BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Nearly a year after Tropical Storm Helene swept through Western North Carolina, businesses and residents in Black Mountain and Swannanoa are gradually recovering, though challenges remain.
Cheryl Hyde, executive director of the Black Mountain Visitor Center, said the vast majority of businesses have reopened, with only a handful, including the once-popular Coach House restaurant, remaining closed. Hyde noted that the restaurant’s closure may be because of retirement decisions rather than storm damage.
“People call us every week asking if it’s reopening,” Hyde said. “The fact that retirement is a factor tells me the town is 100 percent open again.”
Tourism, however, lagged for months after Helene, with visitor numbers roughly 30 percent lower than the previous year until Labor Day weekend. Local shops reported similar declines in revenue, Hyde said. Since then, some businesses have seen sales rebound to about 30-40 percent of pre-storm levels, though some specialty stores catering to niche markets are still struggling.
In the wake of Helene, several Swannanoa businesses relocated to Black Mountain to remain accessible to their customer base. Hyde said three new businesses have opened in Black Mountain since the storm.
In Swannanoa, more than 95 businesses have reopened, including home-based operations in higher elevation areas. Many residents are still living in temporary housing, including campers and tents, as they rebuild homes damaged by flooding. Hyde said that while some remain frustrated by bureaucratic hurdles and permit delays, most are focused on recovery and rebuilding.
Hyde also praised community efforts like the Grassroots Alliance, which formed in the days after Helene to connect residents with resources, transportation and volunteer support.
“By the time I got involved in January, they had figured out 90 percent of people’s problems through simple collaboration,” she said. “It’s a beautiful example of neighbors helping neighbors.”
Despite the challenges, Hyde said the communities remain resilient. She emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses to sustain recovery.
“Every town that relies on tourism is still held up by locals,” she said. “If residents buy local, we can not only recover but maintain a thriving community.”
Among the needs in Swannanoa are grocery and hardware stores and a post office.
A small grocery store focused on produce and essentials is scheduled to open this fall. “People can finally buy what they need locally without driving 26 miles round trip,” she said, noting that the store is carefully planning its offerings for the 1,200-square-foot space.
And Peter and Beth Ballhaussen, owners of Town Hardware and General Store in Black Mountain, announced plans earlier this month to open a hardware store in Swannanoa’s Beacon Village.
Museums in Montreat and Black Mountain have created exhibits documenting Helene’s impact, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the storm without relying solely on residents’ personal stories.
“Recovery is ongoing,” Hyde said, “but these towns have shown tremendous spirit. People are coming back, businesses are reopening, and the community is helping itself.”