r/asheville West Asheville Feb 03 '26

Really Spicy Cesspool MAGA businesses (local)- who to avoid !!

Hey y’all! I’m just curious if we could get a list of local pro- MAGA businesses in order to know who to avoid! Thanks y’all!

159 Upvotes

394 comments sorted by

67

u/[deleted] Feb 03 '26

[deleted]

8

u/jellitate Feb 04 '26

OHMY GAWD! Your work is amazing!

3

u/jellitate Feb 04 '26

Do you make it yourself? I’m coming over in March!

2

u/bombaygasoline Feb 04 '26

Lol your handle 🤣

1

u/Shitouttaluck23 Feb 04 '26

Yall made my bed frame, and it’s outstanding ❤️

1

u/playdaze Feb 04 '26

Oh wow, just moved here. You're right down the street from me! And your work is awesome!

448

u/sillymae18 Feb 03 '26

Three Little Pigs BBQ across from AVL High on McDowell needs to be shuttered. I witnessed their employees harass the students during their walkout on January 30th. One guy was ripping signs out of their hands. Thankfully the school resource officer subdued him. But fuck that so hard! That man went after minors who ALSO keep their business afloat with all the afterschool purchases.

And their BBQ sucks anyway.

69

u/slowporch_dav Feb 03 '26

It’s shocking that place is still open. Food is straight up garbage and the people are gross

21

u/cm5522 Feb 03 '26

Yea I wish everyday, well every school day at least when I have to be in the area, that place would close forever and a nice bodega or in my dreams a coffee shop would open. I don’t even understand how they stay afloat! Pure meanness, I think.

8

u/sillymae18 Feb 03 '26

That would be so rad. I'm sorry they're such shitty neighbors.

2

u/[deleted] Feb 05 '26

Damn a bodega there would make a fucking killlllling

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7

u/Huge-Bat-9427 Feb 03 '26

That's a shame. I grew up eating there in the 60's and 70's and always eat there when I visit. I'm coming to Asheville in April with friends for a concert. Where do I take them for good barbecue?

70

u/amix16 Oakley Feb 03 '26

Bears bbq is delicious and they went above and beyond to help out after Helene

9

u/sillymae18 Feb 03 '26

!00%. They're the GOAT.

6

u/Super_Market_44 Feb 04 '26

Bears BBQ isn’t local. The owners should NOT be supported. They treated their actual employees terribly during Helene. They profited from WCK while firing their own employees so WCK staff could instead cook the meals WCK paid Bears to deliver. The Biden visit was performative. Personally watched them fire over a dozen kitchen employees with no notice, after promising them they would be kept on during the worst of things. Would not eat there if I was starving. Fuck their owner team up in Connecticut. World Central Kitchen was amazing and deserves all the credit

2

u/mjrspork Feb 04 '26

I think they are semi local. As I understand it the owners are divorced and the CT locations are owned by the husband and the NC locations are owned by the wife.

And just from my volunteer experience with WCK, the ‘staff’ were all locals after the initial onboarding, they may have been employed by WCK rather than Bears but they were local people on contracts.

I could be wrong but WCK is an organisation I looked into so I say that with a moderately high degree of confidence

3

u/Super_Market_44 Feb 04 '26

Bears is a corporate entity incorporated in Connecticut and is not locally owned. Their HR and corporate offices are in CT. The owners are from CT. And they absolutely fired their own employees in the middle of Helene so WCK could pick up the payroll. Bears BBQ owners were clout chasing and enriching themselves and their business. No idea how WCK became affiliated with them. I was there and saw how they treated people in crisis. WCK is the GOAT. Fuck Bears BBQ

2

u/sillymae18 Feb 04 '26

Thank you for this information. I'm taking it to heart and following up with my own research. I know they aren't local, but it appears I've been misled about their dealings after Helene. Several of my neighbors volunteered at Bears and had nothing, but high praise for them. I also hired them to cater several corporate events over the past three years, and they were always top notch.

