Changes coming to downtown as Black Mountain businesses seek to expand, open multiple locations

New businesses are coming to downtown Black Mountain through expansions, reopening and secondary locations. 

Taco Billy to open Black Mountain location

Casual Asheville-based taco joint Taco Billy plans to expand to another location in downtown Black Mountain, according to owner Hunter Berry. 

Berry said the opening process was delayed as the structure of the building the restaurant will inhabit needs to be reinforced.

"We're a couple months behind because we had to make some significant changes," Berry said. 

Although an opening date has yet to be determined, Berry said he hopes for May. 

Former Rug and Jug building to become art space

Asheville locals Todd and Kaye Phillips purchased the old Rug and Jug building from Joe Tyson, owner of Tyson Furniture, with the intention of creating a gallery and workspace for artists. 

Tyson said he believes the new owners plan to maintain the original style of the building.

"We fell in love with the charm and history of this stone building and want to restore and update it to its original stature," said Todd Phillips, who is also a glass artist in Asheville. 

The Phillipses plan to start renovating the building this spring with the goal of finishing by spring 2023. 

"We look forward to beautifying and bringing folks back to this wonderful location across from town square," Todd said.

Ezra Maille covers the town of Black Mountain, Montreat and the Swannanoa Valley. Reach him at 828-230-3324.