The Blackwater Café

     Russell and Judy Johnson know an opportunity when they see it. After 4 years at Smith Mountain Lake, the Johnsons sensed a need for a new eatery at the lake that offers quality food and good service in a relaxed atmosphere.
     The result of their inspiration is The Blackwater Café, which has just opened on Rt. 616 in the space previously occupied by Hot Diggety Hog.
     “I’ve always been customer service and hospitality minded,” said Judy Johnson, who along with her husband operated a corporate training business for 18 years.  “I know there’s a need for additional choices in dining and takeout because I live here and experience the same issues as everyone else.  It’s been fun, a challenge, and rewarding to actually do this…crazy as it sounds!”
     The Johnsons and their entire family have worked furiously the past four months to get the restaurant up and running in time for some major lake events.  The operation is indeed a family affair with daughter and son-in-law, Jacque and Bob Jones helping with operation and management.
     The interior of the building has been completely remodeled.  Local artist Nancy Cain has transformed the décor into a lodge atmosphere with unique faux painting and decorative murals.  The entryway features the look of a log cabin, complete with a stone fireplace painted onto the wall.  A canoe is suspended from the ceiling.
     “What we wanted to create, was the feel of a comfortable retreat,” Johnson said.  “We want people to come in and immediately capture the feeling of what they came to the lake for.”
     The restaurant is split into two sections.  The right side is more formal with expanded seating and a bar (complete ABC license).  The left side is a café and deli offering Boar’s Head brand meats, cheeses and condiments that can be purchased to take home or made into a choice of featured sandwiches.  You can also build your own on a variety of breads from a choice of 20 different meats and 12 cheeses.  The Johnsons have invested in a special grill for their Panini sandwiches.
     The deli also serves salads, soups, baked goods and packaged meals perfect for those in a hurry.  Lunches range from $4.95 to $9.95.  Dinners start at $6.95 and include salads, sandwiches, seafood, steak, chicken, lamb and pasta.
     The Johnsons have hired two chefs with extensive experience – Skip White, formerly executive chef at Meriwether’s in Lynchburg, and Amber Steele, who is known locally for her prized baked goods including pies, breads and muffins, which can be purchased whole to take home.
     The Blackwater Café is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday 11 pm to 3 pm.  Reservations are recommended for dinner.  Call 540-721-4333