Asheville: A City Ready to Welcome You Back
Asheville, North Carolina, is opening its arms wide and inviting everyone, especially folks from Charlotte, to come visit and enjoy its vibrant restaurant scene. After the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which left many local businesses reeling, the time is now to support this welcoming community. It’s not just about dining out; it’s about putting our tourism dollars back into the hands of hardworking restaurant staff and supporting those who make Asheville a unique travel destination.
A Struggling Restaurant Scene
This lovely city is known for its diverse and innovative culinary scene, but it’s faced some tough challenges lately. Major restaurants like Vivian, which was a beloved fixture in the River Arts District, recently announced it would be closing permanently due to the financial strain of the hurricane. It’s heartbreaking as Chef Josiah McGaughey had even been nominated for a James Beard Award earlier this year, showcasing the talent that was lost in the community.
In addition to Vivian, other local spots such as Rosabee’s and one location of Summit Coffee have also faced permanent or long-term closure. While Corner Kitchen is planning to rebuild, the overall situation shows just how deeply the storm has impacted the community.
Impact on Jobs
Even long-standing favorites like Cúrate have felt the pinch, with Chef Katie Button having to lay off 30% of her staff due to plummeting revenue during what is usually the busiest time of the year. “We need sales to keep people employed,” she expresses, highlighting how essential it is for locals and tourists alike to support these businesses.
As tourism accounts for a significant part of Asheville’s economy—12.2% of its workforce is tied to the food and beverage industry—the city has come together to lift up its hospitality workers. Many of the same people who are now suffering job losses were the ones on the front lines providing meals and support to the community in the days immediately following the storm.
Community Response
The response from the community has been heartwarming. Local restaurants and chefs have banded together to assist each other and their employees. For example, Cúrate recently hosted a fundraiser dinner to raise funds for the staff of Good Hot Fish, a new eatery that has earned accolades for being one of the best restaurants in America. Initiatives like this show the strength of community bonds that Asheville prides itself on.
Moreover, local businesses have rallied during the crisis, with everyone from restaurant owners to Uber drivers feeling the effects. Jackie Gass, an Uber driver, shared that her typical passenger demographic shifted drastically, and she was seeing mostly locals instead of tourists. “We need the Charlotte people, the Greenville people, and the Raleigh people to come out and visit us,” she says, urging visitors to support local bars, restaurants, and shops.
Time to Visit
As the holiday season approaches, Asheville is a perfect place to provide support not only through tourism but also by simply enjoying its offerings. You can check out award-winning spots like Neng Jr.’s and Good Hot Fish, as well as craft breweries and trails that showcase the area’s beauty.
Don’t miss the holiday festivities at the Biltmore, where the property will be fully open with stunning decorations and themed events. Visiting the Biltmore isn’t just a lovely outing; it’s an investment in the community’s recovery and unity.
Looking Ahead
As the calendar turns to January, Asheville’s Restaurant Week will be a great excuse to explore the culinary delights this town has to offer. With a rich culture of small, passionate entrepreneurs, every visit helps ensure that Asheville retains its independent, creative charm.
If you can’t make it to Asheville this year, consider purchasing gift cards from local restaurants or artisans as holiday gifts. Every bit helps, and it’s vital that we support these small treasures to ensure they can weather this storm—both literally and figuratively.
Let’s Show Asheville the Love it Deserves!
This holiday season, let’s come together to visit, engage, and enjoy all that Asheville has to offer. A trip here isn’t just a getaway; it’s a way of saying, “We care about you, and we’re here to help you rebuild.” So pack your bags and hit the road to Asheville—because this beautiful city is ready and waiting for you!
