Neng Jr.'s

After A Devastating Hurricane, Asheville Restaurants Rebuild | Eater

"Opened in Asheville in 2022 by partners Silver and Cherry Iocovozzi, this Filipinx restaurant quickly earned national recognition—becoming a 2023 James Beard finalist for Best New Restaurant, one of Bon Appetit’s 2023 Best New Restaurants, and USA Today’s 2024 Restaurant of the Year. That momentum was abruptly derailed when Hurricane Helene struck on September 27, 2024: the business was closed from September 28 to December 11, losing roughly $80,000 in revenue after power loss ruined thousands of dollars in perishable inventory despite the building itself avoiding major structural damage. Without substantial investment reserves and having received only $750 in FEMA aid, the owners relied on industry solidarity—working with Ashleigh Shanti of Good Hot Fish to provide meals and hosting pop-ups in New York (at spots including Leo, Honey’s, and Ops Pizza) to recoup income—while confronting the emotional toll on staff, ethical questions about reopening during ongoing community hardship, and a slow winter recovery despite many nights being fully booked. The experience has underscored how climate-driven extreme weather can upend small restaurants financially and operationally, and the owners urge visitors to return in the spring to support the local economy." - Mary Andino