40 Downtown Asheville Businesses Have Closed Since Helene, But New Rebirth Is Taking Place

By Paul Foster

Published July 17, 2025 at 4:06 PM EDT

"Thank you for 11+ great years, Asheville!" reads a sign at the defunct Rhubarb restaurant, which closed in February.

John Boyle of Asheville Watchdog shared his Road to Recovery story when he was a guest on WNCW. John discussed businesses affected by Helene in Asheville, where owners either closed or restarted, even though the recovery took some time. John also shared some statistics regarding tourism in the region. This interview originally aired in late June 2025.
(Story Link- https://avlwatchdog.org/about-40-downtown-asheville-businesses-have-closed-since-helene-business-leaders-say-they-arent-panicking/)

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Paul Foster

Paul is a broadcasting and public relations veteran, having worked mostly in radio as well as television, news, marketing and higher education. His radio experience includes writing and reporting news, announcing both music and talk shows, management and sports play-by-play. He fully believe all types of music have the freedom and opportunity to be played and heard. Paul is a native of the region.

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