Madi Holtzman, the new director for We Give a Share, notes her vision for the nonprofit’s future. Also: Asheville Independent Restaurant Association names its new executive director; River Arts District Farmers Market lands a new location; and more!
Opening soon-ish: New restaurants face ongoing obstacles and delays
For many first-time and established restaurateurs, the current market and supply chain issues continue to create ongoing challenges for new projects. For some local chefs, the result has meant pushing back start dates, while depending ever more on the ambiguous promise of “Opening Soon.”
Green in brief: MountainTrue turns 2022 Bioblitz into friendly competition
“By expanding the blitz to four counties and making a game of it, we hope to be able to engage more people and find more species,” said MountainTrue Public Lands Biologist Josh Kelly. “We might even find some that have never been recorded in our region.”
What’s new in food: Botanical Bones earns big treat
Botanical Bones receives a $50,000 grant for its expanding dog treat business. Also: North Carolina Craft Beverage Museum launches its traveling exhibit; Brews & Bears celebrates its latest gathering; and more!
What’s new in food: AVL Honey Fest buzzes into Salvage Station
The inaugural AVL Honey Fest debuts at Salvage Station Sunday, June 5. Also: Livermush Festival returns to Marion; Well Played Board Game Café reopens; and more!
What’s new in food: Finch to open in Biltmore Village
Finch Gourmet Market & Wine Bar opens in Biltmore Village. Plus: Pop Bubble Tea prepares for grand opening in North Asheville; Howdy Homemade Ice Cream launches in Arden; and plenty more!
Community Foundation of WNC promotes flexible giving
While most nonprofits must stay focused on their specific cause, suggests board member Caroline Avery, the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s adaptable structure helps it pivot quickly to meet new challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fred in 2021. “The community foundation is a charitable Gumby,” she says.
Food nonprofits fight to meet increased need
Since COVID-19 emerged in early 2020, local nonprofits dedicated to meeting the needs of food insecure citizens have been engaged in what feels like an endless game of Whac-A-Mole, no sooner subduing one obstacle before another rears its menacing head.
Green in brief: Chestnut Mountain Nature Park opens to public
About 35 acres of the nearly 450-acre tract — purchased by the nonprofit Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in 2020 and recently transferred to the town of Canton — are now open, including the Berm Park mountain bike skills course and a mixed-use hiking/biking trail.
What’s new in food: Bowling for Loving Food Resources
Asheville Pride Bowling League continues its quest to raise funds for Loving Food Resources. Also: MetroWines hosts grand re-opening; Ben’s Tune Up launches brunch menu; and more!
Asheville-based entrepreneurs shape a service-centered tech sector
Although the region’s technology sector is relatively small, local tech entrepreneurs take pride in their Asheville-inflected approach to business. The firms flourishing here combine a devotion to quality with a sense of social responsibility, aiming to make up for their modest proportions in societal impact.
What’s new in food: Mehfil serves northern Indian cuisine to downtown diners
So radical is the transformation of the storefront building at 5 Biltmore Ave. — revealed on April 7 as Mehfil — that even people who frequently traverse downtown’s main artery may need a reminder of what was there. “It was Hana Japanese Hibachi and Sushi,” says Al Singh, owner of the new Indian restaurant with […]
What’s new in food: Zella’s Deli brings NY-style sandwiches to WNC
Located on College Street in downtown Asheville, Zella’s Deli serves meatball subs and other sandwich classics. Also: Jeremiah’s Italian Ice opens on Merrimon Avenue; Gospel Ice Cream debuts at the River Arts District Farmers Market; and more!
Green in brief: MountainTrue seeks ban on single-use plastics
A study conducted by MountainTrue found an average of 19 microplastic particles — pieces smaller than 5 millimeters, formed by the breakdown of larger plastics — per liter of water in local river systems. Exposure to microplastics has been tied to allergic reactions and other health impacts in humans, as well as negative effects on fish.
What’s new in food: Jamaican specialties arrive at the Asheville Mall food court
Pan Island opens at Asheville Mall’s food court. Plus: Vegan Peruvian food pop-up; Easter chocolates; and more!
Study puts $3.8B annual price tag on French Broad
A recently completed study, commissioned by the French Broad River Partnership in 2019 and led by economist Steve Ha of Western Carolina University, sets the total economic value of the French Broad and its tributaries at $3.8 billion per year. By comparison, the Blue Ridge Parkway that also runs through Asheville creates about $1.3 billion in economic output per year.
Instagram helps local culinary artists build their businesses
The social media site has played a pivotal role in launching businesses for Erin Calzone, Beth Kellerhals and Jess Liu.
What’s new in food: Asheville City Market returns to downtown
After two years away, Asheville City Market returns downtown. Also: Jettie Rae’s Oyster House welcomes The Pearl; Holeman and Finch Public House debuts brunch menu; and plenty more!
Asheville historic renovation efforts kick into full gear
To bring old buildings up to modern-day standards involves architectural assessments, electrical upgrades, plumbing revamps and structural repairs — challenges that many preservationists are now facing, and seeking to fund, as Asheville’s turn-of-the-century landmarks continue into their second hundred years.
From CPP: ARPA funds helping Buncombe nonprofits recover from pandemic
Eighteen nonprofits aiding mountain residents with services like housing, diapers, food, the arts, education and advocacy receiving more than $13.9 million of Buncombe County’s ARPA funding.
Green in brief: Blue Ridge Parkway tops national parks in 2021 visitation
The scenic roadway saw 15.9 million recreation visits in 2021, up from about 14 million in 2020; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which also includes land in Western North Carolina, was in second place with over 14.1 million visits.