News Summary
After nearly eight months of closure due to Hurricane Helene, Hi-Wire Brewing’s River Arts District beer garden has officially reopened to the public. The devastating hurricane caused significant damage and financial loss, but the community response on reopening day was overwhelmingly positive. Local residents are eager to support businesses as the area recovers, and Hi-Wire Brewing plans a special celebration to mark this milestone. The reopening not only signifies the return of a beloved venue but also represents resilience within the Asheville community.
Asheville, N.C. – Hi-Wire Brewing’s River Arts District beer garden has reopened to the public after being closed for nearly eight months due to extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. The official reopening took place on Sunday afternoon, marking a significant recovery milestone for the business and the local community.
Adam Charnack, the co-founder and CEO of Hi-Wire Brewing, expressed gratitude and excitement for the reopening, emphasizing the joy of reconnecting with loyal patrons and the sense of normalcy it brings back to the area. The beer garden and attached facilities, which also serve as the brewery’s headquarters and distribution center, were heavily impacted by flooding, with approximately 15 feet of water inundating the building during the hurricane.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene was substantial, resulting in the loss of millions of cans of beer and tens of thousands of filled cases. Such losses not only affected Hi-Wire Brewing financially but also posed challenges for its local operational capacity.
The community response to the reopening has been overwhelmingly positive. On reopening day, the parking lot was filled with vehicles showcasing North Carolina license plates, a clear indication of local support for businesses recovering from the ravages of the storm. As Memorial Day Weekend is a busy time for tourism in Asheville, many local residents chose to spend their time and dollars in area businesses rather than seeking attractions outside the community. Notably, Elizabeth Ottenfeld, a local teacher, highlighted the importance of supporting local establishments during this peak season.
Additionally, local residents Emily and Phil Granger, visiting from Hendersonville, mentioned their decision to explore the area and contribute to local economic recovery by visiting a winery, hiking, and enjoying live music at another local brewery, French Broad River Brewery. Phil Granger stressed the significance of tourism income for the area, advocating for others to explore Asheville and support its businesses.
The impact of Hurricane Helene also led to the tough decision by Hi-Wire Brewing to permanently close its Nashville outpost. This location, along with a satellite facility in Birmingham, suffered severe damage, pushing the company to focus recovery efforts centrally at its Asheville headquarters.
In addition to resuming regular operations, Hi-Wire Brewing plans to host a special reopening celebration in the coming weeks. This event is designed to mark the successful completion of extensive restoration efforts and will feature live music, food trucks, visual performers, and a makers market, adding a festive atmosphere to the community’s recovery.
This reopening signifies more than just the return of a beloved local venue; it symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity for both Hi-Wire Brewing and the Asheville community. The company’s ability to bounce back after such overwhelming challenges serves as a beacon of hope for other local businesses striving to recover following the hurricane’s impact.
As Asheville prepares for an influx of visitors over the summer, the reopening of Hi-Wire Brewing’s River Arts District beer garden can enhance the local economy while deepening the ties between residents and visitors, underscoring the critical role local businesses play in the area’s cultural and economic fabric.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Hi-Wire Brewing Reopening Weekend
- Tennessean: Nashville’s Hi-Wire Closes After Helene Damage
- WHAS11: Hi-Wire Brewing Headquarters Flooded
- WWAY: Hi-Wire Brewing Continues to Recover After Hurricane Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2018)
- Google Search: Hi-Wire Brewing
