Asheville’s slimmed-down restaurants make a comeback a year after Hurricane Helene: ‘Back to the basics’

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina, on 24 March 2025. Photograph: Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Cúrate, a Spanish tapas restaurant and one of the best-known eateries in Asheville, North Carolina, sat empty for two days after Hurricane Helene last September.

Then co-owner Katie Button reopened it alongside World Central Kitchen to provide meals for many community members who were without electricity and running water. To do so, Cúrate installed a tank and brought in clean water at the cost of $1,000 a day, racking up $30,000 in water, tank rental and delivery fees.