What's a Peppadew? Ask Kyla from Merrill’s Coffee and Bistro.

If you've driven through Florence and smelled coffee before you saw the sign, that was Merrill's.

Kyla has been making Florence mornings worth getting out of bed for, and when I asked her to be part of Find Flo in Florence, she didn't hesitate. Here's what she had to say.

Flo: What made you want to be part of Find Flo?

Anything that gets more people to spend time in Florence — and stop at Merrill's while they're at it — is a yes from me. We might be a small town, but we've got great coffee, great food, great shops and a lot of reasons to stick around awhile.

Flo: What's the one thing every visitor has to order?

You have to get the coffee, no question. But food-wise, the chicken peppadew panini is kind of a must. People only ask "what's a peppadew?" once before it's "put some of those peppers on!" It's one of those things people come back for — and then bring their friends back for.

Flo: What do you love most about being a business in Florence?

The people. The morning coffee crowd, the lunch regulars, the familiar faces. It's not just grab and go — it's conversations, catching up, and being part of people's routines.

Flo: Finish this sentence: If you haven't been to Merrill's yet, you're missing…

…really good coffee, breakfast that's worth getting out of bed for, lunch that'll ruin your usual go-to spot, and of course the chicken peppadew panini.

Find Flo at Merrill's and collect your stamp. Then order the panini. You'll understand.