7 New Small Businesses in the Swannanoa Valley to Check Out
In the last few months, many new small businesses have opened in the Swannanoa Valley! I’ve been having a great time checking them out and can’t wait for you to see them too. Have you been to these places? What other new spots are in the Swannanoa Valley? Let me know below!
1. Black Mountain Variety – 106 Sutton Ave, Black Mountain, NC
In downtown Black Mountain, there is a new booth-style shop named Black Mountain Variety that has truly a *variety* of locally made or curated goods. There is artwork, plants, snacks, clothes, jewelry, accessories, and so much more! I made a quick visit before school pick up one day and was blown away by how massive the store is and how many different artists are packed into one place (including many of my favorites from local weekend markets). I snagged a pair of cool sunglasses and can’t wait to go back.
@rundainwnc Welcome to Black Mountain Variety, a new booth-style shop in Black Mountain, NC! Western North Carolina neighbors, y’all are gonna want to drive in to see this place. It’s massive, but not cramped. There is so much variety from clothes to pottery to plants to food to jewelry to everything in between. I saw so many of my favorite artists and makers including Wild Weft, A Quartzy Life, Skipping Pibbles Design, Three Nuts Company, and more! (Yes, I did buy these sunglasses at Black Mountain Variety and I’m obsessed with them.) #blackmountain #blackmountainnc #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #wnc ♬ Bright and fun upbeat pops, Kids, Animals, Pets, Fun, Cute, Happy, Playful, Upbeat(1465232) – SAKUMAMATATA
Runda Recommends: Earrings and air plants from the Wild Weft booth
2. Salva-Mex Tienda Latina – 100 WNC Shopping Center Dr, Black Mountain, NC
In the WNC Shopping Center off of US 70 you can find Salva-Mex, a new tienda with a mix of goods from Mexico and El Salvador. The grocery has fresh produce, cheeses, dry food staples, and household essentials like laundry detergent, soap, body wash, etc. Up front there is a case of bakery sweets and lots of candy (my kids are big fans). On Sundays, they have hot food for sale.
@rundainwnc My brain always fights between Arabic pronunciation and Spanish when I’m reading words. Check out Salva-Mex, a new Tienda Latina in Black Mountain, North Carolina! (Temporarily cash only) #blackmountain #blackmountainnc #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #asheville ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Runda Recommends: Guava juice, puffy cheese and chile chips, and fresh cheese
3. Papaw’s Place – 2632 US-70, Swannanoa, NC
Papaw’s Place is technically a feed store, but there is much to love inside even if you don’t have livestock. They’ve got fresh produce, snacks and candy, jarred goods like Apple Butter, seeds, plants, flowers, and more! The inside is decorated with antiques and there’s a massive fireplace and rocking chairs. They’ve also got coffee and boiled peanuts daily.
@rundainwnc Check out Swannanoa’s newest business – Papaw’s Place! This feed, produce, and local products shop is on 70 between Asheville and Black Mountain. #swannanoa #blackmountain #asheville #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Runda Recommends: Tomatoes, squash, and ice cream from the case
4. Unicorn Farm – 6 Avery Wood Dr, Swannanoa, NC
This year felt like the right timing to bring back our garden and so I was very excited to see a new plant nursery open up right on US 70 in Swannanoa, the Unicorn Farm! Stop by to see a variety of flowers, veggie starts, bushes, and everything in between. On weekends, they’ll also have a rotation of food trucks and vendor markets. Follow them on Instagram to stay up-to-date on weekend happenings.
@rundainwnc Unicorn Farm’s Grand Opening in Swannanoa was today! I swung by with the kids to check it out. We picked out a blueberry bush to add to our garden. Trucking Delicious was there serving up great food. Sunshine and smiles all around ☀️ 🦄 #828isgreat #wnc #westernnorthcarolina #swannanoa #blackmountain ♬ Happy Finds a Way – K.I.S.S. Entertainment
Runda Recommends: Blueberry Bush and Inky Fingers and looking for the unicorn mascot
5. The Bargain Barn – 112 Lytle Cove Rd, Swannanoa, NC
The Bargain Barn is a new thrift store that is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday from 10 AM-2 PM. Profits from the store go towards The Blessing Project, a non-profit organization that operates a free store, serves hot meals, and so much more.
