Eight months after Tropical Storm Helene unleashed 15 feet of floodwater on Hi-Wire Brewing’s Beer Garden and Distribution Center, the Asheville-based brewery proudly announces the reopening of its flagship location at 284 Lyman St. The community is invited to a grand reopening celebration from noon to 9 p.m. on May 24, 2025.
The event will pulse with live music, food trucks, visual performers, and a makers’ market showcasing local artists and vendors. Guests can enjoy Hi-Wire’s full lineup: 24 draft beers, including three silver-medal World Beer Cup winners, specialty cocktails, slushies, and 16-ounce canned beers for purchase to-go.
“After the storm, we faced uncertainty about reopening our River Arts District facility,” said Bryna Frosaker, co-owner of Hi-Wire. “The overwhelming support from our community over these past eight months has been humbling. We hope our reopening helps fuel the RAD’s recovery and encourages visitors to support the artists and businesses that make this district vibrant.”
Located steps from the French Broad River, Hi-Wire’s facility bore the brunt of Helene’s catastrophic floods. Raging waters scattered shipping containers in the beer garden and blanketed the brewery in toxic mud. The toll was immense: 1.3 million unfilled cans, 200,000 filled cans, merchandise, offices, and the taproom were lost. Neighboring businesses and buildings were swept away, amplifying the community’s grief.
To honor the River Arts District’s rebirth, Hi-Wire commissioned local artist XCVI to create a mural on a surviving shipping container in the Beer Garden. The artwork depicts Hi-Wire’s tightrope walker, reimagined as a symbol of resilience, striding from turbulent waters toward a blooming dogwood tree—North Carolina’s state tree—rooted in stone against a mountain backdrop. “The dogwood represents the strength of Western North Carolina and our state,” XCVI said. “In the wake of the hurricane, neighboring communities rallied to support us. Resilience and care are in our roots.”
About Hi-Wire Brewing
Hi-Wire Brewing, founded in 2013 in Asheville, North Carolina, is a craft brewery known for its approachable yet innovative beers and vibrant taproom experiences. With its flagship location in the River Arts District (RAD), Hi-Wire has become a cornerstone of Asheville’s craft beer scene, offering a diverse range of lagers, IPAs, and specialty brews. The brewery’s commitment to quality has earned it multiple awards, including three silver medals at the World Beer Cup. Beyond its RAD headquarters, Hi-Wire operates additional taprooms in Asheville, Durham, and other cities across the Southeast, alongside a robust distribution network. Its iconic tightrope walker logo embodies the balance of tradition and creativity that defines the brand.
Hi-Wire’s history is one of growth and resilience. Starting as a small operation, it expanded its RAD facility into a production hub and lively beer garden before Tropical Storm Helene devastated the site in September 2024. The storm’s destruction tested the brewery’s resolve, but community support and a determined rebuilding effort enabled its triumphant return. Hi-Wire’s reopening in May 2025 not only marks a milestone for the company but also symbolizes the broader recovery of the RAD, reinforcing the brewery’s role as a cultural and economic anchor in Western North Carolina.
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