Blue Bonnet Cafe

Special to The Highlander

An iconic entrepreneur – responsible for attracting visitors and providing a hometown venue for locals – has passed away at the age of 67.

Owner of the Blue Bonnet Cafe John Michi Kemper of Marble Falls died Thursday, May 14, due to complications associated with Parkinson’s disease.

“Our beloved owner and the patriarch of our family, John Kemper, died yesterday,” according to a statement from the Kempers. “We are heartbroken. … Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.”

UPDATE: On April 2, owners of the Blue Bonnet Cafe announced they would be closing their doors due to the Coronavirus concerns.

By Connie Swinney
Staff Writer

As soon as Kate Heylman noticed the pop-up canopy in the Blue Bonnet Cafe parking lot on March 27, she did not hesitate to stop and place an order for biscuits and gravy.

“I bought a car in North Dakota two weeks ago and everything happened. I had heard about it (Bluebonnet Cafe), when I was planning my trip to Texas.”

File Photo
Marble Falls Area EMS will hold their annual fall fish fry fundraiser at the Blue Bonnet Cafe from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2. Plates are $10 per person for adults or $5 for children 5 and under. For takeout orders call 830-693-2444. Pictured here are the Walls of Spicewood with Marble Falls Area EMS Operations Director Kevin Naumann during a past event.

The annual fall fish fry fundraiser for the Marble Falls Area Emergency Medical Service (MFAEMS) will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Blue Bonnet Cafe.

Twice a year for at least the last 25 years, owners of the historic eatery at 211 US 281 have opened their doors and their kitchen to supporters of the local EMS.

For $10 per adult and $4 per child younger than 5, fried fish and the fixings are available inside the restaurant or for take out. For orders to go, call 830-693-2444.

Staff of the EMS, local first responders and elected officials volunteer their time to wait tables and help keep food moving along. All profits are directed to the training and equipment needs of the MFAEMS.

The spring benefit at the Blue Bonnet Cafe for the Marble Falls Area Emergency Medical Service (MFAEMS) is set for Wednesday, March 1, from 4-8 p.m..

Owners of the historic dining spot at 211 US 281 in Marble Falls dedicate the proceeds to the first responder organization.

“It amounts to about $14,000 a year that supports most of our training,” said Johnny Campbell, MFAEMS executive director. “Our staff and city officials pitch in to help witih the serving, but it's folks who have pitched in to dine for the last 25 years who share our thanks.

Plates of fried fish and sides are $10 and $4 for children age 5 and younger. For take out orders, call 830-693-2444.

Glynis Crawford Smith/The Highlander

At the Marble Falls Area Emergency Medical Service fish fry benefit at the Blue Bonnet Cafe Wednesday night, March 9, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) Brooke Mossarat (left) and Megan Morrison (right) visit with the Bartino family (from left) Micki, Natalie, David III and David Jr. Proceeds from the first of the twice-annual events totaled about $8,800 for the EMS.