September 10, 2025

Cute overload in downtown Asheville

Chef’s proposal for Instagrammable street signs disliked

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An artist's rendering of proposed signage for Wall Street in downtown Asheville; the now-closed Laughing Seed Cafe is visible at the base of the stairs/ Image via presentation to Design Review Committee
An artist's rendering of proposed signage for Wall Street in downtown Asheville; the now-closed Laughing Seed Cafe is visible at the base of the stairs/ Image via presentation to Design Review Committee
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By Jason Sandford
Avatar photo
By Jason Sandford

A version of this story first appeared in Ashevegas Hot Sheet, required reading for anyone interested in what’s opening, closing, expanding, and happening in Asheville. Subscribe to Jason Sandford’s indispensible newsletter here.

An influential Asheville restaurateur, in an increasingly urgent search for more downtown visitors to offset the economic blow dealt by last year’s Tropical Storm Helene, figured he had just the remedy: A couple of prominent new signs.  

 
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