Mandolin’s is a gem of a coffee shop and bakery which has been serving Merrittonians hand crafted coffee and tea beverages and homemade goodies for more than twenty years.

Cheryl MacMillan and her daughter Laurie are the third and longest running owners, having purchased the business a decade ago, celebrating their tenth anniversary in May of this year.

“We’re known for the baking, we bake every day, all fresh,” said Cheryl MacMillan, touching on part of what makes Mandolin’s a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike.

No doubt MacMillan’s experience has also been helpful into turning Mandolin’s into a ‘must visit’ eatery, having spent much of her working life involved in the food industry, including a stint at Mandolin’s long before she was an owner.

“I worked here 20 years ago for Val and Lorne Sanders,” said MacMillan.

“I was asked to buy it then, but I turned it down. I was then approached by McDonald’s to go and manage the two McDonald’s stores, so I left Mandolin’s to do that. And then Val phoned just over ten years ago to ask if we would like to buy it, and I couldn’t say no twice.”

The Nicola Valley is fortunate that MacMillan decided to say yes, as Mandolin’s has become a cozy community hangout spot with good eats.

“It’s a great little coffee shop to come and visit,” said MacMillan, who has opted for a warm and inviting space adorned with local memorabilia, plants and books.

“We’re hockey sponsors, so that’s the reason for the different jerseys that we’ve got throughout. My husband cowboyed so we’ve got some really neat pictures on the wall of the different guys he’s worked with on different local ranches. It’s just a nice place to be able to come and sit or visit or coffee or do your work.”

Indeed, over the course of the interview, several businessmen and women, members of the Merritt RCMP detachment, retirees and resident Merritt writer Mike Bhangu made their way to tables and comfy chairs and couches.

“I like antiques, so I’ve brought in a couple of loveseats, and I want it to be comfortable for people,” said MacMillan.

“If they want to sit down and put their feet up on the couch, they can do that, and I don’t want anyone to feel rushed. If they want to come and sit for two hours or three hours, they can. There’s no pressure to leave, and now that things have opened back up, we definitely have more people sitting inside and enjoying it.”

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the food industry hard, and Mandolin’s was no exception, but the MacMillans found a way to pivot their business model and come back even better than before, providing exceptional service throughout restrictions and lockdowns.

“We never closed, we just really worked hard at creating new products for the menu,” explained MacMillan, noting that new gluten free and keto options have been very popular.

“We did a lot of bulk orders; everything was done through E-transfer and pre-pay and all they had to do was come in and pick it up.”

Laurie was also active on social media, connecting with the community, and as a family business, Cheryl’s grandchildren regularly helped out.

“It’s definitely worked out really well being a family business, and having the granddaughters help as well,” said MacMillan, who was nevertheless overjoyed to have dine-in customers return.

“I was kind of lonely by myself all day, every day,” MacMillan joked.

“I did get some bookwork done, but it wasn’t the same that’s for sure.”

If you’re looking for a quality latte, cappuccino, or an old-fashioned cup of Joe, a hot meal, homemade sandwich or baked goods – Cheryl’s favourites are the date squares, the famed Mandolin’s cinnamon buns and keto chocolate cheesecake – Mandolin’s is the place to be.

Also on the menu are a wide assortment of smoothies, made with fresh fruit and any add ins you prefer, including yogurt, spinach, kale, collagen or protein.

If you feel like you need a pick me up, or if you want to do something good for the community, you can also pick up or contribute a free meal from the ‘Meal Wall’, an initiative Laurie and Cheryl launched in which food and drinks are pre-paid for by one customer and used by another.

“Come in and enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy our products, and go away leaving with a good feeling about it that you can recommend to others,” is the cordial invite extended by Cheryl, Laurie and family.

Mandolin’s is located in the Rail Yard Mall plaza, #114-1700 Garcia St.