Ingles Markets has stated an intention of opening a store in Mitchell County in either 2026 or 2027, according to recently-filed federal documents.
The Spruce Pine Ingles store on Greenwood Avenue flooded and was damaged beyond repair in September 2024, when Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land) caused the North Toe River to rapidly overflow its banks and turn much of the downtown area into a fast-moving lake.
Since that time, Ingles leadership has been cagey about the chances of Mitchell County having a grocery store in the near future.
Last week, Ingles Markets filed required reports and updates with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that included mention of the company’s hurricane losses and rebuilding plans.
“For the year ended September 28, 2024, the Company recognized an impairment loss of $30.4 million related to inventory damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene,” the SEC documents state. “Additionally, the Company recognized a property and equipment impairment loss of $4.5 million for the year ended September 28, 2024 pertaining to the same storm, for which insurance proceeds of $1.0 million were received during October 2024.”
Four Ingles stores across Western North Carolina were temporarily closed following the storm, and three, including the Mitchell location, are still closed.
“As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, three stores remain closed and are expected to reopen at various times during 2026 and 2027,” the SEC documents continue.
No more specific information on a reopening date is available at this time.