Blackberry Farm was built by Florida and David Lasier in 1940 and opened in May 1941. In 1952, the Lasiers sold the property to the Jarvis family who subsequently sold it to Ruby Tuesday restaurant founder Sandy Beall and his wife Kreis. In 1990 they turned the property into a hotel, initially with six rooms.[2] Their son Sam Beall spent his earliest years at Blackberry Farm and served as its owner until his death in 2016.[3][4]
From 1992 until 2007, John Fleer served as executive chef of the restaurant.[5][6] Under Fleer's management, Blackberry Farm was rated by Zagat in 2003 and 2004 as number one small hotel and number two hotel dining in America.[7]
Property
The grounds cover 4,200 acres (1,700 ha), and the resort has 62 rooms.[8] Blackberry Farm hosts culinary, musical and outdoor sporting activities and events on and off property.[9] The property includes a timberframe barn from Pennsylvania, a dining and entertainment venue, a spa, an events hall, and guest cottages.