Entering EC Reed’s Mercantile & Hotel in Marble Hill feels like stepping back in time.
A luncheonette and soda fountain inside the Mercantile features vintage equipment rebuilt by co-owner Everett Reed (the “E” of EC Reed’s). The 1953 Hamilton Beach milkshake mixer, 1951 Coca-Cola dispenser, 1947 draft dispenser, and 1949 stainless steel soda fountain “all have dings from use over the years, and that’s the way I want them—not repainted or restored to look new,” Everett says.
Keeping with its classic style, the luncheonette serves handcrafted sodas and shakes, homemade pies, and from-scratch food. The counter stools were taken from old closed Woolworth stores and given a second life inside of EC Reed’s Mercantile & Hotel. “We make our own ice cream too,” says co-owner and Everett’s wife, Christy Reed (the “C” of EC Reed’s). Shoppers will also find Missouri- and US-made products in its Mercantile.
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The couple purchased the 1898 building in 2020 and renovated it to be a 14-room boutique hotel. Wondering how Marble Hill, population of 1,000, can support this vintage-inspired hotel?
“You’d be surprised how many people choose to stay here rather than a franchise,” says Christy. “People want a different experience.”
301 First Street, Marble Hill • ECReedsMercantile.com
Photos by EC Reed’s Mercantile
This article was originally published in the June 2025 issue of Missouri Life.
