Bold Rock Cidery Closes Asheville Taproom Following Tropical Storm…

Bold Rock Hard Cider has announced the closure of its Asheville taproom due to financial losses incurred from Tropical Storm Helene. The storm’s impact has contributed to a significant decline in tourism and revenue in Asheville, affecting many local businesses. Despite the closure, Bold Rock will continue operations at its other locations in North Carolina and Virginia.

Bold Rock Hard Cider has announced the closure of its downtown Asheville taproom, attributing this decision to the financial impact of Tropical Storm Helene. On December 6, the Southeast-based cider producer communicated the closure on its social media platforms, expressing regret over its inability to sustain operations due to the significant losses caused by the storm and prevailing market conditions. Bold Rock emphasized their appreciation for the Asheville community and their regret in ending this chapter of their local presence.

The broader service industry in Asheville has also faced severe challenges, specifically following the adverse effects of Tropical Storm Helene. According to the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, tourism declined by an estimated 70%, leading to a staggering revenue loss of approximately $584 million within the county. By early December, numerous food and beverage establishments were either closed or operating with restricted resources and personnel. Moreover, Wicked Weed Brewing, a notable local brewery, has indefinitely closed several of its operations, which further exemplifies the industry’s struggle during this period.

Bold Rock, recognized for sourcing local apples for its award-winning beverages, was founded by John Washburn and Brian Shanks in 2012 in Nellysford, Virginia. The company made its foray into North Carolina in 2015 with the establishment of its Mills River cidery and taproom, later expanding to the Asheville area with a substantial facility that opened in 2021. While the Asheville taproom will close, the Mills River and Charlotte locations, along with the Nellysford cidery, will continue to operate, with their products available in various retail outlets across several states.

The impact of Tropical Storm Helene prompted several businesses, particularly in the service industry, to reevaluate their operations in Asheville, North Carolina. The storm led to unprecedented challenges within the tourism sector, where a significant decline in visitor numbers resulted in massive revenue losses. As businesses adapt to the fallout, closures and layoffs have become increasingly common, indicating a broader struggle for survival in the local economy. Bold Rock Hard Cider’s recent decision to close its taproom underscores these ongoing difficulties as community ties remain tenuous amid environmental and market challenges.

The closure of Bold Rock’s Asheville taproom illustrates the profound impact of Tropical Storm Helene on local businesses. The cider producer cited significant losses and ongoing market challenges as reasons for this decision, reflecting a distressing trend within Asheville’s service industry, which has seen substantial declines in tourism and revenue. While the Asheville location will no longer operate, Bold Rock remains committed to its other facilities and continues to provide its products to a wider audience across multiple states.

Original Source: www.citizen-times.com