Hurricane Helene left Asheville, North Carolina, grappling with severe challenges.
While the picturesque town is known for its vibrant culinary scene, the recent floods disrupted lives and livelihoods, especially in the service industry.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars—cornerstones of Asheville’s $3 billion tourism economy—face an uncertain future.
Josiah McGaughey’s fine dining restaurant, Vivian, stands as a symbol of resilience amidst despair.
Though the building survived, significant roof damage and the loss of tens of thousands of dollars in supplies forced its indefinite closure.
“We’ve also lost nearly half of our staff,” McGaughey shared, highlighting the emotional and financial toll on his team.
More than a month after the hurricane, Asheville’s water crisis continues, with 80% of homes and businesses lacking access to drinking water.
This scarcity has brought local restaurants to a standstill during their peak season. Over 22,000 food service workers face job uncertainty, making recovery a daunting task.
Service workers in Asheville face uncertain futures as businesses rebuild post-Hurricane Helene.Other establishments share similar stories. Creekside Taphouse lost an entire month of revenue, and its co-owner, Kim Murray, lamented the lack of assistance from insurers and the Small Business Administration.
Though Creekside has reopened, the reduced staff and uncertain future weigh heavily on the business.
Workers like bartender Capuchina Taylor at O. Henry’s struggle with plummeting income. “I can’t make rent on $80 shifts,” she explained, as reduced customer tips compound the impact.
Others, like Alex Nolan, have been forced to leave Asheville entirely, uprooting lives and careers.
Despite the bleak outlook, some find hope in community support. BattleCat Coffee, which managed to reopen by trucking in potable water, thrives on loyal local clientele.
“We’re not dependent on tourism, and that makes all the difference,” manager Hayley Lusk stated.
As Asheville rebuilds, the stories of these service industry workers and business owners illustrate the broader challenges of disaster recovery.
For many, the future remains uncertain, but their resilience and community spirit shine through.