Asheville businesses underwater months after Hurricane Helene

Months after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Asheville businesses are still struggling to recover, with some calling for more government aid to help them stay afloat.

Among those hit hard is 12 Bones Smokehouse, a beloved Asheville institution so well-known for its barbecue, former President Obama dined there three times. The restaurant has been a staple in the community for 20 years but lost its River Arts District location to the storm and has been forced to consolidate operations at its south Asheville location.

While 12 Bones managed to keep one location open, many businesses in the area have been forced to shut their doors entirely. The Kings, like so many other business owners, are navigating an uphill battle to stay open.

“We could see that the building was almost completely submerged, and we knew at that point it was a million times worse than anyone could have imagined,” said Bryan King, co-owner of 12 Bones. “It was heartbreaking to see.”

The Kings reopened their south Asheville location in October, but not without sacrifices. Thirteen employees were laid off, and the remaining staff took cuts in hours to keep the business running.

“Quarter four is everyone’s biggest money-making time of the year,” Angela King said. “Losing that revenue is a huge hit and now we have to push through January, February, and March, which are already the slowest months of the year.”

The Kings estimate revenue has dropped by 35-40% since the storm—a trend echoed by other Asheville business owners.

“It seems like every week, another business is closing,” Angela King said.

Adding to the challenges, many businesses have faced insurance denials for losses tied to the hurricane. Angela King revealed that while they received some flood insurance compensation, claims for business interruption and food spoilage were denied.

“We are going to appeal it,” she said. “It’s been a constant uphill battle.”

For those seeking federal assistance, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans have become the last resort. SBA Public Information Officer Donika Farnham says climate change and funding delays have stretched resources thin.

“Because these storms are becoming more severe, the extent of the damage is becoming more severe,” Farnham said. “We’re currently facing a funding shortfall and businesses that have approved applications are in limbo as we wait for Congress to approve funds. These businesses aren’t getting the immediate help they desperately need.”

Local lawmakers are pushing for more federal support. Incoming State House Speaker Destin Hall has been advocating for grants or a relief program modeled after the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that supported businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of the things we’ve been advocating for is maybe even something similar to the PPP program a few years ago,” Hall said. “This, of course, would be for western North Carolina businesses impacted by [Hurricane Helene], so they can remain open.”

In the meantime, business owners are looking for immediate support from the community. The Kings urge visitors to come during the traditionally slow winter months.

“We’re begging tourists to come now,” Angela King said. “There are still a lot of small businesses and studios that are open and would love for tourists to visit.”

For those unable to visit, gift certificates or donations can help struggling businesses make it through the winter. “We just appreciate everything people have done for the area, from near and far,” Bryan King said.

A GoFundMe campaign for 12 Bones employees is still active, with funds earmarked for those in need during the coming months.

“We’re doing everything we can to support our staff and community,” Angela King said.

For now, the future remains uncertain.

“It’s been a tough five years between COVID and now this,” Bryan King said. “We just hope to make it to next summer.”