If there’s one thing to say about 2020, it’s that it was a doozy for everyone. The ongoing pandemic was especially unforgiving to local businesses, and in July, we gave you a list of businesses that closed, opened, or planned to open. While we have sadly said goodbye to many retail shops, restaurants, music venues + more, we’ve also welcomed some newcomers.
Read on to see the bizzes that have closed, opened, and are coming soon since our last update.
🥫 Bodega on Broadway, 28 Broadway St. Groceries + provisions, hoping to re-open in a new location in 2021.
🐟 Bonefish Grill, 105 C River Hills Rd. After 12 years in business, the national seafood chain closed in summer of 2020.
🍔 Burgerworx, 1378 Hendersonville Rd., Hendersonville The customizable burgers + hot dogs joint opened in Hendersonville in 2014. The downtown location is still open.
🍹 Calypso, 18 N Lexington Ave. St. Lucian cuisine + rum bar. The owner closed in the winter and then decided to close for good due to COVID-19. Protip: Table will soon take up residence here.
🐔Chicken Salad Chick, 4 S. Tunnel Rd. The Alabama-based chain cited a lease expiration.
🖼️ Eco Depot, 408 Depot St. Environmental themed gallery/gift shop filled with the work of over 60 local artists.
🍽️ En La Calle, 15 Eagle St. Limone’s will expand into the space formerly holding the cocktail + small plates bar.
🍕 Flat Rock Pizza, 712 Upward Rd., Flat Rock Customer loss + lack of funds as the reasoning behind the decision to close in October before celebrating their 22nd anniversary this December.
🛹 Flipside Boardshop, 88 N. Lexington Ave. Closing its doors after 21 years, the shop will move online to better fit their customer base. The Maggie Valley location remains open.
🥩 Foothills Local Meats,697 Haywood Rd. Chefs Kyle McKnight + Stewart Lyon plan to bring a new concept, Your Place at Foothills West, in Jan. 2021.
🎒 Frugal Backpacker, 52 Westgate Pkwy. The former brick + mortar will shift to an online platform, meanwhile, check-out their sister store, Diamond Brand.
Weather ○ 40º | Rain and snow showers | 40% chance of rain
Coronavirus ○ Check out the latest COVID-19 statsfor NC from the Department of Health and Human Services here. As of Sunday afternoon, 10, 843 cases and 198 deaths have been reported in Buncombe County. ○ In an effort to boost inmate participation in coronavirus vaccination, the NC Department of Public Safety is considering offering incentives to inmates who choose to be vaccinated. This comes after the state reported its greatest-ever single-day increase of 10,000+ cases on Thurs., Jan. 7. Neither the corrections department nor the state currently mandate vaccination among prison inmate populations. (WUNC) ○ Buncombe Co. residents who are 75+ can now register for COVID-19 immunization appointments online. All available appointments are currently taken, but openings will be posted here. Appointments can also be made by calling (828) 250-5000 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 💻
Civic ○ The Asheville Affordable Housing Committee met virtually last week to discuss the city’s affordable housing crisis. Currently, there are less than 20 homes for sale under $275,000. City staff are currently trying to find innovative ways to make the development process more efficient for buyers + homeowners alike. Ideas include developing under-used or vacant spots within existing areas that are already largely developed. 🏘️ (WLOS) ○ Nominations are now being accepted for Buncombe County’s 2021 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. The award honors individuals, groups, + businesses that make significant contributions to the community through volunteer service. To nominate an individual, group, or business, fill out a nomination formonline or download one + email it. 🏆
Community ○ Those that have experienced a job loss or reduced income as a result of COVID-19 can apply for the A-B Tech Works Scholarship. The scholarship is valued from $1,500 to $3,000 and covers tuition + other costs for the spring 2021 semester. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis + classes begin Mon., Jan. 11. 🎒
Edu ○ Buncombe County commissionersare proposing a $20 million plan to create a universal Pre-K program to make preschool accessible for all. As of now, the county is voting whether to add $850,000 to the budget for early childhood programs. The final vote for the budget will take place in July. 💰(WLOS) ○ To help get more students to + through college-level courses offered at community colleges, NC is using a new initiative. RISE (Reinforced Instruction for Student Excellence) is the state’s latest reform to developmental education. It uses a corequisite educational model, which allows students to begin college-level classes while taking a simultaneous support class. Read more about it here. 📚 (Ed NC)
Digs ○ Ready for some quiet moments as we switch from play to work mode? Join a flexible workspace in your favorite city. Cowork at Center for Craft is a place for artists and creative entrepreneurs featuring cool lounge spaces, direct fiber internet, complimentary Counter Culture Coffee + Buchi Kombucha, and more. Check out their space and claim a free week of coworking. It’s the right way to start a Monday.
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
Ready to see something cool? The Asheville Art Museum recently shared a video in which their multimedia storytelling intern, Shira Zaid, reflects on the power + beauty of artist Maya Lin’s Pin River—French Broad River, on view in the museum’s lobby,while the piece is constructed with steel pins.The piece features minimalist depiction of our region’s famed waterway that both hearkens back to its centuries-old history as well as its future.
We recommend observing the power of art and enjoying the moment of zen it provides.
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#MUSTDO
ForPets ○ Free Pet Food Giveaway| Mon., Jan. 11 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Blue Ridge Humane Society, 88 Centipede Ln., Hendersonville | Free | Food will be distributed carside while supplies last. 🐾
Learn ○ Plot Writing – Part 1| Mon., Jan. 11 | 6-8 p.m. | Virtual | $395 |The Asheville School of Film is hosting Richard Bergh to explore developing a compelling + effective plot. 🖊️
TryThis ○ Winter Workshop 1: Fermentation Made Easy| Mon., Jan. 11 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Virtual | $12 | Ishka Shir discusses the fermentation process and the history of fermentation + shows how to make sauerkraut. 🥒
ForParents ○ Monday Virtual Circle of Parents| Mon., Jan. 11 | 8-9 p.m. | Virtual, Zoom | Free | Talk with other families about virtual schooling and/or homeschooling, offer support + suggestions, problem-solve, share ideas, and more. 💬
Cause ○ Power In Pints| Mon., Jan. 11 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Hillman Beer, 78 Catawba Ave., Suite F., Old Fort | Free | $1 for every Hillman beer sold will be donated to the Old Fort Fire Department. 🍺
Find more of this week’s local events in our January PlanAhead.
Disclaimer: It is up to readers’ discretion to determine whether they feel comfortable participating in any mentioned events based on COVID-19 protocols and precautions. If you have questions, please contact the event’s organizers directly.
