After witnessing catastrophic damage after Tropical Storm Helene on Sept. 27, 2024, Peter O'Leary, Mayor of Chimney Rock and owner of Bubba O'Leary's seen here on July 30, 2026, hopes to be fully reopened by Christmas 2026. Josh Bell/Asheville Citize

Following the catastrophic damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene on September 27, 2024, Peter O'Leary, the Mayor of Chimney Rock and owner of Bubba O'Leary's, is working toward a full reopening by Christmas 2026. As of July 30, 2026, Bubba O'Leary's remains under construction on Main Street in Chimney Rock. The project aims to restore the establishment after the severe impact of the storm, with the owner overseeing the ongoing reconstruction efforts in the area.