Popular Kokanee Cafe sold

Tom and Connie Derry are ready to hit the road.

Camp Sherman's renowned Kokanee Cafe restaurant changed hands last Friday when owners Connie and Tom Derry and Meg Wujack sold their business to Paul Mercer of Bend.

The trio of restaurateurs had owned the Kokanee since 1991. They built a strong culinary reputation for their establishment.

The Derrys are planning an Alaska trip this summer including a stop in British Columbia for Tom's fishing. Their new RoadTrek 190 camping vehicle sits in the driveway, ready to go.

"We plan to stay in the area, relax and do some traveling," Connie Derry said. "It's our sabbatical and I'd like to visit the Greek Isles. Tom and I will move on to the next chapter in our lives."

Wujack, who lives in Bend, also plans to relax for a while and also do some traveling.

The years at the Kokanee carry many fond memories.

"We have a log of couples who met at the 'Kok', had a romance and then married," said Connie. "Many of them return on their anniversaries."

Tom remembers a power outage at the restaurant when cooking had to be done on a barbecue set up on the outside deck.

"That was a very romantic evening eating by lamplight," said Connie.

Paul Mercer, the new owner, has hired Chef John Martin, formerly of Awbrey Glen restaurant in Bend, to handle the food preparation. Mercer currently owns the Victoria Café restaurant in Bend.

Kokanee's charming inside dining room with fireplace seats 38 people with another 22 seats on the enclosed deck area. The restaurant will remain mostly the same under the new ownership when it opens on Thursday, April 25.

"We've had a wonderful time at the Kokanee and met lots of wonderful people," said Connie. "We'll miss everybody."