Runda Recommends: Checking out The Blessing Project website to see the many ways the organization is doing good work in the Swannanoa Valley
@rundainwnc Did you know that @The Blessing Project now has The Bargain Barn (+10 points for the alliteration, love it!)? Check out this new thrift store in Swannanoa that helps fund non profit work in our local community. #swannanoa #blackmountain #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #thrifting ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
6. Bee’s Mini Mart – 2234 US-70, Swannanoa, NC
Next to the now closed Family Dollar in Swannanoa, there’s a new mini-mart (no gas station). Inside you’ll find basic staples, candy, drinks, etc. There’s also a microwave and an ice cream case. They’ve got plans for more cool stuff happening in the building later on, stay tuned!
@rundainwnc I know we’ve all been wondering, what’s going on in the small building beside the old Family Dollar? It’s Bee’s Mini Mart and I hear they have some additions fun plans for the future, stay tuned. Check them out now for traditional convenience store fare – snacks, drinks, ice cream, etc. #swannanoa #blackmountain #828isgreat #asheville #wnc ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Runda Recommends: Stopping by after school with your kids for a bug juice and bag of chips
7. Swannanoa Town Hardware – 119 Alexander Pl, Swannanoa, NC
The long-beloved Town Hardware store in Black Mountain now has a new location in Swannanoa. Across the street from Blunt Pretzels is a huge Town Hardware. In addition to what you’d expect to find in a hardware store, you’ll also find Swannanoa branded clothing, household cleaning essentials, old school toys, and classic drinks. The Swannanoa store also offers small engine repair.
Runda Recommends: Swannanoa Ball Cap and taking a photo with the beautiful sign on the side of the building
@rundainwnc More to celebrate! Come stop by the new @Town Hardware & General Store on Alexander Place in Swannanoa. They’ve got all your hardware and household items. Town Hardware is open 8-6 Monday through Saturday. Sundays they are closed until May and then will be open 12-5. #swannanoa #swannanoanc #828isgreat #asheville #blackmountain ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
1 Hour in Black Mountain: Abbiocco Pizzeria, Peri Social House, and Lake Tomahawk
Western North Carolina visitors don’t get to have all the fun! As locals, sometimes it can be hard to find time to explore new places because we think we need to dedicate an entire day. But whole days of freedom are hard to come by, even on the weekend. Here’s one example of how you can carve out an hour or two and enjoy a fun spot in Black Mountain. First, let me introduce the cast (scroll down for the itinerary):
Peri Social House is a gorgeous boutique hotel on State Street just before you get to downtown Black Mountain (coming from Swannanoa). If you don’t already know about this cool spot, follow them here where they list fun events like silent reading parties, author talks, craft nights, and more! Their downstairs is also open to the public and it’s a great spot to grab a coffee and hang out.
Abbiocco Pizzeria is wood-fired pizza truck that is parked at Peri Social House Thursdays-Sundays. They’ve also started selling their frozen pizza at local stores like Beradu Market and The Rite Buy. You can follow the truck here and the frozen pizza spots here.
Lake Tomahawk is just around the corner from Peri Social House. There’s a cute playground, a loop around the lake, and mountain views. I love it so much I wrote a whole post about it here.
@rundainwnc Mini-itinerary alert! I spent most of Sunday cleaning but that didn’t mean we couldn’t carve out one hour of fun. Abbiocco Pizzeria has their truck @PeriSocialHouse Thursdays-Sunday. You can check their website for hours and for the link if you want to order ahead. Lake Tomahawk is just around the corner. A slight twist on this itinerary is to stay and eat it there! Peri has a great patio on both sides of the house and lots of space indoors. There’s also a toddler play area. Can’t make it to the truck? Abbiocco now has their pizzas in the frozen section in stores like The Rite Buy, Beradu, and others. Follow @Abbiocco At Home | Frozen 🍕 Have fun! #blackmountain #blackmountainnc #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #asheville ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Itinerary for Busy Folks (adjust if you’ve got the luxury of time):
- Pack a picnic blanket and your own drinks
- Order ahead on the Abbiocco website
- Park at Peri Social House and head to the right of the building. Parking lot full? There’s usually some nearby lots that you can park and do a quick walk and back to your car.
- Drive to Lake Tomahawk, if there’s not parking in the main lot there usually is some in front of the Black Mountain Pool next door.
- Find a spot for your blanket and enjoy your pizza! If you’ve got time, walk around the loop once or twice or three times. Look for the heron (or maybe it’s an egret).
Other Ideas
- Order your pizza at the truck and stay at Peri Social House to eat! There’s plenty of space on the front porch, patio, and inside. They’ve got coffee and drinks, you don’t have to bring your own. There’s also a fenced in play area perfect for young kids – swings and dump trucks galore.
- Follow your outing with yummy dessert in downtown Black Mountain.
