Amidst the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, N.C., restaurant owners like Drew Wallace of the Bull and Beggar are struggling to recover. Wallace recently started paying his staff again since the restaurant reopened after experiencing two feet of flooding. The storm whittled away at Asheville’s food scene, causing numerous eateries and breweries to close permanently. Even established spots like Gourmand and Cúrate were not spared.
Asheville’s tourism-driven economy was dealt a heavy blow, with the city left without potable water for weeks and many hotels closed. The closure of numerous restaurants has left hundreds of employees jobless and has impacted local suppliers and vendors. The storm also wreaked havoc on local farmers, causing losses in crops and livestock.
Despite the challenges, some restaurants, like Neng Jr’s, have reopened and are adapting to new business models to survive. The community is rallying together to support local establishments and farmers, with efforts like Asheville Restaurant Week and food-policy symposiums being organized to boost the city’s food scene.
Asheville, known for its vibrant culinary scene, is facing an uphill battle to recover from the storm’s aftermath. The resilience of its residents and the support of the community will be crucial in rebuilding the city’s vibrant food culture.
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