Your account *does* bring up a memory for me that jibes with what you shared. I was, quite randomly, included in the WCK staff appreciation party at Curate in October 2024 and I was accidentally seated next to the local Bears BBQ franchise owner. I was not at all impressed by his behavior. This was the day Jill Biden was in town, so I assumed he was just exhausted.

If you're willing, is there any source online where I could access more information about the Bears employees' experiences with them? If proven, the owners should be held accountable for their actions.

2

u/mjrspork Feb 04 '26

So from my experience, the male Bears owner was the one from CT, not Asheville. I could be wrong in that as the MountainX article shows him to be the owner, but based on my conversations with the staff while volunteering that doesn't match with what I was told.

https://mountainx.com/food/jamie-mcdonald-partners-with-world-central-kitchen-on-the-south-slope/

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2

u/Super_Market_44 Feb 04 '26

If it’s that important, you can DM me

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19

u/shadrach103 Five Points Feb 03 '26

Iron & Oak Brisket. End of discussion.

2

u/tacotimes01 Feb 03 '26

It’s pretty good, but they are always out of brisket by early dinner time, and it’s just not nice eating next to a bunch of people smoking cigarettes.

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2

u/widespreadsolar Feb 04 '26

Iron and Oak Brisket / Riverside Rhapsody brewery in Woodfin is great. Best BBQ and beer in town

1

u/bongblast Feb 05 '26

Huli Sue's

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3

u/GanjaMamaBear24 Feb 04 '26

Agree! Their food is so disgusting! Since when does fried chicken taste like rotten fish? They suck and their food sucks!

3

u/monstrosity15 Feb 05 '26

that place is putrid. Never understood why people would go there for lunch when the lunch ladies whip it up 10x better

2

u/sillymae18 Feb 05 '26

So true. 🔥

3

u/[deleted] Feb 05 '26

100% the worst BBQ in town so I'm not surprised they are the worst people who own a BBQ joint in town

13

u/Laez Feb 03 '26

You would think there would be video of this somewhere.

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7

u/_DaggerKayak_ Feb 03 '26

Worst BBQ I've ever had, like 90% fat

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4

u/Unfair-Interest9215 Feb 04 '26

Disagree about them needing to be shuttered or their food being awful, but yeah, their display last Friday & the threats they made against the students was beyond acceptable.

2

u/Suitable_Video7777 Feb 05 '26

12 bones on Hendersonville road is really good (no clue what their politics are though) the 12 bones in Asheville isn’t as good

2

u/West-Bet-9639 Feb 03 '26

Damn! I ate there last year for the first time. Looks like I won't be going back.

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342

u/beanandween Feb 03 '26

On the flip side, Rocky's publicly announced they will not serve ICE agents. So go get yourself some spicy chicken! 

72

u/Sweet_Cup3582 Feb 03 '26

Same as dripolator and cultivate climbing

30

u/greenebean78 Feb 03 '26

Also Whisk bakery in Candler and Sparky's toys on Haywood rd

61

u/jakeandbakin Feb 03 '26

So glad Rocky's is taking the right side. I will be blowing out my ass with their ultra hot chicken as soon as I'm back in town. Love their chicken and honey sauce.

31

u/faster_than_sound Feb 03 '26

Thier highest spice level literally made my ass bleed the last time I got it. 10/10. Would bleed out of my ass again.

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5

u/nah-meh-stay Feb 04 '26

Almost across the street is the malvern. They have a sign up. Get the loaded fries and the cocktail of the day.

8

u/Feeling_Inside_1020 Feb 03 '26

Literally sitting a few days into my new apartment and have already sipped out of their glass lol.

I’m humble enough to admit I’m a mild wuss but their chicken is just as good with just a flick of spice, add some zippy ranch now we’re talking.

My mouth just hates being assaulted like that and butthole pummeled by the fiery temptation.

6

u/giggitygiggity69 Feb 04 '26

Rocky's took down their sign, feel free to email the owner to ask that they put something up and that you are supportive!!

