A Community's Resilience After Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene has devastated our beloved city, but our community's spirit remains unbroken. While we are overwhelmed by the destruction around us, we are grateful that all our team members are safe. Witnessing people unite—supporting each other amid loss—has been truly inspiring.
Asheville was mostly without power or potable water since Hurricane Helene hit until November 18th. Areas like Swannanoa, River Arts, and Biltmore Village have faced unprecedented destruction, with some remote towns almost entirely wiped out. We were working on the construction of a second location in Biltmore Village which sustained severe flooding and damage. Overall, however, it is structurally sound, and our construction team is back on site working on repairs and rebuilding what was damaged. While the city is working to rebuild, the road to recovery will be long. Our communities are resilient and will rebuild stronger, but we need assistance.
How You Can Help
Support our team
Our team at Chemist is scattered around NC and beyond in search of safe haven, clean water and power. Many have lost homes, cars and need support as we rebuild. Please consider a donation to our team GoFundMe, all proceeds go directly to staff in need.
Support Chemist Spirits
Our two buildings in the historic Biltmore Village were severely damaged, and our distillery is without water. We are working to bring clean water and food to those in need in the area. To support our distillery please consider purchasing our products online.
How Chemist Spirits Is Contributing to Relief Efforts
Ensuring Our Team's Safety
and Well-being
Despite limited communication due to cell service and power outages, we confirmed all team members were safe within three days. We connected them with essential resources—food, water, charging stations, and powered gas stations. Half our team found safety outside Asheville, while the rest stayed to assist with relief efforts, volunteering locally and helping with Chemist Spirits' initiatives.
Turning Antidote Cocktail
Lounge into a Supply Hub
We coordinated with family, friends, businesses, and distributors to source essential supplies—food, water, sanitary products, and gas—and arranged deliveries into Asheville. We continue to source needed supplies for our distribution or to donate to county-approved drop sites.
Chemist Distillery Water
Supply Initiative
Our production team was busy tirelessly sourcing water, making trips to South Carolina to bring back thousands of gallons of clean water for the community. We're establishing sustainable relationships with South Carolina fire departments and locals with deep wells to help our city recover. If only non-potable water is available, we'll distill it into clean drinking water.
the Antidote Cocktail LoungE
daytime café
Power has been restored to the cocktail bar. With a consistent water supply established by the Distillery, we are collaborating with local food and beverage companies in order to provide needed food and drinks (as well as free coffee and tea, free wifi, and free water) to the community!