Asheville’s Economy Struggles to Recover from Devastation of Tropical Storm Helene

Asheville’s Economy Copes After Tropical Storm Helene

Asheville is slowly picking up the pieces after being hit hard by Tropical Storm Helene. The storm, which struck in September, caused significant damage, particularly to the water pipes and plants in the area. With tourism being a cornerstone of Asheville’s economy, businesses have faced an uphill battle for survival. Some, unfortunately, have closed their doors for good.

Impact on Local Businesses

As we delve into the aftermath of the storm, it’s hard to ignore the financial toll it has taken on the community. By October, the unemployment rate in Buncombe County had skyrocketed to nearly 9%, making it the highest in North Carolina. Just a month before, Asheville enjoyed a remarkably low unemployment rate of 2.5%. The contrast is staggering, highlighting how swiftly circumstances can change.

The storm wreaked havoc with an estimated $584 million in total losses for local businesses including retail, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. This amounts to a whopping 70% decline in visitor spending during the fourth quarter of 2024. “Our local businesses have really taken a beating,” Vic Isley, president of Explore Asheville, shared. With city water restored, those businesses are now trying to reboot their operations.

Restaurants Reopening

Among the eager faces waiting to welcome back customers was Peter Pollay, owner of Posana Restaurant. After five weeks of closure, Pollay recounted, “We waited long enough for the first round of plumbers, installers, and restaurant owners to get a good water system going. But it was a huge expense.” Setting up a water system added an unexpected cost of around $4,000 for a water tank and pump, along with regular purchases of drinking water costing up to $850 each visit.

Pollay’s determination to reopen was fueled by a desire to get staff back to work and feed the local community. Sadly, he discovered that not all his employees were waiting for a call back. “Some staff had already fled Asheville’s economy, driven away by expensive rents and lack of income,” Pollay noted. His fellow restaurateur, Michel Baudouin, who owns Bouchon and RendezVous, echoed this frustration. “After we reopened on October 19, we had to adjust our operations just to get by.”

The Cost of Recovery

Reopening hasn’t come without extra expenses. Baudouin joined a group of restaurants sharing a 2,000-gallon water tank, costing between $700 and $900 daily. With the water unavailable for washing dishes, he also had to invest in paper cups, plates, and utensils. Businesses have had to adapt, even while navigating cautious customer sentiments.

Despite the hurdles, local patrons have stepped up to support their favorite eateries. However, as Pollay and Baudouin remind us, tourists — the lifeblood of Asheville’s dining scene — remain scarce.

Challenges Ahead

October, typically a fruitful month for tourism, turned into a total loss for many restaurants and hotels, pushing them into a period that is traditionally quiet even in its best years. “Most destinations see recovery in about 14 months after a disaster,” Isley informed, highlighting that some areas may face a long road ahead.

Hope on the Horizon

But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are upcoming initiatives, like the two Restaurant Weeks happening in January and February, giving the community a chance to rally around local businesses once again. Even the Omni Grove Park Inn, a popular resort, is ready to reintroduce guests after a temporary closure. They shifted focus to a Gingerbread Trail of Giving, allowing local businesses to showcase their creations in the absence of their annual competition.

Looking Towards the Future

While the storm has left its mark, a resilient spirit remains in Asheville. Kaplan, the director of Venture Asheville, noted, “This time is perfect for businesses wanting to reinvent themselves. There’s no reason to stick to the status quo anymore.” Combining creativity with a sense of community, Asheville is determined to rise from the challenges of recent months and embrace a future that cherishes both resilience and innovation.

In the face of adversity, it’s heartening to witness how the people of Asheville pull together, proving that their community spirit is unbreakable. As businesses gear for recovery, we can only wait and watch how this beloved city navigates through its next chapter.