ABOUT US
Culture & Dining Since 2010​​​​​​​​​​​
Located in the heart of Madison's Capitol Square, we have been welcoming guests for more than a decade with thoughtfully crafted cuisine, genuine hospitality, and one of the city's most celebrated cocktail programs. Inspired by European classics, New Orleans traditions, and Wisconsin's exceptional farms, Merchant offers an experience that feels both timeless and distinctly local.
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Merchant was built on the belief that the best conversations happen over great food and drink. Our soaring aviation windows fill the dining room with natural light, while handcrafted wood tables, inviting banquettes, and our signature white oak farmhouse table encourage guests to gather, connect, and celebrate. From intimate dinners to lively cocktail receptions, every corner of Merchant was designed to bring people and communities together.
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The bar has long been at the heart of the Merchant experience. From meticulously crafted classic cocktails to original seasonal creations, our bartenders approach every drink with the same care and attention to detail as our culinary team. A thoughtfully curated wine list, local and regional beers, premium spirits, and sophisticated nonalcoholic offerings ensure there's something to celebrate for every guest. Whether you're enjoying a cocktail before dinner or settling in for another round with friends, the bar remains one of Madison's favorite places to gather.
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Merchant is proud to be part of Madison's vibrant downtown community. We believe restaurants should do more than serve meals—they should become places where neighbors reconnect, visitors discover the city, businesses celebrate milestones, and families mark life's most meaningful occasions. Supporting local farmers, producers, artisans, and community organizations has always been part of who we are, strengthening the relationships that make Madison such a remarkable place to live and visit.​​​
WHO WE ARE
Meet our Leadership Team
At Merchant, hospitality begins with people. Every member of our team, from the kitchen and bar to the dining room and events, shares a commitment to creating memorable experiences.
We believe that great restaurants are built by great people who support one another, challenge one another, and genuinely enjoy coming to work each day. That culture is reflected not only in the meals we serve, but in the relationships we build with our guests and with each other.
Whether you're joining us for dinner or considering a career with Merchant, we hope you'll feel the warmth, creativity, and sense of community that defines who we are.​​​
EMMA BUCHANNAN​
SERVICE MANAGER
ZARNI HTET​
SERVICE MANAGER
KYLE YANG​
SERVICE MANAGER
MI LEVY
SERVICE MANAGER
OUR VALUES
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INCLUSIVITY. We will champion a culturally diverse and inclusive environment, one that specifically supports minorities, all genders, and those historically underrepresented in our industry.
HUMILITY. We are modest about capabilities, admit mistakes, and create the space for others to contribute.
EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION. We are a team centered around positivity, that stands for one message which involves empowering others, empathizing with each other, and uplifting others as a collective.
RESPECT AND JUSTICE / HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. All team members need to be treated respectfully and fairly. This pertains to equity in pay, and specific attention to physical/mental health, well-being and safety.
POSITIVITY AND LOVE OF FOOD AND COMMUNITY. Cooking and serving others is a powerful act of caring and love for one another. Let us work together to bring our community together through the power of food and drink.
EQUITY. We support a sustainable approach to fair wage structure for all and aim for a level of service and hospitality that goes above and beyond. Gratuity at Merchant is shared across all hourly staff members including barbacks, bartenders, bussers, cooks, counter service, dishwashers, expos, hosts, prep cooks, runners, and servers.
BENEFITS
We support those who live our values with culinary training, career opportunities, and great benefits.
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Competitive wages. More seasonal stability working in a tip pool.
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A flexible and predictable schedule that is posted two weeks in advance
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50% dining discount for you and your friends and family
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50% off all food and beverage, 15% off retail items
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Access to Merchant's online classroom with training materials, recipes, and checklists. After full orientation, we offer weekly paid training opportunities to taste wine, spirits and food with industry experts
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Our mission is centered around treating each other and ourselves well through our love of food, drink, and community.
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Sustainability must be possible and attainable in our industry!
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All full time employees are offered health, dental and vision insurance
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Paid time off for full time employees
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Bonus incentives
Merchant is an equal opportunity employer, with a mission to support women, Black, LGBTQ+ applicants. As an organization, we support a minimum wage of $16/hour.
​​Merchant is managed by our hospitality group, which is comprised of the owners, designers, and program directors for our award-winning restaurants and bars.​ Based in Madison, Wis. we are a leader in the hospitality space through seamless integration of its areas of expertise including strategy, concept, design, branding, and world-class food and beverage creation and development.​​
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