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Marshall Businesses Reopen Amid Reconstruction Efforts

MARSHALL – In a positive sign for the community, one of the longest-established businesses in downtown Marshall has reopened its doors, marking an important milestone in the town’s recovery process.

As spring approaches and Madison County prepares for its official reopening in Marshall and Hot Springs in early May, several local enterprises have begun resuming operations, including the downtown tag office.

Zuma Coffee recently held its first bluegrass open jam on March 20, celebrating its return post-Hurricane Helene.

Mad Co. Brew House also marked a significant moment with its grand reopening on March 27, featuring live music from local artist Jim Hampton.

Brandon and Rhesa Edwards, owners of Mad Co. Brew House, proudly stood in front of their North Main Street establishment during its grand reopening event.

The couple plans to relaunch their pizza kitchen by the end of April, according to Rhesa Edwards. She stated that the immediate focus was to reopen the taproom, which has always been a focal point for community gatherings.

“Everyone’s really eager for us to be back open, a place to come together seven days a week,” said Rhesa Edwards. “People have been asking about pizza non-stop. They show up, hoping to find it, but we appreciate their understanding of everything we’ve been through.”

The establishment endured more than 8 feet of floodwater during the devastating storms of September 27.

“Seeing everything we built over the past decade washed away in just a few hours was devastating,” Brandon Edwards recalled. “But we were resolute about rebuilding.”

Mad Co. Brew House is now operational every day, though with limited hours.

Rhesa Edwards recounted the moment they were first able to access their shop on September 29, memory tinged with the shock of devastation.

“When we got in, we came armed with a shovel and some supplies. The front patio was nearly impassable due to 15 inches of mud,” she noted. “Faced with this overwhelming mess, we realized it was going to take much more than just us.”

After surveying the extent of the destruction, the couple returned to their home to regroup and devise a recovery plan.

Located at 45 N. Main St. in downtown Marshall, Mad Co. Brew House was severely impacted, losing all contents and equipment inside the taproom and pizza kitchen due to flooding.

They began the arduous task of cleanup on September 30, discarding ruined items into the street.

“We had to remove everything—drywall, flooring, kitchen appliances, tables, and bathroom fixtures were all beyond repair,” Rhesa Edwards explained.

Fortunately, the business received support from a GoFundMe campaign created to assist in their recovery, providing a much-needed financial cushion as they awaited insurance compensation.

Mad Co. Brew House, which opened in 2016, celebrated a soft reopening on March 17, coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

“We’re thrilled to be back, and I know the community feels the same way,” Rhesa added. “What we went through was shocking, but we’ve come out stronger and are eager to welcome everyone back.”

On the same day, Flow Gallery also celebrated its grand reopening, adding to the revived atmosphere downtown.

Brandon Edwards expressed gratitude for the community support that flooded in during their soft opening on March 17.

“The turnout means so much to us because without the community, none of this matters,” he stated. “The support from everyone reaffirmed our commitment to this place.”

For Rhesa, the return of Mad Co. Brew House brings not only joy but also a sense of normalcy back to the town and Madison County.

“It has provided a boost for everyone. There’s a collective excitement now that we have a gathering spot for people to come together and reconnect,” she shared.

More: Amid the rubble in Marshall, residents caution about toxic conditions amid Helene cleanup

More: After Western NC Helene floods, small town starts recovery 1 shovel of mud at a time

For the time being, Mad Co. Brew House will operate under reduced hours:

Monday through Thursday, 4-8 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Marshall’s Mad Co. Brew House reopens

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