Doors will remain open at popular café on St. Joseph Island

“You never know how much you’re loved until you’re almost gone.”

That’s the message Black Bear Café partners Mary Lou Eckmeier and husband Roy shared with their followers on social media last week after they announced their popular restaurant and bakery on St. Joseph Island would be staying open.

Just over a month ago, readers learned the Eckmeiers had sold the business and would be handing over the keys to Kinect Therapy — a physiotherapy clinic with existing operations on the island, as well as Sault Ste. Marie and Thessalon.

The move, which triggered mixed feelings from residents, was slated to keep the café in operation until Sept. 25.

But in a surprise announcement on Monday, Kinect Therapy revealed they had reached an agreement with the Eckmeiers — guaranteeing a continuation of services at the café “until further notice.”

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude,” the Eckmeiers said in response on Facebook.

Owned by a St. Joseph Island resident, Kinect Therapy will be relocating to the northeast section of the building. In the meantime, they will continue to provide service for Islanders at their current location in downtown Richards Landing.

The Black Bear will temporarily close on Sept. 25 and re-open Oct. 10 “in a slightly smaller format but the same great food,” according to the Eckmeiers.

Mary Lou Eckmeier, originally from the Sault, and her husband, Roy, raised in the Barrie area, opened the doors to the bakery near Kents Corner in 2019 after the couple had been living out west for 38 years.

Initially listed for $440,000 by Meagan Vance with EXIT Realty True North, The Black Bear has provided customers with a wide assortment of baked goods, home-cooked dishes and gift shop knickknacks.