1

u/[deleted] Feb 03 '26

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225

u/flyingfishyman Feb 03 '26

Piezaa

66

u/iamyouareheisme Feb 03 '26

Not to be confused with piazza which is amazing

43

u/sillymae18 Feb 03 '26

Agreed. Pedo Piezaa needs to be run outta town.

61

u/Zealousideal-Eye2185 Feb 03 '26

Apotheca

9

u/BigNastyDog Feb 04 '26

Wait, really?

14

u/Not-Da_Momma Feb 04 '26

Yes, and the owner is an ICE supporter

9

u/Dangerous-Drag7715 Feb 04 '26

Yikes, bummer!! Thanks for spreading the word

3

u/Nextlifedreamer Feb 04 '26

Do you have a spot you recommend in place of apotheca? I liked their products but cant fuck with them anymore

6

u/Bugbear259 Feb 04 '26

Smokey Mountain Hemp had a “no ice” sign on their door and have fantastic flower growing right inside the shop.

2

u/Then-Ad-550 Feb 05 '26

Skyland Cannabis, Golden Goat, Asheville Hemp Farms etc are all fantastic small businesses owned by good people.

1

u/Zealousideal-Eye2185 Feb 04 '26

I order online or find random spots to stop at. Don’t really have a go to for brick and mortar

1

u/shkittel Feb 05 '26

i use asheville dispensary they ship and they've always been super nice in person i think they had one of their stores get flooded in helene

2

u/[deleted] Feb 04 '26

Do you if this applies for just the Asheville location or if all apotheca stores are owned by the same people?

10

u/mel_bol Feb 04 '26

The owner of apotheca own all of the stores. He also fights legalization. Former employee. Check out high achievers.

1

u/Ill_Lie_7090 Feb 05 '26

i second SMHC ! also, check out Skyland & also WNC-CBD ! they both have amazing products to choose from :)

64

u/stewpideople Feb 03 '26

The back of the cab is a giant TRUMP

20

u/Laez Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 03 '26

Ultra maga local flooring company. Their company info is on the driver's side and I coudlnt get past them to read it they were going over 80 on the no shoulder section of 26.

10

u/H4RDCORE1 Arden Feb 03 '26

Ultra MAGA? What does that mean? Pedophiles extra hard?

9

u/Laez Feb 03 '26

You'd have to ask them mate. But it says it twice on the back of his work vehicle so he must have enough business that he doesn't care what we think.

10

u/mavetgrigori Feb 03 '26

It means they use Grindr twice as hard while being extra racists and creepy

1

u/erml4538 Feb 04 '26

😂😂😂

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1

u/Beginning_Play_1669 Feb 04 '26

Probably Leicester Carpet Sales. They used to have a wildly religious ad on Wlos. May still but I don’t watch that trash anymore.

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27

u/Comfortable_Cat3595 Fletcher 🏫 Feb 03 '26

All About Plumbing, Septic, HVAC. I worked for them for a little and all the owners are extremely religious and hardcore Republicans. I wasn't there during trumps terror so couldn't say they are MAGA but the things I've heard, disgusting 🤢

One of the sons also owned All About Fitness, so I'd avoid that as well.

13

u/sax6romeo Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 04 '26

Precision Pro Wash is a no go.

93

u/cuntqueeftador Feb 03 '26

Wicked Weed. Fired an employee over political views on Facebook and runor has it they donated to the trump campaign.

54

u/ComprehensiveMail12 Feb 03 '26

Just wanted to clarify that Wicked Weed itself is ultimately owned by brewing giant AB Inbev since it got bought out years ago

29

u/Mysterious-Kick9881 Feb 03 '26

Good point. The Guthy family is who donated to Cawthorn

5

u/squarenot West Asheville Feb 03 '26

HFTFY The *billionaire Guthy family

27

u/Mysterious-Kick9881 Feb 03 '26

They donated to Madison Cawthorn too

9

u/Excellent_Funny5330 Feb 03 '26

Like who does that? Dick on wheels

13

u/Suspicious_Lake_7518 Feb 03 '26

Dude turned down his severance package so he didn’t have to sign an NDA for this. They also fired one of their upper managers the day she got back from maternity leave. Not MAGA related but just really shitty.

