When one of Asheville’s favorite hibachi and sushi spots loses its home to a storm, the comeback feels that much sweeter.
A Legacy Interrupted:
Ichiban opened years ago in historic Biltmore Village, becoming the city’s only hibachi grill with tableside cooking — a place for celebrations, quick weekday dinners, and that entertaining sizzle of flying shrimp and onions.
But in September 2024, Tropical Storm Helene unleashed catastrophic flooding on Biltmore Village — reportedly up to six feet of water, a repeat of the Great Flood of 1916. Biltmore Station, where Ichiban was housed (along with several businesses), was among the structures devastated,
A Long Road to Rebuild:
For Isolated Biltmore Village, recovery has been measured and painstaking. While some businesses, like CAVA and the Grand Bohemian Hotel, managed to brick back quickly, others have faced a slower slog toward reopening.
Though Ichiban’s Biltmore location was wiped out, the team behind it didn’t give up. They launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising nearly $43,000 to help rebuild the original experience.
The New Ichiban — Tunnel Road, Early Summer 2026:
Now comes the best news — Ichiban is officially moving into the former Cracker Barrel building at 34 Tunnel Road, located just east of downtown through the tunnel, in spring 2026.
Construction is underway to install hibachi tables, sushi stations, and all the elements that made Ichiban such a beloved dining destination. It’ll take time, but they promise the full original Ichiban experience will come back — and then some.
Why This Matters:
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Resilience in action: Ichiban’s return is a symbol of our food scene’s strength and the community’s spirit.
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Tunnel Road revival: Their new location injects fresh energy into east Asheville and adds to the vibrant dining options in this evolving corridor.
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Culinary nostalgia renewed: For those who miss Ichiban’s showside cooking and sushi flair, relief is in sight — and it’s coming soon.
