Brenda Sutherland and Richard Mockler opened Marina Mercantile in June 2022 to offer delicious food and wine to the Des Moines community. Starting with a focus on retail and a beer and wine bar, the Merc has evolved over the years into a community gathering place, Afternoon Tea House, and in the last year a full-service restaurant. 

“And the bottom line,” says Brenda, “is that we never set out to run a restaurant! We love the chance to serve folks and be part of the community, but it’s neither of our core skillset and in this economy you have to really know what you’re doing to succeed in the restaurant business.”

The couple, who live in Normandy Park, put the business up for sale in February and, while no deal is finalized yet, have a buyer under contract.

“So we want to make our last Spring as special as we can,” Richard adds, “With our final Seasonal Spring Tea, some extra special wine tastings, and a big sale.”

Spring Tea reservations are available now for service through the end of April. While this could extend a bit, the couple are urging people who love the Afternoon Tea ritual – or want to try it for the first time – to make reservations as soon as possible.

As for the Merc’s well-regarded Thursday Wine Tastings, “We’re going to bring out some special bottles in coming weeks,” Mockler says, “as a way to thank our regular tasters and a nice treat for anyone else who wants to join us.” The Merc hosts wine tastings beginning at 6 PM every Thursday, with their full cocktail and food menu also available.

Big Sales Going On

And then there’s the sales! Prospective buyers are interested in the restaurant not the retail, so the Mercantile is marking down all wine and tinned fish by 25% and everything else, including their retail tea, candle, candy, and Mercantile Merch items, by 50%. 

As for the restaurant and bar operation, it’s full steam ahead for now. “Richard and our Kitchen Witch have even been adding items,” notes Sutherland, “and just last week brought on a really popular Venetian-style Shrimp Risotto.” The menu also has new Chicken “Frikasee” and Vegan Sloppy Joe items, alongside Royal Family Farms Hanger Steak and Burger dinners, a Steak Sandwich, and a range of delicious flatbreads, meat and/or cheese platters, and snacks.

The bar’s cocktail program, revamped in 2025 with the addition of bartender extraordinaire Katy Harrison, also carries on. “Katy not only makes a super creative drink menu, she’s one of those great bartenders who can make you a perfect custom cocktail on the spot based on your answers to one or two questions,” according to Mockler. 

“We still love food and wine, and we have truly loved being part of this community,” the couple jointly chimed in.  “We’re looking forward to a season of delight and fun before we move on.”

About Marina Mercantile

Marina Mercantile is open Wednesday through Saturday for afternoon and evening service, welcoming guests from 1:30 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 1:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The venue is also open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for daytime visitors and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Offerings include sandwiches and salads, teas, meals to go, craft beer and a wine bar and tapas menu with a PNW-Meets-Iberia focus.

Hours:

  • Monday & Tuesday: CLOSED
  • Wednesday – Thursday: 1:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 1:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more info, visit https://marinamercantile.com, “Like” them on Facebook here, Instagram here, call (206) 651-7526, or email info@marinamercantile.com.

Marina Mercantile, Life Gets Better.™

Marina Mercantile is located at 22341 Marine View Drive South, Des Moines:

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