Hurricane Helene left Asheville’s thriving food community in ruins last September, but now, some restaurants are finally gearing up to reopen. Drew Wallace, co-owner of the Bull and Beggar, is among those leading the charge. After months of cleaning up silt-soaked dining rooms and repairing flooded spaces, his team is set to welcome guests back by the end of January.

For Wallace, restarting payroll for his 20 employees felt like a small victory. “It’s strange to say, ‘I can’t wait for payroll to kick back in,’” he remarked, standing on a floor that had recently been buried under layers of silt.

But not everyone has been as fortunate. The storm devastated Asheville’s River Arts District and Biltmore Village, forcing many businesses to shut down permanently. Bottle Riot, a popular wine bar, and El Patio de Guajiro, a beloved Cuban eatery, are among those that won’t return. Dozens of food trucks, breweries, and bakeries have also been wiped out.

Stu Helm, a local culinary tour guide, described the damage as a blow to Asheville’s “three-legged bar stool” of food culture: the growers, makers, and eaters who make the city’s dining scene so special.

Despite the challenges, there’s hope on the horizon. Gourmand, a farm-to-table restaurant that was set to open just weeks before the storm, is now aiming for a comeback next year.

As Asheville’s food community works to rebuild, it’s clear that recovery will take time. But with each reopening, the city’s vibrant spirit—and its love for great food—begins to shine a little brighter.