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.