Historic Gem: The Mercantile on Ogden’s 25th Street

Once a bustling bus depot, The Mercantile on Ogden’s Historic 25th Street has been transformed into a café that merges history with local flavor. Behind its doors, mid-century charm meets modern restoration, offering a glimpse into Ogden’s past within a vibrant, reimagined space.

Taylor Hartman

September 21, 2024

Positioned in a historically significant building at the corner of one of Utah’s most charming areas, The Mercantile on Ogden’s Historic 25th Street stands out. Once the Union Bus Depot and later a Greyhound station, this building has been meticulously restored by a coalition of local businesses, transforming it into a community hub.It’s now one of Utah’s most unique — and soon to be beloved cafes — a living time capsule that offers both a glimpse of history and exceptional local fare.

A Building Rooted in Ogden’s Past

The Mercantile’s building, originally opened as a bus station during the height of World War II, features a cornerstone inscription dating back to its inauguration in 1940:

“The Depot was opened on Nov. 28, 1940.

Hitler was raisin’ hell in Europe at this time but

England had him on the run.”

Visitors can see the inscription by glancing at the back right wall when they enter the building. It is behind a wood panel with a hole that allows people to lift the wood out and reveal the inscription.

“That very special cornerstone inscription from when the ‘Depot’ first opened has been preserved,” says Kym Buttschardt, Owner of Roosters Brewing Co. “We have loved this building for many years and feel incredibly lucky it became available at a time when we were able to make a move.”

For decades, the building served the city before falling into disrepair during years of vacancy. When Roosters Brewing Co. acquired the property in 2021, they recognized the significant challenge ahead.

“This building is such an iconic piece of Historic 25th Street,” Buttschardt explains. “The restoration was a labor of love, driven by a deep commitment to preserving Ogden’s history while revitalizing a treasured community landmark.”

A Historical Gem with a Modern Purpose

The Mercantile is not just a café; it’s a living museum of Ogden’s mid-century history. When it opened in 1940, the building was celebrated as a modern marvel of its time. It served as a bustling hub where soldiers, travelers, and locals crossed paths, making it a vital part of the community during an era when Ogden played a significant role in the nation’s transportation network.

The building’s importance wasn’t just in its function but in the memories it created. Kim Bowsher, President of kbENT and Co-owner of Roosters Brewing Co., shared that the depot was a place where families waited for loved ones, whether seeing them off to war or welcoming them home. Stories of people saying goodbye to their brothers heading off to Vietnam, or children waiting for their fathers to return from work, have been shared by community members, making the depot a significant emotional landmark.

The restoration team at The Mercantile made a conscious effort to retain and showcase these historical elements. Visitors to The Mercantile can see original photographs from the depot’s heyday, alongside curated displays that highlight the building’s role in Ogden’s wartime and post-war history.

Interior of The Mercantile with an original bus depot bench.

Meticulous Restoration with Modern Touches

The restoration of The Mercantile was a meticulous, detail-oriented process that balanced historical accuracy with modern needs. The renovation included the use of historically accurate paint colors and the restoration of authentic Art Deco lighting fixtures. Each choice was deliberate, ensuring that the space retained its historical character while serving the community’s current needs.

One of the most striking features of The Mercantile is the restored bus bench, now a centerpiece in the café. The bench, with its green leather upholstery and metal arms and legs, is clearly from another era, meticulously restored to its original brilliance. It serves as a tangible link to the building’s past, a reminder of the many lives that passed through the bus depot over the decades.

“We put a lot of thought into honoring this building’s past,” Bowsher explains. “From the color and material selections to restoring the bus bench, and down to the font choices, we wanted to make sure every detail respected the history. You can still see the inscription in the cornerstone, and we’ve begun the process of having a plexiglass frame made to protect and showcase it.”

An assortment of Beehive Cheeses available a The Mercantile.

A Community Collaboration

The Mercantile is more than just a beautifully restored building; it is a collaboration between some of Ogden’s most beloved local businesses. Roosters Brewing Co., Kaffe Mercantile, and Beehive Cheese joined forces to create a space that not only serves as a café but also as a gathering place for the community. The menu is a reflection of this collaboration, featuring local products like Beehive Cheeses, wines from nearby vineyards, and coffee from regional roasters.

“I love a good collaboration, and what’s special about this one is that these partners have also long valued collaboration,” says Bowsher. “There’s Beehive Cheese, with their tagline ‘making friends with cheese.’ We’ve been doing business with them since day one — we are their first restaurant customer. And then you have ‘The Boys’ from Kaffe Mercantile, who have managed to create this magical Ogden meetup and connection space in both their neighborhood and South Ogden shops. We wanted that same vibe and connection here. The partners just felt right from the get-go, and it’s a special thing we’ve created together.”

Their cheese boards are populated with local cheeses, jams, and other seasonal delicacies, offering a taste of what Ogden and the surrounding areas have to offer. The wine pairings are carefully selected, providing a unique experience not often found in this corner of Utah. Even simple items like their breakfast burrito are elevated with high-quality ingredients and flavors, pushing the palate of Ogden and Weber County forward.

“We have a great café menu with classic staples but with a clean, elevated take on things like biscuits and gravy, our toasts, and lunch offerings,” Buttschardt adds. “Pair that with a wine and beer menu and a few shared plates, and it’s the perfect place to start or end your day.”

Preserving the Past and Envisioning the Future

While The Mercantile honors its historical roots, it’s also designed to be a space for the future. The back patio is quickly becoming a popular venue for live music and community events, creating a welcoming environment where local residents — whether retirees, police officers, or young professionals — can gather and connect.

Looking ahead, The Mercantile plans to host more community events, from cheese tastings and pairing nights to local artist showcases, all of which will continue to draw the community together. The revitalization of this building has already made a significant impact, but the true measure of its success will be seen in the way it continues to serve and connect Ogden’s residents in the years to come.

Community Relations, Ogden, Utah Restaurants, Utah Stories

Taylor Hartman

Taylor Hartman is an Ogden-based writer who enjoys storytelling in all forms. His work has been featured in numerous Utah publications, winning an SPJ award for his reporting on nursing homes with the Utah Investigative Journalism Project. Taylor’s passion lies in uncovering hidden narratives and shedding light on the unseen. With a background in tourism and journalism, Taylor strives to tell the story of Utah and Utahns from north to south.

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