Riverwatch Bar & Grill Reopens After Hurricane Helene: A Story of Resilience
Standing on the back patio of Riverwatch Bar & Grill, with the Rocky Broad River flowing just below, I had the honor of speaking with Shelly Banz on a day that’s been months in the making — Riverwatch’s reopening on August 7th.
When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, it left deep scars on our mountain communities. For Riverwatch, it meant months of uncertainty, repairs, and the constant question of whether they could make it back.
In our interview, Shelly opens up about:
- The struggles the restaurant has faced since the storm
- How the community rallied to help
- The determination that kept the doors from closing for good
- What’s new and exciting for guests returning to Riverwatch
This is more than a reopening — it’s a symbol of strength for Chimney Rock and Bat Cave, and a reminder that in Western North Carolina, we don’t just rebuild buildings… we rebuild hope.
📍 Filmed at Riverwatch Bar & Grill, Chimney Rock, NC.
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