News Summary
After facing significant challenges due to Hurricane Helene, Asheville’s The Hop Ice Cream Shop exemplifies the power of community support. With a new persimmon flavor and local partnerships, The Hop not only offers delightful ice cream but also reinforces the importance of shopping local. The owners, Greg and Ashley Garrison, emphasize that each purchase supports the local economy and its hardworking vendors, proving that together, the community can thrive even after tough times.
Asheville’s The Hop Ice Cream Shop Serves up Hope and Community Spirit After Hurricane Helene
In a delightful twist amidst the challenges faced by local businesses, Asheville’s beloved ice cream parlor, The Hop, is showcasing the power of community support to bounce back stronger than ever following Hurricane Helene. Founded in 1978, The Hop has become a cherished institution, boasting four locations throughout Asheville and Black Mountain. Current owners, Greg and Ashley Garrison, have been at the helm for 16 years, crafting a well-earned reputation for their exceptional ice cream flavors and dedication to quality.
New Flavor to Savor
One of the exciting developments at The Hop is the recent introduction of a tantalizing new persimmon ice cream flavor. Made with care and creativity, this new treat features ingredients sourced from two local favorites. A special Japanese Fuyu persimmon jam from Lee’s One Fortune Farm and a delightful blend of cinnamon and Appalachian spicebush berry from Well Seasoned Table combine to create a unique taste that is hard to resist!
When you indulge in a scoop of this delectable persimmon ice cream, you’re not just treating yourself to a mouthwatering dessert. You’re also making a significant contribution to the local economy. A portion of your purchase goes directly to Greg and Ashley, their team (who largely consist of college students from the area), and the hardworking Lee family from Lee’s One Fortune Farm. The farm is known not only for its delicious ingredients but also for supplying many award-winning restaurants in the region.
Keeping the Cash Flowing
Every dollar spent at The Hop generates a ripple effect through the local economy. This economic activity travels downstream, supporting local services and creating a web of benefits that keep the community thriving. Remarkably, nearly 50 cents of every dollar spent at local businesses is recycled back into the local economy. In contrast, large national chains only reinvest about 14 cents of each dollar, highlighting how vital it is to support homegrown establishments.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has emphasized the importance of shopping local, noting how it bolsters not just businesses but also workers and vendors, enhancing the entire economic ecosystem of the area. This becomes especially critical given the recent struggles after Hurricane Helene, which led to a devastating 70% decline in visitor traffic and an estimated loss of over $584 million in revenue for local businesses including restaurants, hotels, and shops.
A Community Rallying Together
In light of these challenges, community members are being called upon to lend their support. Local trade organizations, such as the Asheville Downtown Association, are organizing initiatives and events aimed at motivating residents to commit to buying local. Shopping at locally-owned businesses is not just a transaction; it’s an investment in the community and in preserving its unique character.
While some consumers often cite higher prices as a barrier to buying local, it is essential to remember that local businesses face steeper costs due to materials, fair wages for workers, and overhead expenses compared to larger chains. The living wage in Buncombe County has seen a significant increase in recent years, which also influences local pricing.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite the hurdles, hope is shining brightly as local residents rally to support one another in rebuilding post-Hurricane Helene. The persistent spirit of Asheville’s community proves that together, they are ready to navigate through the stormy weather and ensure that local gems like The Hop continue to thrive for years to come.
So the next time you find yourself craving a sweet scoop of ice cream, remember that indulging at The Hop not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports the local economy. It’s a small act that makes a big difference!
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Additional Resources
- Fast Company: Asheville’s Recovery Help for Local Businesses
- AVL Today: Celebrating Small Business Saturday in Asheville
- Garden & Gun: Holiday Shopping and Supporting North Carolina Artists
- Kidding Around Greenville: Shop Online WNC Asheville NC Businesses
- Charlotte Observer: C5 Development News
- Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
