 days after opening, Tender Mercy bar rallies around employees

Customers can pick their items, pay for their order and set a time for curbside pickup.

The site also offers branded clothing and accessories here.

Additionally, Tender Mercy is offering gift cards that will receive a 19% boost in value (a $100 gift card will have a value of $119 when redeemed). The gift cards are available to individuals or corporate entities that could hold a future event at the bar.

Tender Mercy is located under the Avant-Garde Building at 607 E. Third St., Dayton. Mercy Mart is open Tuesday through Friday from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday noon to 4 p.m.

About the Author