Nine months ago, Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, leaving a path of destruction and devastation in its wake. Like many others, Franny’s Farmacy was not spared. Our flagship Merrimon Avenue location suffered significant flood damage, forcing us to close our doors for 47 days—and turning our community upside down.
But time, like nature, has a way of moving forward. And so have we.
🌪️ Reflecting on the Storm
In the earliest days after the hurricane, we faced challenges we never imagined:
- Our Merrimon team was displaced.
- One of our employees lost part of their home.
- Our Asheville operations were paused.
- And our loyal customers had to adjust with us, driving miles out of their way to visit our Hendersonville store just to stay connected.
Through it all, Franny Tacy, our fearless founder, didn’t flinch. She opened her arms and her farm to our team and community—turning crisis into care. The farm became more than a place of healing—it became a hub of support, food, shelter, and emotional resilience.
And the message that echoed through the valleys of WNC?
“Come hell or high water, we all stuck together.”
💪 What’s Happened Since Then?
The last nine months have been a story of slow, steady rebuilding—powered by love, loyalty, and leadership.
✅ Haywood Road Store Opened
In the wake of Merrimon’s temporary closure, we launched a new Franny’s Farmacy location on Haywood Road in West Asheville. This vibrant space has become more than a storefront—it’s a symbol of our ability to adapt, grow, and keep serving the communities that mean so much to us.
The Haywood location now features:
- A brand-new outdoor smoking patio—perfect for events, social wellness, or simply enjoying the sunshine with a hemp preroll.
- Expanded product education and an engaged neighborhood community.
✅ Merrimon Rebuild Progress
Though the journey hasn’t been easy, renovations at Merrimon are steadily moving forward. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working with insurance, local contractors, and city officials to restore the store stronger than ever.
But we’re not just rebuilding walls—we’re reimagining what Merrimon can be. Expect:
- A refreshed store layout
- Better in-store experiences
- Community-forward event programming
And yes, our whimsical back-room tea sanctuary will return—with even more charm and possibility.
🧡 The Power of Community
One of the most inspiring parts of this journey has been you—our community. We’ve been moved by:
- Loyal customers driving from miles away to shop in Hendersonville
- Locals showing up at Haywood Road and asking how they can help
- Online orders pouring in from across the state just to support our recovery
- Words of encouragement, hugs, handwritten notes, and referrals
Every gesture reminded us that Franny’s Farmacy isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement, a family, and a force of nature in its own right.
🌱 What’s Next?
With the Merrimon Avenue store now officially reopened, we’re thrilled to announce that this isn’t just a return—it’s a rebirth.
We’ve reimagined the space with intention, heart, and community at its core. One of the most exciting additions? Our newly revamped event space and whimsical tea lounge—designed to bring people together for healing, education, and connection.
Here’s what’s brewing at Merrimon:
✨ The Tea Lounge
A cozy, creative hideaway where herbal wellness meets soulful moments. Whether you’re sipping a CBD-infused chakra tea or journaling in quiet reflection, the lounge is a haven for intentional relaxation.
🎤 New Event Space
Now open for private bookings, workshops, artist pop-ups, music nights, and wellness gatherings. This flexible venue gives local creators, educators, and the community a place to gather and grow—Franny’s style.
🗓️ Planning an event or private meetup? Let us host it! Email [email protected] to reserve the space.
Our reopening is not just about rebuilding—it’s about recommitting to the community that’s been with us through every high and low. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Merrimon and share this next chapter with you.
🙏 Thank You for Standing With Us
To everyone who supported us during and after Hurricane Helene—thank you.
Your strength became our strength. Your loyalty became our motivation.
And your belief in us is what continues to fuel our mission.
At Franny’s Farmacy, we believe in healing from the inside out, and this past year, we’ve lived that belief in the most personal way possible.
We’re not just back—we’re coming back better.
🛍️ Visit us in West Asheville at Haywood Road
🛒 Shop online anytime at frannysfarmacy.com