Гостевой дом в Лейк-Люре борется за выживание: доходы владельцев остаются ниже доураганов «Хелен»

Lake Lure’s Grafton Lodge says it’s 'hanging on,' with revenue still down since Helene LAKE LURE, N.C. (WLOS) — A nonprofit based in Asheville just released survey findings that show how businesses across Western North Carolina are doing nearly two years after Helene. Some respondents say they're still struggling. Kim and Richard Sayles, the owners of Grafton Lodge in Lake Lure, say revenue is still below what it was before Helene, and they're not seeing as many tourists as they used to. "(We're) hanging on for dear life and making sure we can keep paying bills and staying here," said Kim Sayles. LAKE LURE'S RAINBOW BRIDGE IS COMING BACK AFTER HELENE DESTROYED BELOVED GARDEN "(We're still) getting the word out that Lake Lure has been open since November of 2024," said Richard Sayles. Right now, they're concerned about not making enough sales this summer to get through the winter. "When is enough? When should I stop giving money to the business and having to sell? And nobody enjoys selling when you're not ready to," said Kim Sayles. LAKE LURE'S WASHBURN MARINA REOPENS AFTER HELENE, RESTORING DOCKING FOR BOATERS Mountain BizWorks conducted the local business impact survey which found that three out of four small businesses are still earning at or below pre-Helene revenues. "That seems to be the biggest need from the respondents is more support in tourism, again this is their own words, right? The response to the survey are citing a drop in tourism to have a ripple effect across our whole economy," said Jeffrey Kaplan, the Director of Venture Asheville. According to this survey of more than 700 business owners in Western North Carolina, participants identified tourism as the greatest opportunity for strengthening small businesses across Western North Carolina. And things aren't looking bad for everyone. Jessie Dean, the owner of Asheville Tea Company, says she also filled out the survey. Her company is earning higher than pre-Helene revenue, she said. She attributes this mainly to collaboration with other businesses. For Kim and Rich, though, the future of the Grafton Lodge is uncertain. "We're still optimistic and hopeful that people come back," said Richard Sayles. "It's just saying that one more month, it's going to be fine and the ball is rolling," said Kim Sayles.