ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — In the weeks following Hurricane Helene, one of only places for Asheville residents to find a hot meal was at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, a local downtown restaurant morphed into a World Central Kitchen hub, which distributed over a million free meals after the storm. The World Central Kitchen collaboration was not Bear’s BBQ’s first philanthropic effort, either.

Linked4Life, the Bear’s Foundation and Devil’s Foot Beverage Co.

In 2020, Bear’s BBQ founded the Bear’s Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about societal issues, including mental health, equity and the protection of animal wildlife and natural resources. Their primary initiative, Linked4Life, is a program that provides up to six free therapy sessions for Asheville food and beverage workers in need. Since the launch of Linked4Life, 23 different area restaurants employ workers who have sought counseling through the program.

Read more about Linked4Life in our story here.

Just before the one year anniversary of Helene later this month, Bear’s BBQ will team up with Devil’s Foot Beverage Company, a local craft soda manufacturer, to release a new benefit beverage for Linked4Life.

On Sept. 22, 2025, Devil’s Foot Sparkling Blackberry Blueberry Lemonade will be available at Bear’s BBQ, The Mule, local Devil’s Foot carriers and distributors across N.C., South Carolina and Tennessee, as well as for purchase at www.devilsfootbrew.com.

“We are beyond proud to partner with our friends at Bear’s Smokehouse and Linked4Life to mark this milestone and to remember how we all depend on one another and how we all need friends to lean on,” said Devil’s Foot CEO Benjamin Colvin in a press release. “After the storm, one of our farmer friends called to check on our Devil’s Foot team — and it meant a lot to me. It’s fitting that we brewed this special release with blackberries from their farm, and that a portion of proceeds go to Linked4Life, which provides mental health support for food and beverage workers.”

“At just 68 calories per can and made with organic fruits, local honey, and no preservatives, it’s as good for the body as it is for the spirit,” the release added.

For more information about Linked4Life, visit www.thebearsfoundation.org.