Our Family Needs Your Help

On December 18th, a devastating fire tore through Black Bear BBQ's kitchen, destroying our hood vent system. Despite our ansul fire suppression system being inspected just one day earlier on 12/17, it failed when we needed it most. The sprinklers kicked in, flooding all 3,000 square feet of our restaurant with over an inch of standing water, even seeping into our neighbor's business next door.

We're heartbroken. But we're not broken.

Our Biggest Priority: Our People

Black Bear BBQ isn't just a restaurant, it's a family. And right now, our team is facing uncertainty. While we navigate the complex insurance process and work toward repairs, our staff can't afford to wait. These are the people who've made Black Bear what it is, the smiling faces who greet you at the door, the chefs who've perfected every recipe, the servers who know your order by heart.

Every single one of them has families depending on them. Rent is due. Groceries need to be bought. Car payments, utilities, medical bills—life doesn't pause for a disaster.

Our first priority is making sure we can cover payroll and help our team meet their basic expenses during this closure. These folks have poured their hearts into Black Bear BBQ, showing up day after day to serve this community with pride. Now they're facing the very real fear of how they'll provide for their loved ones while we rebuild.

They shouldn't have to choose between paying rent, buying food, and supporting their families because a fire suppression system failed.

The insurance process will take weeks, maybe months—time our staff simply doesn't have. That's where you come in.

The Road Ahead

We're working as fast as we can to:

Take care of our team's payroll is first priority
Replace the destroyed hood vent and fire suppression system
Repair extensive water damage throughout the restaurant
Clean and restore equipment
Cover basic financial obligations while we're closed

The insurance process will take time, time our staff doesn't have. That's where you come in.

How You Can Help

Our goal: $15,000

Every dollar goes directly toward:

Supporting our staff during this closure
Covering immediate repair costs
Keeping Black Bear BBQ's doors ready to reopen

Whether it's $5 or $500, your contribution means our team can put food on their tables while we rebuild. It means Black Bear BBQ can come back stronger. It means this fire won't be the end of our story.

From Our Hearts to Yours

Asheville, you've always shown up for us. You've filled our tables, celebrated your milestones with us, and made Black Bear BBQ a part of your lives. Now we're asking you to show up one more time.

Help us take care of the people who've been taking care of you.

Thank you for being part of the Black Bear family.

Staff Support & Fire Recovery Fund for Black Bear BBQ