By Elizabeth and Bowen Eason
Seven years ago, David and Jill Landrum purchased the 400+ acres of Chestnut and the former town of Livingston. They invited us over one evening to tell us their plans to recreate the town of Livingston and asked if we would like to be a part of it. Interestingly, Bowen’s great-grandparents had lived in the town of Livingston. His mother Jean Eason remembered going there with her sister, Peggy, to visit them.
So after much prayer and discussion, we agreed to take on part of the rebuilding of Livingston with the Livingston Mercantile store—which grew to include a small grocery, gift store, and a chef-driven restaurant.
Our purpose is to serve our community with many high-quality, local products with a superior level of hospitality in a clean and comfortable environment that honors God and our country. We also strive to provide jobs that are fulfilling and treat our employees fairly and with respect. We want to provide an environment where our employees feel as special as our customers.
It has been amazing to see how The Lord has unfolded every detail in these last seven years. Our partners, our designer, our contractors, our chef, our gasoline consultant, and our employees all became involved in perfect timing as a result of constant daily prayer and Bible study for our project.
The timing, the people involved, and the products are all a result of His plan. We would never be where we are today if it was not for Him being in total control. As A.W. Tozer said, “God’s plan will continue on God’s schedule.”
We have also been amazed to watch how God has been changing us, strengthening our faith. Making us more humble and taking away any prideful thinking that we did any of this by ourselves—and making us realize to a deep level that we are totally dependent on Him.
The guidance we were given has been absolutely striking. Some scriptures we apply each day to the business and how we conduct ourselves are:
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:13-15); and
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9)
Livingston Mercantile will be an active member in the community. We strive to support and be a part of the progress that improves our local community, however possible. We will also be a source of comfort to community members in times of need.
Four Key Words Describe Our Mercantile Store:
Provisions
We stock fishing, hunting, gardening, hardware, and grilling items, and some clothing. Like in the older days, we ask our clientele what they would like us to carry. If we don’t have it, we will try our best to get it.
Gathering
Our restaurant, The Gathering @ Livingston Mercantile, provides a place to take a break from a busy life with food that comforts the soul: whether it’s a meal to take home or one to enjoy with family and friends in our comfortable, relaxing environment.
Originally our menu was composed by Chef Jessie Houston of SALTINE, and has now been placed in the very talented hands of Our Executive Chef, Paul Adair, a 2013 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
Food
We offer convenience store items downstairs in the Livingston Mercantile store and upstairs is a small, but upscale grocery store.
Fuel
Gas up with old-fashioned hospitality. We pump the gas for you and clean your windshield.
Bowen and Elizabeth Eason have been married for 11 1/2 years, and have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. They have been members of Madison Heights Church since its inception as a church plant. Bowen comes from a background of over 32 years in the restaurant industry.
Elizabeth is Vice President of her family’s foundation.
