Guests share a meal at Rosetta's Kitchen, highlighting community support after Tropical Storm Helene.
Amid the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville’s Rosetta’s Kitchen has taken commendable steps to support the local community. The vegan restaurant, led by owner Raleigh Starr, began serving free hot meals shortly after the storm, showcasing unwavering community spirit. Despite facing backlash for temporarily introducing meat options to assist others in need, many patrons offered their support. As the restaurant adapts, it remains committed to its mission of serving the community with compassion and resilience.
Asheville, NC has always been known for its vibrant food scene, bustling with unique eateries and local flavors. One such gem, Rosetta’s Kitchen, a beloved vegan restaurant nestled in downtown, has recently found itself in an unexpected spotlight due to its response to a natural disaster.
It all started when Rosetta’s Kitchen announced its new operational hours on September 19, with a schedule from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Just a week later, Asheville faced the brunt of Tropical Storm Helene, bringing not only rain and wind but also challenges for many in the community. In the face of adversity, the owner of Rosetta’s Kitchen, Raleigh Starr, stepped up to the plate in a big way.
Merely three days after the storm cleared, the restaurant began serving free hot meals to those affected. This noble endeavor initially offered just one meal a day on a pay-what-you-can basis, with volunteer staff rallying together to support this incredible effort. It demonstrated the spirit of community solidarity that Asheville is known for.
The response to the crisis didn’t stop there. Rosetta’s Kitchen received remarkable support from various local purveyors and nonprofits. Among these generous donations was an astonishing 1,500 pounds of meat from the nonprofit group Pulling for Veterans. To adapt to the situation, the restaurant made the tough decision to incorporate some of this meat into their traditional vegan offerings.
With the introduction of meat options like roasted bison stew alongside classic vegan dishes such as stuffed cabbage leaves and fried rice, the restaurant faced significant backlash. Some patrons expressed their disappointment online, leaving one-star reviews and voicing their outrage over the decision to offer animal-based meals. It was a polarizing move for a place that had once been a sanctuary for strictly plant-based dining.
Despite the controversy, Raleigh highlighted that all of the animal proteins used were donated and meticulously prepared separately to maintain the integrity of vegan dishes. The restaurant has a rich history, having first opened its doors as a vegetarian eatery back in September 2002 before transitioning into a fully-vegan establishment. This shift during a crisis marked a significant change in their operational model.
Interestingly, not all feedback was negative. A portion of the community recognized the necessity of providing nourishing meals during a challenging time, demonstrating support for the restaurant’s quick pivot. In the wake of struggles following December’s financial crunch, the restaurant also received a bridge loan from Mountain BizWorks, which allowed them to rehire previously laid-off staff members.
Today, Rosetta’s Kitchen proudly serves primarily vegan dishes, with occasional vegetarian options and weekly “freegan” specials that highlight locally-sourced meats. The necessity for inclusivity has become increasingly important for them, especially in a continually evolving vegan landscape in Asheville.
Rosetta’s has a history of community engagement as reflected in its previous initiatives, such as the “Everybody Eats” meal program that introduced sliding scale pricing back in 2013. Even in the face of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, Raleigh remains hopeful about the future. There is a steadfast determination to continue uplifting the local community through food.
Currently, the restaurant operates under limited hours, from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with the intent to return to full-time service as conditions improve. Rosetta’s Kitchen, located at 68 N. Lexington Ave, Asheville, is undeniably a beacon of resilience, hope, and community, proving that food can indeed bring people together, even in the toughest of times.
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