Famed pitmaster Elliott Moss makes his pandemic pop-up permanent with the opening of Little Louie’s in West Asheville. Located in the space previously held by the Malvern (the pool table, staff, and decor remain), Little Louie’s serves brisket and cheese hoagies, chicken Parmesan hoagies, a selection of pierogis, smoked wings, Louie fries, and more.

Popular food truck the Trashy Vegan brings its plant-based fare to a permanent address in West Asheville. There are zero animal products in the cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, or “trashy” cheesesteak. Loaded fries come with the sauce of the day, onion, pickled jalapenos, fried soy curls, tomato, and lettuce on a bed of crisp fries.

West Asheville mainstay Tastee Diner finds new owners with former Jargon chef Steve Goff and partner Sam Goff. They still serve comfort food, but now it’s a bit more interesting, like a baked ziti sandwich, smoked wings, or a giant smoked bologna stack with whipped pimento cheese.

Neighborhood tavern Tall John’s focuses on well-executed European-American classics like pork schnitzel, Parker rolls, steak tartare, and a signature burger from owner/executive chef Trevor Payne. The restaurant aims to be a spot for “all occasions” in the historic Montford district.

Owen and Mindi McGlynn of Grove Arcade restaurant Asheville Proper opened their second restaurant, Little D’s, with an emphasis on small plates and seasonal produce. Current dishes include charred carrots with smoked feta, duck breast with citrus-miso glaze, and grilled broccolini with cardamon labneh.

New American restaurant Eldr serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a century-old cottage nestled amid the trees in historic Grovewood Village. Eldr is Old Norse for “fire”, which is fitting, because the restaurant relies on a wood-fired oven for many of its dishes. The menu includes roast chicken, pork schnitzel, duck wings, and more.

Abuela’s Little Kitchen has a new location and is receiving new attention. The larger dining room allows the family to serve even more Mexican breakfast favorites like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles next to American classics like pancakes and bacon.