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La Guinguette: French and Latin Cafe in Black Mountain, NC
I have driven by the bright yellow house that holds La Guinguette, a French and Latin cafe in Black Mountain, many times while grabbing a coffee and refilling my laundry detergent at the nearby Laundry Collective. After days of being snowed in, the bright yellow drew me in, seeming to promise warmth and a reprieve from the winter weather (spoiler: it did).
Walking through the front door, you can immediately feel the warmth from the fireplace in the front room. I shook off the cold and when I opened the menu, knew instantly I would need to come back again soon. How could I possibly try all of the flavors of empanadas, tamales, soups, and crepes on this visit? Next thought: “When is mom coming to visit next, she would love this!” (and I definitely texted her that the moment my plate arrived and I could snap a picture).
I chose one spinach empanada, one chicken tamale, and a lemon crepe for dessert. The main meal came with a salad and cilantro sauce for the tamale. There was not a crumb left on any plate. The meal was filling but light, perfect energizer before a little walk in downtown Black Mountain. Later, when I posted a video on my TikTok account someone let me know that La Guinguette is the sister restaurant of Cecilia’s in Asheville – it makes sense!
@rundainwnc I’ve often wondered what’s going on in this cute yellow house and now I know – a delicious French and Latin Cafe called La Guinguette! There is no shortage of wonderful eats in Black Mountain, NC…the hardest part is figuring out what to try first. #blackmountain #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #asheville #ashevillenc ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
I might just need to make up a reason to go to the post office next week. And if I’m in the post office, I might as well walk across the street to try some more menu items…right? What’s your favorite dish or dessert from La Guinguette? Let me know in the comments!
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Recess Coffee and Baked Goods: School-Themed Coffee Shop in Black Mountain, NC
Recess Coffee and Baked Goods is a locally-owned, beloved coffee shop nestled by the railroad tracks in downtown Black Mountain, North Carolina. It’s just minutes from Montreat and about 15-20 minutes from Asheville and known not just for its coffee menu but specialty pastries and bread and unique school-theme.
The first time I visited this Black Mountain coffee shop was to meet up with a friend and coworker who was in town visiting family in Montreat. She asked if I had been to Recess, and when I said no, insisted that we check it out (this friend also introduced me to Robert Lake Park, she’s a real one).
What a fun surprise it was to see that the coffee shop is school-themed! As a former teacher and someone who still works closely with school workers, I am a big fan of school. My kids were with me and they immediately locked eyes with the bleachers and started climbing up and down. Every time I go, I notice something new (psst…check out what the pastry case is sitting on).
Unique Drinks and Fresh Baked Goods
Recess Coffee and Baked Goods goes well beyond the typical light pastries found in most coffee shops and offers delicious and artistic creations. The croissants and eclairs and breads are often seasonal – so you’ve got to snag one before they’re gone. The same goes for the Recess coffee menu – a strong base menu that has a rotation of specialty drinks.
@rundainwnc I definitely recommend making a longer itinerary if you’re going to Recess for coffee, there are so many fun shops and galleries in downtown Black Mountain! #blackmountain #asheville #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #coffee ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
That first experience was so bright – I remember sitting in the warm sun on the patio catching up with my friend while the kids drew on the concrete with sidewalk chalk. The patio door opened and what surprise and delight I felt at the giant croissant with gold flakes!
Parking at Recess Coffee in Black Mountain
There are a few spots beside Recess to park and street parking. However, if you’re like me and find street parking anxiety-inducing, I recommend trying to snag a spot on Sutton Avenue either in front of the old rail car or the small lot across from the train tracks and then walking over.
Patio Seating, Kids, and Dog-Friendly Space
Recess Coffee and Baked Goods has an outdoor patio with seating and a small patch of grass. There’s usually a water bowl for dogs, too. My kids love to run around out there and draw with chalk. Inside, there’s a shelf of games and the big star for the kids – bleachers!
What’s your favorite treat or drink from Recess? Let me know in the comments!
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Good Company Pizza in Swannanoa, NC: Family-Friendly Pizza, Arcade Games & Gelato
I’ve driven past Good Company Pizza in Swannanoa (near Asheville, North Carolina) anywhere from four to six times a day for years without ever going in. My bad! Recently, I noticed new signs went up advertising gelato and arcade games and as the mom of three small kids, realized that it was about time to go check it out.
From the outside, you might think that there are just a couple of machines and tables but Good Company Pizza is surprisingly spacious! We went yesterday after being snowed in for four days and had a blast.
