Cracker Barrel closed its Asheville location permanently in the wake of the extensive damage caused by the storm and subsequent flooding. The company, in a statement, said it would assist impacted employees with severance packages and opportunities to transfer to other locations, while maintaining its commitment to the Asheville market.
Ichiban, which was a beloved fixture in Biltmore Village, was also displaced by the flooding. The restaurant confirmed its new location in a recent social media post, sharing its excitement with the community. “Hello Asheville family, we are excited to announce and confirm our new location and reopening!” the post stated.
The new Tunnel Road location will require extensive work to be converted into a hibachi and sushi restaurant. Ichiban noted, “As you could imagine, we will take some time to rebuild all our hibachi and sushi amenities to bring you the original Ichiban experience.” The restaurant is aiming for a reopening in early summer 2026.
The return of Ichiban to a prominent location on Tunnel Road is a significant development for the city's business community as it continues to recover from the widespread impact of Hurricane Helene. The announcement provides a positive sign of rebuilding and resilience in the Asheville restaurant scene.
WNCTimes
Image: Ichiban Japanese Restaurant social media