Rumors and happenings

Ashvegas scooped us on some rumors making the rounds about some possible new developments on the local scene. However, we can report that the stories about a new brewpub going into the former TS Morrison building are anything but "pure speculation." We know who the brewer will be and we have the facts direct from the source. We'll post further info as it develops but don't expect to see brewing here for at least a year. But plans call for a restaurant and brewing operation which will join Asheville Pizza and Brewing as Asheville's second brewpub (Jack of the Wood technically no longer qualifies for the label since the brewery is now a separate operation and is more of a "tied house")

We can't yet confirm or deny Ash's other rumors about the Wedge Gallery or possible developments on Buxton Avenue except to say that the fine folks at Green Man Brewing don't know anything about the latter. While we prefer to post facts we will report a fourth rumor we've heard about possible brewing activity on Haywood Road in West Asheville. We believe that this may be a skewed report of the new Root Bar that will be opening across from the Ingles on Haywood Road. While no on-site brewing is planned we do anticipate that the beer selections will rival the outstanding choices available at the original location in East Asheville.

In any event, if the rumored breweries do get up and running it's quite possible Asheville could become known for having the greatest number of breweries per capita. How about it? Does anyone know of another city of 65,000 with eight breweries? Or six? Or even four?

Finally, the new second location of Ruby's BBQ Shack has opened on Tunnel Road in the old IHOP building. We haven't visited yet but if their beer selection is anything like that at the Haw Creek site then it should be a winner. We know from the ads in the Mountain Xpress that it's smoke-free but that's it. If anyone has been there post a comment and tell us about it.