@rundainwnc I can’t believe I’ve been driving all the way to North Asheville to do arcade and pizza with the kids when this is a mile from my house 😅 Thanks @Good Company Pizza! #828isgreat #swannanoa #blackmountain #asheville #westernnorthcarolina ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Arcade & Games
You walk into the restaurant at the kitchen and takeout counter. On the right is a big room with tables, soda machines, and a couple of claw machine type games. On the left is an equally big room with tables, ice hockey, and a variety of arcade games, claw machines, shooter type games, etc. Most games cost $1 and there is a machine to exchange cash for quarters. There’s also a gelato bar that’s open in the evening.
If you’ve ever taken little kids into an arcade, you know that going somewhere with every claw machine and game being nearly impossible to win is worse than not going at all. I really appreciated Good Company Pizza has an egg claw machine that was easy for younger kids and my kids were extremely excited about their tiny trinkets.
Pizza, Subs, and Amazing Ranch
And what about the food? The kids got their standard cheeze pizza and I tried the Philly chicken sub. Both were great and based on the comments on my TikTok video, the other menu items are popular! I also asked for a cup of ranch and boy am I glad that I did. It was so good that I thought about drinking the extra in the cup.
Swannanoa is the Place to Be!
It’s so nice to have things to do in Swannanoa. As much as I love spots like Asheville Pizza on Merrimon, I don’t always want to drive all the way to North Asheville. It’s exciting to see our local spots get creative in adding more value to the community. We are Swanna-somewhere indeed!
One response to “Good Company Pizza in Swannanoa, NC: Family-Friendly Pizza, Arcade Games & Gelato”
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[…] Good Company Pizza in Swannanoa is a full restaurant and has an entire half dedicated to an arcade and gelato stand. The game room includes air hockey, arcade games, claw machines, etc. I have found the games to be reasonable/winnable – my kids had a great time! You can find my full review here. […]
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Typhoon Noodle in Asheville, NC
I used to drive by many tempting stops on Hendersonville Road every day twice a day on my way to work as a high school teacher at T.C. Roberson. Hardees was never calling out to me, but once the old building was renovated into Typhoon Noodle it took everything in my power not to stop for a little treat every day after school. It has now become one of my favorite restaurants in Asheville.
This Szechuan restaurant has a varied menu including curries, fried rice, noodle soups, and a ton of delicious appetizers, soups, and boba. There have been times when I’ve dropped my kids off at the babysitter for a little “me time,” ordered takeout on my phone, picked it up at the drive through window (takeout only), and sat right there in the parking lot watching a TV show and eating my meal in total peace. I highly recommend this activity.
@rundainwnc Have you tried Typhoon Noodle in Asheville, NC? I used to teach at T.C. Roberson and had a lot more opportunities to drive by back then. My go to meal is green curry chicken, spring rolls, and bubble tea! ❤️ #asheville #ashevillenc #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #wnc ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
Typhoon Noodle has several hearty vegetarian dishes (with tofu and without) and I appreciate that not all of the broths are made from pork which gives me more options. They have a menu item called “Chinese tacos” that I’m very curious about but haven’t tried yet! My only delta about Typhoon Noodle is that the entrance can be a little tricky to get into – you either have to drive into the Chipotle parking lot or act like you’re going to the stop light and turn in. A little inconvenience that is well worth it!
@rundainwnc I still maintain that the green curry is the besttttt entree at Typhoon Noodle, but I will try more things from the comment section on my last video! The summer rolls were fantastic and they do carefully wrapped each one for delivery 🥹 #asheville #ashevillenc #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #avl ♬ simple life – Amanda Rosa
Runda’s Favorites:
Appetizers – Spring Rolls, Summer Rolls, Scallion Pancakes, Ginger Salad
Main Dish – Green Curry with Chicken
Boba – Mango Green Tea with Aloe Vera (but I’ve tried tons of combos and every single one is amazing)
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The Rite Buy – Swannanoa’s Inspiring Grocery
After Hurricane Helene, our town of Swannanoa lost its main grocery store.
Post-hurricane life was (still is) exceedingly more difficult in almost every way and it felt like salt in the wound to not even be able to grab a loaf of bread or box of cereal without going to Asheville or Black Mountain. Months and months went by with no progress on the old grocery.
Then, I remember seeing a Facebook post from The Rite Buy – advertising that a local couple would be opening a small grocery right next door to one of my favorite coffee shops, Short Sleeves Coffee. Reading the owners’ story was inspiring, our neighbors left their jobs to open a small business because we needed it! That’s community care.
I DM’d their instagram account wanting to know if there might be middle eastern groceries. Diana, one of the owners, and I connected right way over a shared love of middle eastern food and she asked thoughtful questions about the food and ingredients that I find hard to get in Buncombe County. She invited me to come to the store to meet and showed me around – sharing her dream and vision.
