ASHEVILLE - Two downtown restaurants are the latest to close in the city, after management cited challenges in a changing dining landscape.
On Oct. 7, Rhubarb, a farm-to-table Appalachian fine-dining establishment, and its sister concept, a cafe and bakery called The Rhu, announced their closures via social media, effective immediately.
"While it is with heavy hearts that we make this announcement, we are also filled with deep gratitude for the Asheville community for supporting us through more than a decade of service, and for the team who worked so diligently to revive the brand after Helene. It has been an honor and an absolute privilege, I could not have asked for a more passionate, creative, talented, hard working team," the post stated.
Executive Chef Mallory Foster, who oversees Rhubarb at 7 SW Pack Square and The Rhu at 10 S. Lexington Ave., was tagged in the post.
The message informed diners with reservations that their reservations had been or would be canceled, and that event clients would be contacted individually.
On Oct. 11, Rhubarb will host a pay-what-you-can farewell dinner to support the staff, and to celebrate "the people, producers, and place that made Rhubarb and The Rhu special."
What happened to Rhubarb and The Rhu?
Rhubarb had been open for nearly eight months before its latest closure, having reopened in February 2026.
In 2013, the revered Chef John Fleer opened Rhubarb, helping establish Asheville's farm-to-table dining and esteemed dining culture.
In late September 2024, Tropical Strom Helene caused widespread destruction in Western North Carolina, resulting in short- and long-term restaurant closures and ongoing challenges for those that reopened.
In January 2025, Rhubarb was on its way to reopening, but after issues, including a labor shortage, were cited, Fleer announced Rhubarb's permanent closure.
The Rhu remained operational.
In February 2026, Rhubarb reopened as a new investment opportunity by Marble City Hospitality Group, based in Knoxville, Tennessee.
This summer, Foster, who had previously worked with Rhubarb and The Rhu, told the Citizen Times that the restaurants were struggling to attract customers to the once-thriving establishments as the city's downtown continued to see decreased tourism after Helene.
The social media post did not provide a reason for the permanent closures of Rhubarb and The Rhu. Foster and Marble City Hospitality Group were not available at the time of publication.
This is a developing story.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Co., covering the food and beverage industry, including the James Beard Awards, Michelin Awards, restaurant openings, closings and other hospitality industry news and events. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram. Sign up for AVL Bites and Brews, our weekly food and drink newsletter here.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Two Asheville restaurants announce closures 'effective immediately'
