City Cast Denver logo
Advertisement image
March 14, 2025

The Merc Is Dead, Pharmacies Are Dying, but Cracker Barrel Will Live Forever

City Cast Denver

The Merc Is Dead, Pharmacies Are Dying, but Cracker Barrel Will Live Forever

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

When the South Park guys bought Casa Bonita, their credo was simple: Change Nothing, Improve Everything. Now another iconic Denver institution is changing hands — this time The Mercury Cafe — and the new operators are promising the same. But they’re changing the name to The Pearl, so what else is in store for the 50-year-old bastion of alternative culture and community? Denverite neighborhoods reporter Paolo Zialcita joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to talk about what’s next. Plus, we discuss Paolo’s reporting on why so many local pharmacies are struggling and share our wins and fails of the week. 

Do you think Denver has a dog poop problem? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

You’re invited! Regular guest Joshua Emerson stars in a new short film premiering at The Holiday Theater on March 25, and Paul will be moderating a discussion afterwards with Joshua and the filmmaker, Gabriel Fermin. Tickets are cheap! Get yours today

Paul talked about Cracker Barrel, Meati, and this great episode of The Journal podcast on Walgreens. Olivia mentioned a sunglasses heist. Paolo talked about paid parking at Cherry Creek Mall. We also mentioned the reality TV show “Love is Blind” coming to Denver for its ninth season.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 14th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
April 16

Deep Lore Behind Idaho Springs’ New Gondola, Another Downtown Closure, and Wacky Weather Wardrobe Essentials

After being in business since the 1980s, Moda Man is closing the doors of its downtown menswear shop. Was the pandemic to blame? Or a los...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 15

Local TV News vs. Instagram Influencers, Avs/Nuggs Playoff Stories to Watch, and Would You Eat a Beaver?

Denver’s local TV news scene is on the precipice of a big shake-up, with Fox31’s parent company Nexstar poised to acquire 9News’ parent c...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 14

Can 80k Save Denver's Last Lesbian Bar? Plus, Denver's Big Pitch for the DNC and 'Third Space' Overload

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was in New Orleans last week along with someone dressed up like the Big Blue Bear to help make the case that t...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 13

Gardening Tips for Denver's Drought Restricted Summer

From an unseasonably warm winter to the premature blooms of an early spring, Colorado’s wacky weather has left Denver gardeners stumped....

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 12

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Portland’s Considering Hiring a Night Mayor  — Presented By City Cast Denver

Denverites, what do you do when your night life starts to dwindle? Nightlife is a huge economic driver for cities, but city offices are o...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 10

Lakewood Backtracks on Housing Density, Inside the RTD Drama, and Shirtless Rockies Fans

Lakewood voters sent a big statement to the rest of Colorado this week, with the campaign to reverse the Denver suburb’s new housing dens...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 9

Xcel Takes on Data Centers, RTD's Big Shakeup, and Former Mayor Hancock: Real Estate Mogul?

There was a huge shakeup at Denver’s transit provider RTD yesterday as CEO and GM Debra Johnson ⁠declined to renew her contract⁠, effecti...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 8

Why are Denver Lakes Disappearing? Plus, Blucifer on Hulu and Disneyland on Colorado Boulevard

What is happening to Huston Lake? The southwest Denver body of water has almost completely dried up, taking with it some of the park’s fl...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 7

Polis and Boebert at the Rockies Game, Denver's Next Top Mascot, and More from the Mailbag!

Could prediction markets in politics mean more participation from voters? What if the Denver Summit FC’s mascot was a giant sun? Where’s...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 6

Are Denver Restaurants Really in Crisis? It’s Complicated.

It feels like every week, another Denver restaurant is closing – Enzo’s End Pizzeria served its last slice on Friday, Imperial Chinese sh...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art