Months later, the store opened! The Rite Buy has fresh fruit and produce, bread, bulk lentils, grains, etc., frozen meats and ice cream, dairy, and a small array of canned and dry products. Is it a full service grocery store? Nope! But I can stop and get bread or eggs or a box of cereal if I’m in a time pinch. I can buy high quality ingredients and local products. And it’s the perfect size to zip in and out with my kids – a lot less draining than a full blown grocery excursion.
Recently, my daughter got an award at school. I asked her if she wanted to stop somewhere for a treat. I thought she might want to go to an ice cream shop or the gas station for a chocolate bar. Instead, she asked to stop by The Rite Buy. She wanted to grab her “favorite juice ever” and a tub of local ice cream for home. I think kids too can sense the difference in how a place feels when you know the cashiers by name and its in your own neighborhood – special and comfortable.
The Rite Buy continues to be a ray of sunshine in our community, they’re partnering with the Valley Hope Foundation on community care cards to help folks get access to food. I hope you’ll stop by whether you’re a Swannanoa local, from nearby, or just visiting. And while you’re at it – this whole block has a lot going on these days including Short Sleeves Coffee, Ovenbird Kitchen, Roots and Branches, Blunt Pretzel, and Cherry Tree Beads. Pretty soon Town Hardware will be opening too. Go on a social media following spree, I dare you:
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Mela Indian Restaurant in Downtown Asheville
@rundainwnc Mela is one of my favorite comfort restaurants! It’s in downtown Asheville and there is a large parking lot across the street. They have a daily lunch buffet option and on Monday nights $12 vegan/vegetarian entrees! #asheville #ashevillenc #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina #buffet ♬ Snowy Morning – FREDERIC BOUCHAL
Mela Indian Restaurant in downtown Asheville, North Carolina has been a long-time favorite of mine. Not only are the dishes (from North and South India) packed with flavor, but they also have a reasonably priced lunch buffet and good parking. For me, that’s a winning combo.
The food is so good that in college I used to babysit for an employee that worked there and I was partially paid in food, partially in cash. (I didn’t mind.)
The restaurant is located at 70 N Lexington Ave, ignore your GPS telling you to turn on Chicken Alley. You’ll be able to find street parking or a couple of paid lots directly across the street.
Lunch Buffet is 11:30am – 2:30pm and Dinner Service is 5:30pm – 9:30pm. As of this posting, on Monday nights they also have specials on vegetarian entrees.
Consider staying longer and exploring Lexington Avenue and the rest of what downtown Asheville has to offer. On this stretch there is Downtown Books & News, Dobra Tea, and many other cool shops!
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Beradu Market & Kitchen in Black Mountain
Once you learn this information, you cannot unlearn it. And then, once you try Beradu, you will wake up every Thursday morning and wonder…”Do I really want to make my own breakfast or should I go to Beradu and let Chef Patrick do it properly?”
Beradu Market and Kitchen is a two in one kinda business. On one side you’ve got a specialty market with shelf-stable goodies in addition to meat, dairy, beverages, etc. This side also has a deli. On the other side is the brunch restaurant that’s only open a few days a week.
I have two main recommendations because they are perfect and I keep going back for them. On the deli side, get the caprese sandwich. Every detail, the bread, the thick slice of cheese, everything has been thoughtfully crafted. It’s a hefty sandwich and I eat every single bite. Even in the car, even if the vinaigrette is dripping down my sleeves.
On the restaurant side, you must try the corned beef hash. This is not the canned corned beef that you might have had at grandma’s house (no shade, I like that kind too). This is tender pieces of beef, perfectly cooked eggs, roasted potatoes and onion…all served with a biscuit or english muffin. Order a cup of coffee, which comes in a French press, and bam! you’ll never want another breakfast again.
But wait, don’t forget the market side! I go to the YMCA with my kids several times a week (it’s across the street) and we often stop by the market for vegan jelly pouches, turkey sticks, specialty candy, coffee, and local products like Spicewalla spices. To my kids it’s not “Beradu,” it’s the “jelly store with the rocking chairs and can we please please please mom go and get a treat” place.
Check out Beradu’s special Juicy Lucy menu item that goes towards organizations helping folks in Minnesota and my favorites below:
Runda’s Favorites from Beradu:
Restaurant: Corned Beef Hash, Beef Bacon, Grits, Hashbrown Casserole
Market: Spicewalla Spices, Vegan Jelly Pouches, Caprese Sandwich
@rundainwnc Have you been to Beradu (@maggie)? What do you recommend from the market side or restaurant side? #swannanoa #blackmountain #asheville #828isgreat #westernnorthcarolina ♬ original sound – Runda in WNC
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