Bold Rock Hard Cider has announced the closure of its Asheville taproom due to financial losses from Tropical Storm Helene and ongoing market challenges. The local hospitality sector continues to struggle, with significant declines in tourism and revenue as reported in Buncombe County. While the Asheville location closes, other Bold Rock taprooms remain open, and the cider continues to be available in stores across several states.
Bold Rock Hard Cider has announced the closure of its Asheville taproom, attributing the decision to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene and ongoing market difficulties. In a statement released on December 6, the company expressed sorrow over this change, highlighting their enjoyment in being part of the Asheville community. The downtown location’s closure follows a troubling trend in the area’s hospitality sector, which has witnessed significant decline in tourism and revenue loss due to recent weather events.
Tropical Storm Helene has severely affected the Asheville area, as evidenced by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority reporting an estimated 70% drop in tourism and $584 million in losses in the local economy. Many establishments within the food and beverage industry continue to operate under restricted conditions stemming from the storm’s aftermath. Notably, Wicked Weed Brewing has also taken drastic measures by temporarily closing its Funkatorium brewery and Cultura restaurant, resulting in staff layoffs amid these challenges.
Bold Rock Hard Cider, founded in 2012 by John Washburn and Brian Shanks, sources apples locally and has expanded its presence since entering the North Carolina market in 2015. The Asheville taproom, located at 39 North Lexington Avenue, began welcoming patrons in 2021 but is now closing as part of the company’s response to financial pressures. Despite the closure in Asheville, Bold Rock’s other locations in Mills River and Charlotte, as well as its cidery in Nellysford, Virginia, remain operational. The cider continues to be available for retail purchase in various local and regional stores.
For further updates, interested parties are encouraged to visit Bold Rock’s official website and social media pages.
The closure of Bold Rock’s Asheville taproom is indicative of broader struggles faced by the local hospitality industry, particularly following the disruption caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The storm has resulted not only in immediate operational challenges for food and beverage establishments, as highlighted by the significant decline in tourism and associated economic losses, but it has also prompted companies like Bold Rock to reassess their business strategies in response to these unforeseen market conditions. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Bold Rock is an example of a small business navigating the complexities of sustaining operations amid fluctuating economic environments.
In conclusion, the announcement of Bold Rock’s Asheville taproom closure underscores the challenges facing the local hospitality and service industry, exacerbated by the recent impact of Tropical Storm Helene. While the Asheville location shuts its doors due to these difficulties, Bold Rock maintains operations at its other sites in North Carolina and Virginia, reflecting both resilience and adaptability in times of crisis.
Original Source: www.citizen-times.com
