When N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper closed restaurant dining rooms in mid-March, the Kickback AVL website became “a madhouse,” says owner Jennie Townsend.
Independent restaurants grapple with whether and how to reopen for in-house service
Dazed and confused might best describe the reaction from local restaurateurs to Phase 2 of the state’s COVID-19 reopening plan, with side orders of determination and ingenuity.
New coffee shop owners face pandemic shortly after opening
Farewell coffee shop was open only two months before it was forced to close by COVID-19. But the owners saw the store’s roll-up window as an opportunity to stay in business.
West Asheville restaurants reinvent their service models to meet COVID challenge
Jargon and Biscuit Head are navigating the restaurant shut-down by trying new concepts.
Local chefs celebrate Mother’s Day in the kitchen with their kids
“I think it’s hard for people who are used to doing it for a living, where you have to be fast,” says Sand Hill Kitchen owner and chef Jamie Wade. “I’ve really had to work on my patience, but we have a lot of time on our hands.
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe partners with #AshevilleStrong to create specialty flavors
The more collaborations, the better for everyone,” says The Hop co-owner Greg Garrison.
Asheville independent restaurants struggle to stay in business
Initially seen as a lifesaver, the Paycheck Protection Program has instead become a lead weight around the necks of many independent restaurants.
Dining Out for Life fundraiser tweaks model in response to restaurant closures
For 18 years, the Western North Carolina Aids Project has counted on the generosity of local, independent restaurants to fuel its annual fundraiser. With those restaurants struggling to stay afloat, WNCAP is hoping to return their kindness with a COVID-19 twist on Dining Out for Life. “Typically, the event model is based on participating restaurants […]
Asheville’s independent restaurants weigh their options
The owners of WNC’s independent restaurants have faced the complex question of whether to shutter entirely or devise a transition to takeout.
Asheville hospitality industry rallies support for struggling businesses, workers
Groups are seeking support for workers and businesses through online initiatives, relief funds and lobbying efforts.
Esther Joseph closes Calypso restaurant to focus on feeding body and soul
“I want to create a truly sacred space where I can provide people with what they need to nourish themselves in body and soul, find transformation and shift their lives into something worth living. That is my intention now,” says Joseph.
Asheville nabs five James Beard Award nods across four categories
Asheville chefs are semifinalists in the Best Chef: Southeast, Rising Star Chef, Outstanding Chef and Best New Restaurant categories.
Small bites: Asheville Wing War strikes again
The ninth annual Asheville Wing War returns on Sunday, March 8. Also: PennyCup Coffee Co. hosts Coffee Farmer Caravan; Asheville CSA Fair returns; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Asheville’s immigrant chefs feed the local community
Western North Carolina, which, despite a paucity of ethnic and racial diversity demographically, boasts a wide range of global culinary representation.
Small bites: Mother Ocean Seafood Market set to open
On Tuesday, March 3, Mother Ocean Market will host its grand opening. Also: The Whale: A Craft Beer Collective and 12 Bones team up for a leap year beer dinner; Noble Cider hosts its fifth annual Chili Cookoff, benefiting Girls on the Run of WNC; Root Down Kitchen opens at Salvage Station; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Women create their own opportunities in Asheville’s restaurant industry
Resourcefulness, hard work and tenacity have proven to be indispensable ingredients for success among many of Asheville’s leading women restaurateurs.
Small bites: Soul Food Supper
Chicken, black eyed-peas and collard greens are among the items to be served at the upcoming Soul Food Supper, hosted by Asheville Parks and Recreation. Also: Lookout Brewing Co. holds a mac and cheese cookoff; The Cut Cocktail Lounge celebrates Mardi Gras with a crawfish boil; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Hearty stock: Soup is on the menu this winter in WNC
High-quality ingredients, skill and a lot of time — often up to two days — go into the preparation of the soups at many Asheville-area restaurants.
Small bites: Dining out for Valentine’s Day
Where to eat for Valentine’s Day? You’ve got options. Also: Asheville Celtic Festival debuts; Doc Brown’s BBQ hosts a vegan pop-up; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Valentine’s Day dining in Asheville on a shoestring
Creative options for Valentine’s Day fare on a budget.
Green in brief: Asheville declares climate emergency, Duke opens Arden gas plant
“The loss of life and damage caused by current global warming demonstrates that the Earth is already too hot for safety,” states the document approved by a 6-0 vote of Asheville City Council on Jan. 28. “Restoring a safe and stable climate requires an emergency climate mobilization on a scale not seen since World War II.”