Since 1921 Richmonders have enjoyed Mrs. Marshall's potato salad and other great foods.

Mrs. Marshall began distributing her homemade salads to local grocers and delicatessens, where they became well-known for their consistent quality and great taste.

In the early 1960s, her daughter-in-law, Gladys, and son Julian, opened a retail shop on Robinson Street in Richmond's Fan District. In addition to the popular homemade salads, they added fresh sandwiches, deviled eggs and desserts, all available for carry-out.

Current owner Frances Daniel bought the business in 1996, but soon found the small space limiting. By 1999 she had moved the wholesale division to larger quarters nearby and the retail store to Carytown. Mrs. Marshall's Carytown Cafe continues to serve that famous potato salad as well as a variety of other freshly made salads, sandwiches, party platters and boxed lunches.

Mrs. Marshall's is a member of the Retail Merchants Association of Greater Richmond, the Carytown Merchants Association and the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

So ... why did Frances buy Richmond's favorite potato salad business?

"I thought it'd be fun," says Proprietor Frances Daniel.

Frances Daniel

Originally from Clarksville, Tennessee, Frances received her Bachelor's Degree from the Mississippi University for Women, and her Master's (in speech and theater) from Louisiana State.

She came to Richmond in 1977 to teach theater at the University of Richmond, but after a 3-year contract, moved on to professional sales. From 1981 to 1996 she worked for the Research Institute of America selling tax and regulatory research materials to accountants, banks, attorneys and corporations, spending three years in the company's New York office.

As a Richmond resident, Frances spends a lot of time serving her community. She is a past president of the Richmond Jaycees and a founding board member of Encore! Theatre Company. She also has served on the boards of the Fan Free Clinic and Camp Virginia Jaycees, and currently serves on the Alumni Board of the Mississippi University for Women. She also currently serves as a gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Rehab. Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Daniel also serves as a member of the Richmond Kiwanis Club.

Cafe Staff

If you've been to Mrs. Marshall's you've probably also met Wanda - she's been serving Mrs. Marshall's foods since 1996!

Stop by soon and say "Hello."

Mosby, delivery driver extroidinaire

Frances and Wanda

Located In The Heart Of Carytown

Carytown plays host to a variety of exciting community events throughout the year. These events are a great excuse to come down to Carytown and visit the many stores. Here are some of the events and when they take place:

Wine Festival (Fall)
Watermelon Festival (August)
Pets on Parade (Early Summer)
Holiday Open House (December)

Wine Festival

Pets on Parade