Asheville -- April 16, 2026: A cornerstone of Asheville’s South Slope district has unexpectedly turned off its fryers for the last time. Vortex Doughnuts, located at 32 Banks Ave., announced its permanent closure on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, ending a 12-year run that helped define the neighborhood's transition into a culinary destination.
The Final Days
The closure came as a shock to both customers and staff. Early in the week, the shop reported a temporary closure due to a breaker failure that caused the loss of their refrigerated inventory. While a reopening was initially expected, a sign appeared on the door Tuesday morning:
"April 14, 2026, will be our final day of operation... we are truly sorry for the unforeseen circumstances."
By Tuesday evening, the shop’s Instagram was updated with a brief message: "CLOSED PERMANENTLY. Thanks for a great run, Asheville. 2014-2026."
A Decade of "Tasty, Local, Twisted"
The loss of Vortex leaves a significant hole in the Asheville food scene. Known for its "vortex" signature cinnamon-sugar swirl and its massive selection of vegan yeast and cake doughnuts, the shop was a pioneer in the South Slope.
Before the area was packed with breweries and luxury condos, Vortex was one of the first businesses to bet on Banks Avenue, sourcing local ingredients and partnering with neighbors like Burial Beer Co. for their famous "beer glaze" doughnuts