This year was not a boon for economic development announcements in Burke County. Hurricane Helene struck a blow to businesses in the county this year as well.
Burke Development Inc. made one manufacturing announcement in 2024: an expansion at MillerKnoll Inc. in Hildebran.
MillerKnoll Inc. in Hildebran expanded its business in 2024 and planned to create 47 new jobs.
The economic development organization announced in August that MillerKnoll received a state building reuse grant to expand its manufacturing of office furniture and create 47 new jobs.
As for what might lay in store for 2025, Burke Development President and CEO Alan Wood said the organization has responded to multiple business inquiries over the past months.
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“We continue to follow up on these leads and will stay in contact with our partners to see what might develop,†Wood said.
Some businesses, particularly in the Â鶹´«Ã½ area, were devastated by Hurricane Helene flooding and winds in late September. While some businesses plan to reopen, for some it’s unclear when or where.
In November, EJ Victor sent a notice to the N.C. Department of Commerce and city of Â鶹´«Ã½ that it was permanently laying off 121 workers due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. The company said the move came after its inability to rebuild due to non-payment from its insurance. The company filed a federal lawsuit against Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company seeking more than $75,000, plus interest, court costs and attorney fees, according to court documents.
A high-water mark is visible on the Silver Creek Restaurant near the intersection of U.S. Highway 64 bypass and Carbon City Road in Â鶹´«Ã½ the day after remnants of Hurricane Helene moved through the area on Sept. 27.
Silver Creek Restaurant on Carbon City Road planned to open in two to three months after the storm subsided in early October.
Ingles Market, which had three to four feet of water in it during the storm, will go through a remodel and reopen in March, Manager Keith Flynn said in November.
Town Tavern saw flooding nearly up to its ceiling in parts during Hurricane Helene. The restaurant in the River Village shopping center off Sanford Drive in Â鶹´«Ã½ has been gutted and work has begun to build back and reopen.
A Nov. 21 post on the restaurant’s Facebook page said Town Tavern expects to begin rebuilding by the end of the month.
“No idea on opening but are trying to do it as fast as possible to get our employees back to work,†Town Tavern said on Facebook. “Thanks to everyone for their kindness and support.â€
Queen City Audio Video and Appliances, one of the anchors of River Village, was also gutted and has applied for permits from the city of Â鶹´«Ã½ to rebuild.
Piles of debris caused by flooding from Hurricane Helene sit outside Queen City Audio, Video and Appliances in River Village shopping center about three weeks after Hurricane Helene hit Â鶹´«Ã½.
Planet Fitness in Â鶹´«Ã½ reopened on Dec. 12 after Mimosa Hills Shopping Center, which is where it is located, was flooded during Helene.
New business in Burke County
Several businesses and restaurants opened in Burke County in 2024.
Kim’s Seafood Shack opened during the summer at 2000 Johns River Loop, the former site of Chesterfield Family Restaurant. It offers traditional seafood along with spaghetti, salads and desserts.
Ono Poké Bowl, located at 313 N. Green St., Morganton, opened in May serving up meals similar to deconstructed sushi.
The Reptile Cantina opened in May in the old Wisteria building on East Meeting Street in Â鶹´«Ã½. It is downstairs from Hellbound Heart Tattoo. It serves up burgers, sandwiches and tacos.
Aster Rose opened at 211 N. Green St. in Â鶹´«Ã½ in May, offering women’s clothing, handcrafted jewelry, hats, bags and an assortment of gifts.
Root and Vine in Â鶹´«Ã½ reopened at a new location in downtown Morganton, at 216 E. Union St.
Sheetz convenience store opened in May 2024 at the corner of Carbon City Road and Independence Boulevard in Â鶹´«Ã½.
Sheetz built a new location at 400 Carbon City Road, Morganton, and in addition to gas, it offers a range of breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, wraps, sub sandwiches, pizzas, salads and sides, including various types of mac and cheese and drinks.
Myra’s in Valdese reopened in October with new management and a new look. With the look of a 1950s Main Street diner, it offers new items such as a smash burger and a new soft serve ice cream machine.
Wingstop opened in June in the former Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries location at Â鶹´«Ã½ Heights Shopping Center in Â鶹´«Ã½. In addition to chicken wings and tenders, it offers Louisiana Voodoo fries, Cajun fried corn, cheese fries and buffalo ranch fries.
Waterbean Coffee opened mid-year at 815 S. Sterling St., Â鶹´«Ã½. In addition to various caffeine drinks, it also offers sandwiches and pastries.
Nyna’s House restaurant opened in Drexel at 116 S. Main St. It offers sandwiches and entrees for lunch and dinner.
Restaurants coming soon
There were several new restaurants announced in Burke County in 2024 that are expected to open in 2025.
Chipotle is renovating and moving into the former KFC on Burkemont Avenue.
Olive Garden will build on the site of the former Fatz restaurant on South Sterling Street.
The Madness, a sushi and burger restaurant and bar with a location in Asheville, announced plans to open in the old Root and Vine building at the corner of West Union and King streets in Â鶹´«Ã½.
Village Inn obtained permits to build on a lot off Bush Drive next to Cracker Barrel in Â鶹´«Ã½.
Delightful Kafé at 1000 E. Union St. plans to open in April. It will offer a selection of international coffees and teas, grab-and-go salads and sandwiches and some baked items.
