Rebuilding Resilience: Asheville's Small Businesses Bounce Back Amid Challenges

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

If you’re just waking up to the mountain air, there’s plenty happening across Asheville today. First, downtown businesses are feeling resilient after a weekend incident. Summit Coffee in the Grove Arcade had its window shattered by a brick on Saturday night. Though the shop was forced to close briefly, the team managed to bounce back quickly and is already back to regular hours. No suspects have been caught, and the Asheville Police investigation is ongoing. Customers say the community spirit is keeping the café and its regulars energized in spite of recent challenges, building on their tenacity after last year’s damages from Hurricane Helene which forced their River Arts District shop into a mobile operation. That’s just one example of how Asheville’s small businesses are responding with grit and creativity to adversity.

Switching gears, a spotlight on Biltmore Village, where the recovery from Hurricane Helene continues. Long-loved spots like Talbots and Chico’s at 10 Brook Street are actively under reconstruction, with plans to reopen by late October or early November. Williams-Sonoma is making progress as well, sheetrock going up in recent days. Sotheby’s Real Estate has already reopened in the complex, and if you stroll through the village, you’ll notice a real sense of rebuilding and hopefulness among shopkeepers and visitors alike. The recovery is more than just construction; it’s a sign of Asheville’s deep community roots and determination to keep its charm alive.

For outdoors enthusiasts, attention turns to air quality as the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency opens public comment today on a major permit for BorgWarner Emissions in Arden. If you care about what’s in your air, you’re invited to weigh in before August 15. The agency is encouraging community voices and is ready to provide information at its Woodfin Street office or by phone, so don’t miss the chance to learn about the latest impacts on our environment.

In cycling news, Asheville continues to draw pros and enthusiasts for its renowned scenic routes, but there are renewed calls for safety after two recent tragic incidents. The area’s beautiful roads attract cyclists from around the nation, yet advocates say more work is needed to ensure these rides remain safe for everyone enjoying our mountain landscapes.

If you're looking for something fun today, check out local live music, quirky shops, and Asheville’s beloved food scene. And don’t forget, spending locally after the tough year goes a long way in helping downtown businesses and restaurants. Governor Josh Stein recently stopped by and reminded us all that the best way to support Western North Carolina is simply to get out and enjoy what Asheville’s businesses have to offer.

Before we go, today kicks off another big baseball tournament for youth teams regionally, with the 17U National Championship underway just down the road in Georgia—so expect lots of fans and families headed out for some summer sports action.

This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

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