Sometimes a place becomes more than just a spot to grab a burger or a drink. It becomes a gathering place, a memory bank, a home away from home. That was true for Village Wayside Bar & Grille in Historic Biltmore Village — and it’s just become true again, now with a fresh start, this time in Historic Grovewood Village.
Hope Rises Again: Village Wayside Bar & Grille Returns — This Time at a New Home
🕰 A Bit of History
Village Wayside first opened in 2009, inside the old 1896 passenger train depot — once a hub of travel and transport, now a cheerful bar & grille run by Mark & Polly Harding. For years it served locals, tourists, hotel and restaurant workers — a cozy, familiar spot where burgers, drinks, and good conversation flowed.
But then came the flood from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, and much of Biltmore Village was devastated. Businesses, homes — many lost everything. The past year was full of uncertainty.
For many, Village Wayside’s closure felt like the end of a chapter in Asheville — but as we’ve seen so many times before — sometimes endings are just the hard part of a beautiful comeback.
🌟 Village Wayside: Resurrection in Motion
Now? Village Wayside is back in the game — alive, reinvigorated… and relocating to a new home. They plan to take over the former space of a restaurant called ELDR (also impacted by Helene) right near the entrance of The Omni Grove Park Inn. The same familiar name, menu, vibes… but a brand‑new beginning.
The new location promises a cute patio area (perfect for spring through fall), a welcoming interior, and their own parking area — and hopefully — a backup parking deck nearby that might offer validated or discounted parking for patrons (an important factor with the Grove Park Inn’s pricey garage across the street).
This isn’t just a business reopening. It’s a community revival. It’s proof that even after disasters that shake the foundations of neighborhoods, the spirit of Asheville refuses to sink.
🍔 What Made Village Wayside Special — and Why It Still Matters
- Food & Drink That Hit Right: Known for well‑crafted burgers, crispy homemade chips, thoughtful sauces (looking at you, Cheerwine BBQ), and a pub vibe that felt like home.
- A Community Watering Hole: For local service‑industry folks, hotel workers, and everyday Asheville residents, it was a go‑to after a long shift — a place to relax, swap stories, and recharge.
- Historic Roots: The original depot building itself carried the weight of Asheville’s past — a link to old railway days when Biltmore Village served as the gateway to the grand Biltmore Estate,
Bringing Village Wayside back isn’t just nostalgia — it’s honoring history, supporting workers, and rebuilding what makes Asheville’s neighborhoods special: places where people can gather, feel at home, and connect.
🙏 Why This Matters — For All of Us
In a time when many long‑time favorites in Asheville were lost to flooding and economic hardship, the return of Village Wayside gives hope. It shows that our community can heal, rebuild, and come back even stronger.
If you believe in Asheville’s resilience — if you love good food, fellowship, and a bit of local history — keep your eyes peeled. Village Wayside Bar & Grille is coming back. And this time? It’s not just a comeback. It’s a reminder that even when the waters rise, community stays rooted.
Stay tuned for their official reopening date. When dinner comes — we’ll be there, forks in hand. 🍻
Boost your brand with G Social Media — Asheville’s creative media team for websites, PR, videos, photos, and social media. We craft powerful stories, stunning visuals, and digital strategies that drive results. From local startups to established brands, we help you stand out and grow. Let’s build your buzz! 