Support Dobra Tea's Recovery in Asheville

A message from the owner Andrew Snavely

 

“Your community is the greatest insurance plan” is a quote from a dear friend that I truly resonated with yesterday.

 

On behalf of the Dobra Tea locations in West, East and Downtown Asheville I am seeking support for my establishments and our devoted staff during these times. This has been so tough on everyone. 

 

Our hearts continue to support our community and surrounding areas that were affected by this tragic event. Everyone’s story and experience is a different one. We honor and recognize there are many of us reaching out for financial support currently. Its truly needed 

 

Im being transparent to all stating we are currently at the bottom. This is our big push to reach out and call in the support, trust me it breaks my heart to do so

We have already lost almost a months income which naturally covers our operating costs, rents and employee wages. 

We are not a team of investors, its just myself and my loan to the SBA, of which we were denied last week for their “Disaster Relief Fund” because they too are out of money to support. We have applied for all possible grants and were denied this morning by 1 who is already out of funds. 

 

It is still unclear whether we will be able to reopen our doors, or in what capacity. 

Could 3 locations sustain in this time? Or even just one?

We are unsure but hoping for the greatest and best possible outcome.

We also do not have commercial dishwashers in any of our establishments therefore we hand wash our wares and pottery. Water is 90% of our offerings and our greatest issue

We are deeply grateful to those who have supported us by placing online orders for bulk tea as we navigate this difficult time. Please continue to do so if you are able 

We are filling orders daily. 

For those of you not local, Hurricane Helene swept through the Appalachian mountains, bringing two days of relentless rain and strong winds. The storm saturated the earth, causing historic flooding and leaving unimaginable damage and devastation in its wake. Since September 29th, the destruction of our community’s water system has left much of Western North Carolina without access to running water. water has begun flowing from the North Fork reservoir into Asheville’s water system, but there are many points of contamination and no clear timeline for when it will be safe to drink. As a tea house, we rely on clean water, and without it, we have been forced to remain closed indefinitely.

We have created this GoFundMe to help cover operating costs, loss of business and the wages our team has lost since our closure. 

Dobrá Tea has been a center for so many over the years. A place to connect, gather and forget the noise of the world. A place to meet a loved one or have a meeting about the next community event you’re planning

All this in the presence of a cup of Tea to enhance the body and mind. This medicine is important for all of us and to all that have come in to support this culture over the years. Thank you truly for these memories

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve countless cups of tea to our community for 14 years, we opened our downtown location in 2010

We are hopeful that we will return in some capacity someday soon. Thank You so much for your considerations and generosity. #AshevilleStrong