Black Mountain Set to Open Skillet, a New Restaurant Emphasizing Comfort Food

Black Mountain Welcomes Skillet: A New Culinary Destination

Black Mountain is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to unveil Skillet, a new restaurant that promises to be a delightful addition to the local food scene. Set to open at the end of this month, Skillet takes over one of the town’s historic icehouse buildings, breathing new life into a space filled with character. This venture marks the latest chapter for Foothills Meats, a business that has grown tremendously since its humble beginnings 23 years ago, when it began selling locally sourced meats from a pickup truck at the Black Mountain Tailgate Market.

A Journey of Growth

Over the years, Foothills Meats has transformed into a well-loved staple in the community, well-known for its commitment to sourcing whole animals from small local farmers. In 2013, the McKissick couple, Amanda and Casey, opened the Foothills Butcher Shop on Black Mountain Avenue. Their expansion didn’t stop there; they soon introduced two Butcher Bar restaurants and even a food truck. However, the couple decided to shift gears, selling the West Asheville restaurant in early 2021 and closing the Black Mountain Butcher Bar in 2022 to concentrate on their growing female-led butcher business.

The Birth of Skillet

Last year, they introduced The Grange, a family-friendly establishment boasting a large outdoor area, covered patio, and a diverse menu featuring casual fare inspired by their own childhood favorites, all whipped up from the food truck. With The Grange thriving, the empty icehouse next door beckoned to the McKissicks. This charming building was previously operated as part of Black Mountain Ice and Coal and needed to be put to good use.

Now, in 2023, the McKissicks have transformed the two-story icehouse into a bustling kitchen and dining space, allowing The Grange to expand while simultaneously crafting their vision for Skillet. With the new restaurant’s name in mind, they sought a talented chef to take the helm. Enter Eric Morris, a culinary wizard with experience from Cultura and Wicked Weed Funkatorium, who recently left his position in search of a more fulfilling venture.

A Shift in Direction

Just as plans for Skillet were solidifying, Tropical Storm Helene tossed a wrench into the works. Shifting the culinary focus away from an upscale dining experience, Casey expressed how the community needed “comfort food” during tough times. “People need comfort now, and Eric and his food can feel like a big, warm hug,” Casey stated, emphasizing the importance of affordable, family-style dining. Eric shared a similar enthusiasm for this pivot, eager to create comforting dishes that will resonate with the local community.

Comfort Food with a Twist

The menu for Skillet is filled with comforting twists on familiar favorites. Sample dishes include brown butter cornbread topped with chicken butter and a drizzle of hot honey, curried pumpkin and coconut soup garnished with cilantro, apples, and pepitas, and a chicories salad that features fried pumpernickel and anchovy vinaigrette. For the heartier appetites, there’s roast chicken paired with maitake mushrooms, parsnip purée, Brussels sprouts, and candied pork belly. Not to forget, their sweet potato gnocchi topped with broccoli rabe, pecorino, and sage is bound to be a hit!

Opening Details

Initially, Skillet will open five days a week, closing its doors on Mondays and Tuesdays. The McKissicks are optimistic about transitioning Skillet to a more elevated dining concept come spring, potentially introducing a new name that reflects the evolution of their culinary vision. Amanda and Casey are thrilled not only to bring on Eric but also to offer fresh job opportunities in the local restaurant industry.

Skillet is located at 128 Broadway St., Black Mountain, and is ready to welcome patrons with open arms in late November. For those hungry for a sense of community, comfort, and creativity on a plate, Skillet is set to be the place to be!