Asheville’s River Arts District Faces Devastation and Hope in Wake of Tropical Storm Helene

Asheville Reels from Tropical Storm Helene’s Aftermath

As the warm afternoon sun shines brightly in Asheville, the hustle and bustle of the River Arts District (RAD) is punctuated by an air of uncertainty and resilience. Nearly a month has passed since Tropical Storm Helene unleashed its fury on Western North Carolina, engulfing parts of the region in torrential floodwaters that left behind a trail of destruction. Among the many casualties of this natural disaster were several highly anticipated eateries, including Gourmand, a French rotisserie and wine restaurant that was set to open its doors this month.

A Dream on Hold

Standing amidst swirling brown dust at the site of what was supposed to be their culinary dream, Katie Grabach and Peyton Barrell looked on as heavy machinery tested the structural integrity of their restaurant, which had been displaced by the overwhelming flood. “If it had not hit the Wedge and got stuck between it and that telephone pole, it would probably be in Marshall,” Barrell reflected. “In some ways, we were very lucky.”

The couple’s optimism shines through even as they confront a staggering loss—nearly $300,000 in damages, including their buildout and equipment that had been flooded along with other businesses in the area. They had faced challenges before; having relocated from New York City to New Orleans and then to Asheville due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida, they took immense pride in their culinary venture, which seemed so close to fruition.

The Ripple Effect of Loss

Not far from where Gourmand stood, another new business, Black Cat Sandwich Co., faced similar heartache. Restaurateurs Suzy Phillips and Dave Campbell saw their fully prepared space inundated with muddy waters, losing everything from a $5,000 espresso machine to the ingredients meticulously curated for their menu. In the aftermath of the flood, their hopeful opening turned into a daunting cleanup effort involving stripping the building down to bare bones.

“I’m not a rich person; this was my investment,” Phillips lamented, highlighting the financial struggles faced by small business owners. She pointedly expressed frustration at the lack of immediate support for businesses like theirs, which were caught in the storm’s wake. “We need assistance like we had during COVID.”

Support Amidst the Struggle

Throughout the RAD, camaraderie has blossomed as landlords and business owners unite to confront the cleanup efforts. Grabach and Barrell expressed gratitude for the support from their landlord, while Phillips and Campbell received assistance from theirs, who worked diligently to salvage tenants’ artworks.

Meanwhile, plans are underway as the co-owners of ButterPunk, a bakery and coffee shop, see hope amid adversity. With their opening delayed, the pastry chefs Dana Amromin and Beth Kellerhals are keeping spirits high with a GoFundMe campaign to aid their recovery, showcasing the community’s resilience as they prepare for future events like Thanksgiving and Christmas bake sales.

A Glimpse into the Future

The timeline for reopening remains uncertain for all affected businesses. While optimism prevails, the harsh reality of the situation reminds owners of the fragility of their aspirations. Excitement about upcoming holiday seasons now intertwines with worry over potential losses in tourist revenue and the overall recovery rate for the local hospitality industry.

Amromin expressed hopes for a Valentine’s Day reopening, echoing a collective yearning to restore normalcy. However, questions linger: “How many tourists are we losing over the next year because they can’t get hotels or Airbnbs?” Campbell asked, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of their recovery journey.

Community Initiatives Take Shape

The N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association has stepped in, offering support mainly aimed at employees rather than business owners, but there are ongoing efforts to craft a state policy agenda to provide immediate assistance to affected establishments. “Loans are nice, but loans have to be paid back,” a representative of the association pointed out, advocating for cash relief similar to what was offered during the pandemic.

As Asheville grapples with the traumatic legacy of Tropical Storm Helene, the stories of resilience from local businesses showcase the spirit of collaboration and hope that persists in the face of adversity. As Grabach and Barrell, Phillips and Campbell, and many others aim to reconstruct their futures, the community stands alongside them, determined to rebound stronger than before.