Routes, Drive Times & Road Tips to Big BendBig Bend sits deep in far West Texas. Whether you’re coming from El Paso, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, or Dallas/Fort Worth, choose the route that matches your arrival town and the part of the park you want...
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Marathon, Texas Food and Drink
French Co. Grocer
French Co. Grocer, also called The French Company Grocer, is Marathon's general store. The shop carries groceries, pantry staples, and produce, plus beer and wine, camping and river gear, and a full espresso bar. Prepared foods are made from scratch, including breakfast and lunch burritos seven days a week, sandwiches, hummus, chicken salad, and egg salad. A Visit Big Bend story notes picking up sandwiches here before the drive into Big Bend National Park.
Friday nights are burgers. The store makes a finite number and takes pre-orders at store.frenchcogrocer.com until 4:00 PM Friday; after that, order in person in the backyard. Live music is often part of the evening. They also host events and catering, and an annual John Prine tribute.
A public listing showed about 4.6 stars from 157 Google reviews as of October 2, 2026. That listing's Google count was last refreshed around June 2025, so confirm the live total on Google Maps. One reviewer called it a "great general store with a selection of packaged and yummy prepared food and baked items" and mentioned burger night and events out back. Another wrote that the "gourmet burritos, pastries, to go lunches and cookies are always fresh and delicious."
At a Glance
Location
111 E US Highway 90, Marathon, Big Bend Texas
The Store
The espresso bar sits just to the left of checkout, with a wide milk selection and coffee from Texas roasters. Recipes for the prepared foods are shared on request. Bulk grocery pre-orders are 20 percent off a case with at least five days' notice. Bulk beer and wine orders need about two weeks. Email howdy@frenchcogrocer.com or thefrenchcompanygrocer@gmail.com, or call 432-386-4522.
Hours
Explore More While You’re Here
French Co. Grocer pairs naturally with some of the most popular destinations in the Big Bend region.
Big Bend National Park
The Persimmon Gap entrance to Big Bend National Park is about 40 miles away on US-385, a straight shot toward the Chisos Mountains, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande corridor. Plan a full day or more — the Chisos, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Rio Grande are all inside that gate.
Alpine
Alpine is about 25 miles away, home to Sul Ross State University, the Museum of the Big Bend, and a growing restaurant and brewery scene. Stock up here — groceries, a proper sit-down meal, and the museum — before the highway empties out south.
Terlingua Ghost Town
The historic Terlingua Ghost Town is about 65 miles away, with nearby dining and sightseeing that bring the area’s mining history to life. The old porches, the cemetery on the hill, and the nightly gathering at the Starlight Theatre are the usual finish to a Big Bend day.
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