CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - Nearly one year after Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic damage to the North Carolina mountains, hope has come in the form of a hot meal. Riverwatch Grill, located right in the heart of Chimney Rock, celebrated their reopening today.

Riverwatch, a family-owned establishment, opened in 1998. The restaurant was nearly destroyed after Helene, with logs piled up against the front door, and a crevice about eight feet deep just in front of the building.

“We knew all our utilities and infrastructure were gone, so the question was, ‘how long is it going to take to put it back?’ So we’re finally here on this glorious day to open our doors,” said Matt Banz, who owns the restaurant alongside his wife, Michelle.

“In our hearts, no matter what happened, even if

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