Walk into some grocery stores and you feel like a number in a database. You know the vibe: flickering fluorescent lights, self-checkout kiosks that bark orders at you, and aisles so long you need a GPS to find the bread. But then there’s Dave's County Market Merrill WI. It’s different. Honestly, it’s one of those rare spots that still feels like a neighborhood hub rather than just a place to grab milk and eggs.
Located at 300 East First Street, this isn't some new-age pop-up. It has roots. The store's history is tied to Dave Bonnell, who basically lived and breathed the grocery business since he was a teenager. He started at Louie’s Red Owl in Antigo, worked his way up through the meat department, and eventually partnered with his brother Dick to buy the Merrill Red Owl in 1975. By 1997, they moved to the current spot and rebranded as Dave’s County Market.
The Human Element in a Digital World
When Dave passed away unexpectedly in 2005, the community didn't just lose a business owner; they lost a neighbor. But his family—Rita, Barb, David, and Jeff—kept the doors open. They’ve maintained that "small enough to know you, big enough to serve you" atmosphere that is disappearing everywhere else. You’ve probably noticed that at big retailers, the staff changes every three weeks. At Dave's, you see the same faces. That matters. It’s the difference between a cashier who ignores you and one who asks how your kid’s hockey game went at the MARC.
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What Actually Makes Dave's County Market Merrill WI Worth the Trip?
If you’re just looking for the absolute lowest price on a box of generic crackers, you might go elsewhere. But people don't go to Dave's for the bottom-barrel clearance bins. They go for the perishables.
- The Meat Department: This is the store’s soul. Since Dave started as a meat manager, the standards here are notoriously high. Their bratwurst selection is a local legend, especially during grilling season.
- The Deli and Bakery: Looking for a quick lunch? Their daily specials and rotisserie items are go-tos for people working downtown. They also handle custom cake orders, which is a lifesaver for last-minute birthday planning.
- Liquor and Spirits: They have a surprisingly robust selection of wine and beer, often stocking local Wisconsin brews that you won't find in the massive corporate distribution loops.
A Major Shift in Ownership
It’s worth mentioning a bit of "inside baseball" news that hit the wires recently. In late 2025, it was announced that Schnuck Markets, Inc. (operating under The 1939 Group) acquired Dave’s County Market as part of a larger purchase of Hometown Grocers and Festival Foods.
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Change can be scary. Usually, when a bigger company buys a local gem, people worry the "local feel" will evaporate. However, the 1939 Group has a history of keeping regional banners intact. For now, the Dave's County Market name remains on the building, and the staff—the people who actually make the place work—are still there.
Why Merrill Residents Keep Coming Back
Community involvement isn't just a marketing slogan here. It's built into the schedule. For instance, did you know Dave's offers a specific delivery service on Wednesday mornings? Between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., they help get groceries to folks who might have trouble getting out of the house. In a town like Merrill, where winters can be brutal and the population is aging, that’s not just a "service"—it’s a lifeline.
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They also play nice with the local food pantries. You’ll often see bins for the Merrill Food Pantry or support for local school fundraisers. It’s that circular economy where the money you spend on dinner goes back into the jerseys for the local Little League team.
Navigating the Store
The layout is manageable. It’s not one of those "superstores" where you have to walk half a mile to get from the produce to the pharmacy.
- Produce is front and center: They source locally when the Wisconsin season allows it.
- The "Wall of Values": Keep an eye out for their specific end-cap deals.
- The Deli Counter: Usually busiest around 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you want the best selection of hot food, aim for just before the lunch rush.
Honestly, the grocery landscape in North-Central Wisconsin is getting crowded. With expansions in Wausau and Stevens Point, Merrill residents have choices. But there is a reason Dave's survived the era of the "big box" explosion. It’s the quality of the cut of meat and the fact that they still bag your groceries.
Actionable Shopping Tips for Dave's
- Check the Weekly Flyer: They still run traditional paper ads, but you can usually find the digital version on their Facebook page or the Hometown Grocers website.
- Wednesday Delivery: if you're a senior or homebound, call (715) 536-2571 to get on the Wednesday morning delivery list.
- Custom Orders: If you need a specific cut of meat or a bulk order for a party, talk to the butcher directly. They are much more flexible than the "pre-packaged" meat departments at larger chains.
- Support Local: Look for the "Wisconsin Made" labels in the cheese and dairy aisles to keep your dollars in the state.
Stop by between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. any day of the week. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch from the deli or doing the full weekly haul, you're supporting a piece of Merrill history that has managed to stay relevant in a very corporate world.