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Costco is a no go
The Enka site would’ve been the first in WNC. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Say so long to the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. Costco has withdrawn its application for the Enka site, scrapping plans for what would have been WNC’s first location.
In a letter to Asheville’s Planning and Zoning Commission posted by Asheville Watchdog, Costco’s project manager writes, “Since submitting the application, additional requirements from reviewing agencies related to both on-site and off-site improvements have increased the project’s overall scope, timeline, and anticipated costs.”
The decision follows multiple delays, as the project was twice slated for Planning and Zoning Commission review before Costco developers repeatedly requested continuances.
It was rare to see Ashevillians get this excited for a large national chain, but the members-only chain has been in demand here for more than a decade.
Many are taking this loss to heart, from local leaders to the 1,500+ members of the We Want Costco in WNC Facebook group, ourselves included.
As it remains, to get that $4.99 rotisserie chicken, you’ll have to cross state lines and head to Greenville or Spartanburg, SC.
Asheville Crafted Edge is moving to a larger space in the former Local’s Only gift shop across from Grove Arcade. Monday, Feb. 23 is the last day to shop handcrafted knives and cookware from its Eagle Street shop before it reopens in its new digs in mid-March.
Civic
6,000+. That’s how many ballots were cast during the first four days of early voting in the primary election. Early voting runs through Saturday, Feb. 28 — here’s what else you need to know about doing your civic duty, from key dates to finding your sample ballot. (WLOS)
Watch
Shocking upsets, personal confessions, and cheating accusations. Any guesses what we’re talking about? This year’s2026 Winter Olympics have been full of controversy, and the theatrics aren’t over yet. The Closing Ceremony takes place this Sunday, Feb. 22, and you can watch the spectacle on Peacock or at a local sports bar.
Sports
Construction on UNC Asheville’s $4 million tennis facility is being delayed to spring after recent weather. The project was approved when news broke that Asheville Racquet Club was being demolished for I-26. The new facility will replace the university’s P1 parking lot off Broadway and Campus Drive. (WLOS)
Drink
National Margarita Day is this Sunday, Feb. 22. Last year, y’all told us your fav spots for the cocktail, including Anoche’s house marg with mezcal, W.A.L.K. for a zero-proof version, and Chai Pani for a twist on a classic with the tamarind margarita. Find an AVL bar to suit every sip.
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Event Spotlight
The big cheese of food events
The Lobster Trap will bring a taste of the ocean to Asheville. | Photo via AIR
Tickets are on sale now for the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association’s (AIR) signature event, Taste of Asheville.
On Thursday, March 26, more than 50 local restaurants and craft beverage makers convene to show off their culinary creativity and dish out fabulous flavors.
General admission tickets are $80, but the $120 VIP ticket lets you beat the crowds with early entry and a signature cocktail tasting from Chemist Spirits.
Proceeds help AIR support our city’s independent restaurants through education, training, and advocacy programs.
The Buy
A set of shower steamers with 11 unique scents like jasmine, chamomile, lavender, and mint. The variety lets you tailor the experience to your mood: a relaxing spa night, a midday pick-me-up, or an energizing morning reset. Bonus: They make great gifts.
I can’t let the Costco news get me down, because today is a great day — Cassia is back at Cellarest after its winter break, which means balance has been restored to my weekend.
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