North Augusta Restaurant Scene Recovers Post-Hurricane Helene
In the charming city of North Augusta, the dust from Hurricane Helene has begun to settle, and it seems like life is gradually returning to normal, especially for local restaurants. After the storm shook up the local dining scene, several restaurant managers are relieved to report a rebound in business.
A Wave of Normalcy at Manuel’s Bread Café
At the heart of Railroad Avenue, Tammy Walker, the shift manager at Manuel’s Bread Café, shared her thoughts on the changes over the past few weeks. “At first, it was slow,” she said, “I think people just want to get back to normal now.” The desolation from the hurricane had thrown a wrench in their operations, but the recent success of the city’s 8th annual Jack O’Lantern Jubilee is a sign that spirits are lifting. “I was glad to see the large turnout,” she beamed, as thousands flocked to Georgia Avenue for a delightful weekend of food, live music, and festivities.
The Sno-Cap Drive-In Bounces Back
Just a stone’s throw away, the iconic Sno-Cap Drive-In, owned by Brad Ursy, faced its own challenges. The drive-in had to halt operations immediately after the hurricane due to power outages. “We didn’t have power, but we had a gas stove to cook on,” he recounted. The ingenuity of utilizing a gas stove enabled them to provide meals during daylight hours, albeit with a limited menu. Meanwhile, their sibling establishment, Fat Man’s Café, took on a different role. Brad explained that their café was closed for the week, as they supplied food for dedicated Red Cross workers and Georgia Power linemen, who were tirelessly working on cleanup efforts.
Sweet Success at the Pink Dipper
Just down the road, Kathy Webb, the manager at The Pink Dipper, reported a surprising increase in business in the aftermath of the hurricane. “We saw an uptick for two weeks after the hurricane,” she wrote in an email. “Sugar seems to be a staple for a lot of people during stressful times,” she added with a laugh. Although the excitement has cooled since then, last weekend’s Jack O’Lantern Jubilee brought a wave of customers, boosted by the gorgeous weather and festival atmosphere.
Rio Cantina: A Steady Course
Meanwhile, at Rio Cantina on Center Street, manager Angel Lopez noted a relatively smooth transition back to regular operations. “We were closed on the Friday after the storm, but since then we haven’t seen much impact,” he said, relief showing on his face. Much like other establishments, they are hopeful that the return of local events and festivals will bring more patrons through their doors.
Challenges for Bowl Boss Acai
On a less sunny note, Tricia Goodwin, owner of Bowl Boss Acai, shared some struggles her business has faced. Just opening its doors shortly before the hurricane struck on September 27, the health food restaurant was fortunate to have power and enjoyed a busy initial period. However, things have since been slow. “We’re not seeing what we were,” she lamented, indicating that although they managed to escape some of the havoc, the road to consistent business remains bumpy.
Looking Ahead
As North Augusta emerges from the hurricane’s shadow, local restaurant owners remain hopeful and resilient, eager to serve their customers again. The community’s spirit, as seen through events like the Jack O’Lantern Jubilee and the perseverance of these establishments, shows that North Augusta is indeed on the path to recovery. With the support of their loyal patrons and the sheer determination of their teams, it looks like brighter days are on the horizon.
