What happened during Hurricane Helene?

Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, causing major damage to the food and beverage industry, particularly in Asheville.

How many businesses did not reopen after the hurricane?

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) reported that about 40% of businesses did not reopen after the hurricane.

What percentage of partner businesses has reopened in the last year?

Approximately 90-93% of their partner businesses, many of which are restaurants, have reopened in the last year.

What are some challenges that restaurants are facing during recovery?

Recovery challenges still exist for restaurants, including increased operational expenses and the need for additional recovery support.

What support has the city provided for small businesses?

The city has set aside $17 million in CDBG–DR grant funds for small business support, though it is viewed as insufficient.

September 29, 2025

Asheville’s Food and Beverage Industry Bounces Back

Asheville, September 29, 2025

News Summary

Asheville’s food and beverage sector is on the path to recovery following significant setbacks caused by Hurricane Helene. Despite 40% of businesses not reopening after the storm, 90-93% of partner restaurants have returned. The community remains resilient with new establishments opening, ongoing adaptations among existing businesses, and strong local support as they prepare for the holiday season.

Asheville experienced significant challenges in its food and beverage industry following Hurricane Helene, which struck Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024. The storm caused widespread disruptions, damaging infrastructure and leading to the closure of many local businesses. Despite this, the industry is beginning to show signs of recovery, although hurdles remain.

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) reported that approximately 40% of food and beverage businesses did not reopen after the hurricane. However, in the last year, 90-93% of their partner businesses, predominantly restaurants, have managed to open their doors again. The executive director of AIR expressed optimism regarding the stabilization of the industry, highlighting anticipation for the upcoming holiday season.

Restoration Efforts and Community Support

Restaurants in Asheville have shown resilience despite facing increased operational expenses and the need for additional recovery support. Many restaurant owners dealt with significant financial difficulties, often relying on personal savings or incurring debt to remain afloat. This has prompted calls for financial assistance in the form of grants or forgivable loans to support businesses still struggling.

In response to these challenges, the city allocated $17 million in CDBG–DR grant funds for small business support; however, this amount is perceived as insufficient by many in the community. Despite these financial challenges, several new dining establishments have opened since the storm, including Root Down, Ole’s Guacamoles, Zella’s Deli, and Asheville’s Finest, as restaurateurs continue to pursue their passion for cooking.

Adapting Business Models

Amid ongoing recovery efforts, existing restaurants have made adaptations to reduce overhead costs and ensure sustainability. For instance, Cúrate, a renowned Spanish tapas restaurant, decided to close its lunch counterpart, La Bodega, as part of its restructuring post-storm. Meanwhile, the Mellow Mushroom pizzeria provided complimentary pizzas for two weeks after the hurricane, demonstrating community spirit and support during hard times.

Impact on Tourism and Sales

The loss of tourism has posed a significant threat to revenue for many restaurants in Asheville, leading to staff cuts and reduced menus. Complications with insurance have also surfaced, as many restaurant owners discovered that their policies did not cover business interruptions due to the storm. In the aftermath of the hurricane, several well-known establishments, including Laughing Seed and Bouchon, have closed permanently, contributing to an uneven recovery landscape in Biltmore Village.

Looking Forward

Despite challenges, community support remains robust, with local residents actively participating in efforts to revive the dining scene. The beloved Corner Kitchen restaurant, located in Biltmore Village, recently reopened 11 months after the storm, becoming a symbol of recovery for both staff and patrons who shared an emotional reunion. Yet, it is evident that recovery efforts are still ongoing, with many businesses navigating various stages of repair.

Asheville continues to be a popular culinary destination, with plans for new eateries still in development, signifying an industry poised to thrive once again despite the setbacks faced in the previous year.

FAQ

What happened during Hurricane Helene?: Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, causing major damage to the food and beverage industry, particularly in Asheville.
How many businesses did not reopen after the hurricane?: The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) reported that about 40% of businesses did not reopen after the hurricane.
What percentage of partner businesses has reopened in the last year?: Approximately 90-93% of their partner businesses, many of which are restaurants, have reopened in the last year.
What are some challenges that restaurants are facing during recovery?: Recovery challenges still exist for restaurants, including increased operational expenses and the need for additional recovery support.
What support has the city provided for small businesses?: The city has set aside $17 million in CDBG–DR grant funds for small business support, though it is viewed as insufficient.

Key Features of Asheville’s Recovery

Feature	Details
Date of Hurricane Helene	September 27, 2024
Percentage of Businesses Not Reopened	40%
Percentage of Partner Businesses Reopened	90-93%
City Grant Funds Available	$17 million
New Restaurants Opened	Root Down, Ole’s Guacamoles, Zella’s Deli, Asheville’s Finest
Symbol of Recovery	Corner Kitchen