Image: Blackberry Kitchen / Blackberry Kitchen operators Laurel Exner and Kerry Martin have announced that after 14 years in business, they will close their beloved restaurant at the end of November.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Fraser Valley restaurant to close

Beloved Fraser Valley restaurant set to close next month

Oct 23, 2024 | 8:35 AM

MISSION — For well over a decade, restauranteurs Kerry Martin and Laurel Exner carved out a niche in the Fraser Valley with a distinctly unique dining experience, offering steak, pasta, and other delicacies from its extensive menu and pantry, not to mention scones and a fully stacked breakfast slate.

But after 14 years in business, Martin and Exner have announced they will close their restaurant near the banks of the Fraser River in late November.

Martin and Exner wrote a farewell message on social media earlier this week, saying their final day of serving food at the Blackberry Kitchen in Mission, located at 7494 Mary Street, will be in late November.

“To our amazing guests, the time has come for us to thank you for the last 14 years of loyalty, friendship, and wonderful memories. We have decided that is time for us to retire, our final day of service will be November 24th, 2024,” the pair said. “Everything that has been accomplished here at The Blackberry Kitchen over the years has been made possible by our Extraordinary Staff and as you all know they are the Best of the Best! We will think of you all often with fond memories and thank you for your unwavering support! With sincere gratitude, Kerry and Laurel.”

The City of Mission acknowledged the restaurant’s pending closure on social media Wednesday morning (Oct. 23) by offering its gratitude to the pair.

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Image: City of Mission / Site of the Blackberry Kitchen in Mission, which will be closing in November.

“The City has been notified that Blackberry Kitchen will be ceasing operations later this fall. We want to acknowledge Laurel and Kerry for their hard work in developing the ultimate dining experience like no other within Fraser River Heritage Park,” the city said. “This was a gem for Mission and will be sorely missed. We wish you all the best.”

The City of Mission says it will be undergoing a process to explore partnering with another operator to maintain this fine dining experience in Fraser River Heritage Park. Prospective applicants are encouraged to regularly check the “Doing Business with the City” page on the Mission website over the next few months for opportunities to submit proposals.