Guajiro Opened Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Asheville
The Cuban restaurant has launched a permanent home in the River Arts District after its food truck was lost in a storm.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Dining Out
Live Poll
Do you make an effort to support local businesses that have rebuilt after natural disasters?
Guajiro has opened a new restaurant in Asheville at 122 Riverside Drive within the Asheville Cotton Mill Studios. The opening marks a transition to a permanent location following the destruction of the owners previous food truck by Tropical Storm Helene.
Why it matters
The restaurant serves as a legacy project honoring the owners family history on a Cuban sugarcane farm. The shift to a brick-and-mortar space allows the business to move away from seasonal closures and the harsh working conditions of operating a food truck.
The new site at the 1887-era mill building features renovated electrical and plumbing systems relocated to the roof. The French Broad River reached a record height of 24.67 feet during the flood event that destroyed the original mobile business.
The players
Chris Barroso
He is a restaurant owner who partnered to develop the new brick-and-mortar location.
Joel Morales
He is a restaurant owner who co-founded the new space with Chris Barroso.
The details
Owners Chris Barroso and Joel Morales partnered to bring the project to life after previously operating out of a temporary food truck at Hi-Wire Brewing. The restaurant space serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner while planning to reintroduce salsa and house music nights.
Timeline
1887: The original mill site was established.
September 27, 2024: Tropical Storm Helene made landfall in Western North Carolina.
September 2026: Guajiro opened its brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Culture Shift
This opening reflects a broader trend of small businesses in Asheville prioritizing resilient infrastructure to survive extreme weather. It underscores a shift toward permanent, climate-hardened spaces in the River Arts District following the destruction caused by the 2024 storm season.
Residents can now visit the new studio space for daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. The restaurant plans to host future community events including salsa dance nights and house music sessions.
The takeaway
Supporting local businesses after a natural disaster helps restore the vibrancy of neighborhoods like the River Arts District. Patrons should check the restaurant website for upcoming event schedules and house music nights.
Further reading
For more on the local food scene, browse Dining Out news in Asheville.
More information
View menus and operating hours on the Guajiro official restaurant website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Asheville Citizen Times.
Live Poll
Do you make an effort to support local businesses that have rebuilt after natural disasters?
