Business
Smoky Mountain News
City Lights Café celebrates 10 years On Tuesday, April 6, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce staff and ambassador team held a very special celebration to honor the 10year anniversary of City Lights Cafe being in business. City Lights Cafe is located at 3 East Jackson Street in downtown Sylva and offers dine-in, take-out, and online orders and indoor seating and patio seating. City Lights specializes in tasty, healthy food, including crepes, paninis, taquerias, soups, salads and baked goods. They serve locally roasted, organic cofIsabel Couture/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce photo fee, plus local beer and wine. They provide free Wi-Fi and an outdoor, covered pet-friendly patio and a place to gather with your friends. Call 828.587.2233 or visit www.citylightscafe.com.
Wicked Weed comes to Harrah’s Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort has partnered with Wicked Weed Brewing of Asheville to open a new brewpub this spring. The spacious, 12,000 square-foot-brewpub will be located on the second floor of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort near the Event Center. Included in the area will be a 36-seat main bar, a walk-up tasting bar for seasonal and special offerings, as well as a small stage for entertainment. Brooks Robinson, Regional Senior Vice President & General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos, is focused on enhancing the property experience by having more options on tap for guests to enjoy. “We continually look for opportunities to diversify our guests’ experience, which is why we are excited to be working with a local, innovative business like Wicked Weed,” said Robinson. “Wicked Weed has really set themselves apart with their unique food and beverage offerings. The brewpub is an exceptional addition to our current roster of offerings and is primed to be a destination that guests will love.”
WNC real estate still hyperactive Neal Hanks, President of Beverly-Hanks, Realtors, recently delivered the company’s first quarter 2021 Real Estate Market Report. According to the Beverly-Hanks Q1 2021 Real Estate Market Report, the Western North Carolina housing market remains in hyperactive mode. Homes are selling quickly thanks to very competitive conditions, and home values are rising rapidly as a result. “The incredibly tight supply of homes for sale
is the lowest in recent memory,” said Hanks. “And until demand eases, we expect price gains to continue.” Intense competition among buyers is forcing offers up, sending home prices soaring and appraisers scurrying to justify market values based on recent sales. The median sales price of a home in WNC has risen 17% from last year to $327,450. In some counties, like Transylvania and Yancey/Mitchell, values are up 26%. At the same time, the inventory of homes for sale has declined by 60% when compared to 2020—a year with already strikingly low supply. “Supply will remain tight in 2021, compounded by the fact that first-time home buyers, many of whom are Millennials, are entering the market in droves,” said Hanks.
Sullivan makes ‘Future Leaders’ list Caleb Sullivan, the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority’s social media marketing and group sales specialist, has received the great honor of being named one of Destinations International’s 2021 30 Under 30 recipients. Sullivan has been with the JCTDA for two years and during his time there has authored the Crisis Communication Plan for the TDA, created an accessible guide to Jackson County, and has grown and manages the destination’s social media accounts, among numerous other projects. “Caleb is truly indispensable when it comes to the work he does on behalf of our residents and visitors. Through his role, he generates significant economic impact to Jackson County and its businesses and employees. We are very fortunate to have his expertise at the JCTDA and this designation recognizes his talent and dedication to the tourism industry,” Jackson County TDA’s Executive Director Nick Breedlove said.
Waynesville Wellness at new location Waynesville Wellness, a co-operative of health and wellness professionals started by Logan and Nate Novgrod, has moved to 540 Dellwood Rd., Waynesville. The following practitioners are currently offering services at the office: Nate Novgrod is a licensed acupuncturist with 12 years of experience offering Acupuncture/Dry Needling, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Cupping Therapy, and Tui Na Massage. He also teaches continuing education courses for both massage therapists and acupuncturists. Logan Novgrod is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist with over 22 years of experience. Offering multiple massage modalities. She is also a certified Doula (Birth Assistant) and specializes in pregnancy massage. Staysee Teague is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist. He is a Reiki Master/Teacher practicing since 1999 Lynda Schoenbeck is a licensed clinical social worker has nearly 30 years of experience providing counseling and support services to children, teens and adults of all ages. She accepts most insurance and has a sliding fee scale for those without insurance. www.waynesvillewellness.com.
Primitive Outback opens in Franklin The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Primitive Outback Kayaking and Gem Mining with a ribbon cutting celebration. Primitive Outback is located off U.S. 441 North in Otto at 155 Robin Lynn Lane. The new owners Ivan and Jen Glick are excited to offer fun for the entire family. “Gem Mine rain or shine at our Covered Outdoor Gem Flume along the Little Tennessee River. We have many different sizes of Gem Buckets and a Gem and Fossil Bucket just waiting for you to find your hidden treasure. You will fine topaz, rubies, amethyst, emeralds and many other types of gemstones. We welcome all rock hounds and treasure seekers. We will help you to identify your gems and fossils during your adventure,” said Jen Glick. Primitive Outback also offers leisurely selfguided kayak trips down the Little Tennessee River. Call 828.349.1717 or visit www.primitiveoutback.com
Appalachian Overland Rentals opens The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Appalachian Overland Rentals. Appalachian Overland Rentals is a new locally owned and operated business renting recreational vehicles. Owners Lucas and Cynthia Freimuth, both locals, are currently taking reservations for
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the 2021 season in Franklin. “We have created a unique fleet of rental vehicles fully equipped to give our guests a jump start on their next adventure. The rentals available include an expedition pull-behind trailer, a pullbehind teardrop camper with sleeping quarters, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Tacoma with overland builds and a fully self-contained camper van. Rentals range from $85 to $250 per night and all rentals come equipped with camping essentials,” said Lucas Freimuth. For more information, visit appalachianoverlandrentals.com or call 828.332.0116.
New culinary team at Maggie Valley Club Maggie Valley Club & Resort in Maggie Valley recently welcomed a new culinary team, naming Ashley Westbrook Director of Food & Beverage and Jon Cropf as Executive Chef. Westbrook and Cropf will lead the culinary operations at the property’s Pin High Bar & Grille and share a passion for food and beverage as well as a creativeness for new menu items and specials. At Maggie Valley, Westbrook will oversee daily restaurant operations, club events and handle all private event inquiries. Her mission is to provide members and their guests with a friendly and memorable dining experience. Cropf has more than 22 years of experience in culinary arts and holds a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte. Prior to his arrival at Maggie Valley, Cropf served as executive chef at Trummer’s on Main in Clifton, Virginia. In his four years there, the restaurant achieved top five placements on Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top 50 restaurants list for four consecutive years. Visit www.maggievalleyclub.com or call 800.438.3861.
Rootless Kitchen open in Waynesville Rootless Kitchen has opened inside the 828 Market on Main in Waynesville. The menu is inspired by travels that the owner, Marc, has taken over the years. The menu offers sandwiches and wraps with many options for vegetarians. Marc has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, from restaurants to hotels to hospitals. In 2014, Marc and his wife Mary decided to break away from the corporate world and partner with like-minded entrepreneurs in Southwest Colorado where they managed two restaurants, cabins and ATV rentals. Marc quickly became known as the “Pizza Guy” in Creede. Marc has partnered with 828 Market on Main to share his travel-inspired dishes. The market is locally owned and managed by Carrie & Richie Griffin. For more up to date information on 828 Market, visit facebook.com/828marketonmain or Instagram @828marketonmain.
