Status: CLOSED
Blackberry’s in Plainfield, New Jersey appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back. The soul food restaurant had potential but faced challenges that even Gordon’s intensive 24-hour makeover couldn’t fully address.
Soul Food in New Jersey
Plainfield has a rich African American history, and soul food restaurants have long been community gathering places. Blackberry’s tried to serve this tradition but struggled with execution.
The 24-Hour Transformation
Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back format is intense – complete renovation and menu overhaul in just one day. For Blackberry’s, the transformation was dramatic.
Changes Made
- Complete kitchen reorganization
- Menu refinement focusing on soul food classics
- Updated dining room atmosphere
- Staff retraining on service standards
Why It Didn’t Last
The 24-hour format creates impressive TV moments but can’t address underlying business fundamentals. Blackberry’s faced challenges that required more than a quick makeover:
- Location economics were difficult
- Competition from established soul food spots
- Operational habits that crept back
The restaurant eventually closed, another casualty of the difficult restaurant business.
Last verified: January 2026
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