Asheville BBQ restaurant owners trying to recover from Helene
- 12 Bones Smokehouse and Brewery severely damaged
- Owners are trying to help unemployed staff
- Two other locations remain open
(NewsNation) — The owners of a popular Asheville, N.C. brewpub are counting the damage done to their building by Hurricane Helene but they’re also counting their blessings.
“Seeing the community come together like it has … been incredibly heartwarming,” said Bryan King, co-owner of 12 Bones Smokehouse and Brewing.
“There have just been so many folks that have reached out. People doing, just, selfless acts trying to do everything they can to help those around them and those in need. It’s been amazing to watch,” he added.
As for the future of 12 Bones, co-owner Angela King told “NewsNation Now” that they’re still assessing the damage to their Asheville location.
“I don’t even know. Walking through there … there’s mud in the attic. I think it’s still too early to say,” she said.
The Kings have filled out Small Business Administration relief forms, as well as insurance claims. Friends have set up a GoFundMe account to help the restaurants’ staff.
“Unemployment is only like $324 a week. That’s not enough for the staff to pay their rent,” said Angela King.
12 Bones’ two other locations in nearby Arden, N.C., which were not significantly damaged by Helene, are open and selling ribs, pulled pork and more, according to Bryan King.
“Our blueberry chipotle sauce is very well-known, and we do sell that through our website.”