North Carolina cafe's story mirrors many hit by Hurricane Helene
The Brief
It has been six months since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of North Carolina, and many are still picking up the pieces.
Hurricane Helene hit on September 27, 2024, and floodwaters turned streets into raging rivers, washing away entire buildings in western North Carolina on September 28, 2024.
A business owned by a former Georgia resident was destroyed but is now back in business.
It has been six months since Hurricane Helene devastated parts of North Carolina.
Many are still picking up the pieces.
What they're saying
On Your Bike is a café and bike rental shop in Marshall, North Carolina is owned by Alex Webber, her husband, Adam Schmitt, and daughter Madeleine.
Their business, along with all the others in Marshall, North Carolina, was destroyed by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene last September.
"The water came up 12 feet inside the shop. It was almost up to our ceiling. Most of the front of our shop is glass and all the glass blew out. Most everything in the shop was swept away and it left about three feet of mud," said Webber.
Six months later, signs of destruction are easily visible throughout Marshall.
"The south end of town, where we are, a lot of the buildings are just gone. They were completely swept away, so it still looks a bit like a war zone," said Webber.
Webber knows all about the power of Mother Nature. The former Cobb County resident lived in New Orleans in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit and destroyed her home. That's when she decided to move to the mountains, never imagining a hurricane would take away her livelihood. This time she was determined to stay and rebuild, but it wasn't easy.
"It was a lot of digging out. We were there all day, all evening, on the weekends. We were just working around the clock," said Webber.
On Your Bike was the first food service business to re-open in its original location in the entire county.
Webber says she believes it brought a little happiness and optimism to those around her.
"People were walking into the shop and bursting into tears. It's just a little bit of a visual respite from all the destruction," said Webber.
SEE ALSO:
Georgia Senate wants further boost to spending on Hurricane Helene relief
Chimney Rock, North Carolina, recovery shows progress post-Helene
Art exhibit in Atlanta aids North Carolina artists hit by Hurricane Helene
Kemp making hurricane relief, lawsuit limits his top 2025 priorities
Couple helps hard-hit North Carolina farmers one Christmas tree at a time
The Source
FOX 5's Denise Dillon spoke with Alex Webber, one of the owners of On Your Bike café, about the changes they have seen over the six months since Hurricane Helene hit the area.
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- Miami Herald
Popular brewery and distillery files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
A local taproom or brewery becomes a beloved part of the community. That's actually somewhat rare in the United States where we don't have a tradition of village pubs. There are some bars that fill that role becoming someplace where friends and neighbors come together. Related: New class action suit claims Costco is tricking you on prices A really good neighborhood bar becomes a place where people bring their families, fall in love, and celebrate life's big moments. When a community loses that, it can be devastating. It's very hard to replace a bar, or pub that has become a de facto community center. Real life may not have bars like "Cheers," but a good neighborhood tavern becomes a place where everybody knows your name. Losing that means more than when another Hooters or TGI Fridays closes. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Sure, everyone has their favorite place and the loss of any popular business can be a blow, but local pubs build connections with and between passengers unlike any other kind of business. It's just different to be a regular at one of these local businesses than to be known by the bartender at Chilis. The post-Covid period has been dark for local breweries, taprooms, and pubs, and that devastation has continued. When many businesses close or file for bankruptcy, it's solely on the merits of the business. That's not the case for Big Storm Brewing, which has been pulled down due to the financial woes of Boston Finance Group, which is owned by Big Storm partner Leo Govoni. A 2024 lawsuit alleged from 2009 to 2020, Govoni misappropriated over $100 million from special needs trusts, which are specialized irrevocable trusts established for the elderly and people with disabilities. That does not directly speak to the operations of the brewery and distillery which have a long history (at least by the standards of local breweries). More retail: Walmart CEO sounds alarm on a big problem for customersTarget makes a change that might scare Walmart, CostcoTop investor takes firm stance on troubled retail brandWalmart and Costco making major change affecting all customers "Founded in 2012, Big Storm Brewing Co. has embraced our tagline of 'Florida Craft Beer Forecast' by developing a dynamic lineup of Florida favorites like Tropic Pressure Golden Ale, steeped with hibiscus flowers, and Bromosa Tangerine IPA, brewed with all-natural tangerine puree," the company shared on its website. Big Storm also added a distillery to complement its regionally-sold beers, and to sell in its multiple taprooms. "In 2020, Big Storm Distillery was born with a mission to create world-class spirits with a local flair. Our Big Storm team are innovators at heart, always pushing boundaries, and not afraid to take risks. With a commitment to exceptional customer service, dedication to quality products, and the ambition to explore opportunities left unexplored, Big Storm has become a leader in the craft beer industry and beyond," the company added. While the fate of Big Storm had been unclear, its assets were transferred to a bankruptcy trustee by a federal bankruptcy court on June 5. That took control away from Govoni and put it in the hands of the trustee. Judge Roberta Colton found Govoni and Boston Financial Group liable for the missing $100 million as well as $20 million in interest. Big Storm has not closed its Clearwater, Fla taproom and its fate remains unclear. The court's actions put Big Storm Brewing under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but under control of a trustee and not Govoni. The court could decide that the company has more value as a going concern than it does being sold off for parts. If that proves true, then it's more likely to be sold to an operator that wants to keep producing its beers and spirits. Related: Huge music retail chain closes all stores after 'bankruptcy' Big Storm has been very clear in its mission. "We're here to offer more than just a drink; we're sharing a slice of the Florida lifestyle with you, wherever you might be. Our mission? To transform each sip into a sun-drenched experience, a celebration of Floridian culture and zest. Our creations aren't just products; they're invitations to embrace the laid-back, sunny essence of Florida," it posted on its website. Big Storm's operations have continued and it still sells beer and spirits regionally and locally. It's likely to continue operating as long as it's seen as a positive to the estate. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