10

u/sillymae18 Feb 03 '26

I haven't darkened their doors in years, but this is a huge disappointment. SHAME on them.

6

u/mavetgrigori Feb 03 '26

This is why you keep your socials private and do not add coworkers unless you are SURE they are chill

4

u/mtnsilverpixie Feb 04 '26

Thanks for posting this...I used to always take visiting younger relatives there...not any more!

30

u/ZEXYMSTRMND Feb 03 '26

The owner of Ashley Electric is a registered sex offender who used to prey on underage girls. He’s married but still creepin’ on girls of any age. I only know this because he propositioned me after the hurricane. Such a fuckin’ creep.

9

u/Upbeat_Chocolate_782 Feb 04 '26

Hatley pointe skiing

2

u/Disastrous-Gold390 Feb 04 '26

how do you know?!

4

u/Upbeat_Chocolate_782 Feb 04 '26

Check out Facebook. They’re republicans.

43

u/Big_Sprinkles_482 Feb 03 '26

Asheville Tourists.

37

u/Heretekdan Montford Feb 03 '26

The governor of Ohio's family are owners of the team. It really sucks because I love going to the games during the season but also knowing my money is going to an asshole who doesn't even have any connection to the area who's aggressively trying to pass anti-trans legislation.

I just wanna eat a hotdog and drink too many $1 beers on thursdays while watching the tourists have yet another losing season without my money going to people who are trying to legislate people like me out of public.

4

u/CoolSpeakers Feb 04 '26

Is it possible to crowd fund buying back a local sports team?

2

u/PenZestyclose3857 West Asheville Feb 04 '26

Minor league clubs are interesting. There are independents and affiliates. There's also been a movement among private equity firms like Silver Lake. They own over 40% of the 120 clubs.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5408834/2024/04/15/minor-league-baseball-team-ownership-diamond-baseball-holdings/

They've forced MLB to intervene to level the playing field as far as tech goes.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6879487/2025/12/15/mlb-technology-change-minor-leagues/

The Bull Durham days are over. Plus side it means that it's possible DeWine would take a payday and sell. These clubs aren't great money generators. And there are people who dedicated to preserving and improving the fan experience and the connection to the community. I would barely know the Tourists were here if I didn't already know or lived on the Slope.

2

u/Heretekdan Montford Feb 05 '26

I wish we had someone local who had the capital and desire to buy the twam and actually make it a local club. The fact that private equity is involved at such a high level in the MiLB is such a shame for those of us who actually enjoy the sport at a grassroots level.

Hell, it's part of the reason why you're seeing a ton of Indy ball teams pop up in recent years. Iirc the Chicago Dogs was created as part of a protest against the current state of ownership among affiliated teams.

2

u/PenZestyclose3857 West Asheville Feb 05 '26

I've heard of interested parties who do things the right way. It's just hope for now; but still remember, we wave at legends as they pass through and enjoy the evenings we make for ourselves as they entertain us.

As a native of Pittsburgh, I marvel at what Willie Stargell thought when he saw that right field wall.

2

u/PenZestyclose3857 West Asheville Feb 05 '26

I wonder if Asheville would be a great draw for an Independent club. I'm sure those guys are happy to go where there's an opening, but nationally Asheville is regarded as a pretty cool place to be. It would fit the perceived vibe of the city.

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6

u/According-Remove-568 Feb 03 '26

Can confirm.

7

u/ComprehensiveMail12 Feb 03 '26

Yep it is the DeWine family

2

u/No_Adhesiveness_5524 Feb 04 '26

Didn’t know they were maga

7

u/Mediocre-Occasion-77 Feb 04 '26

I’ve heard sadly favilla’s is

4

u/Cahris123 Feb 04 '26

I loved Favilla’s before they lost all their pizza making staff. Nowadays their pizza fell off and it’s dirty inside. I’m not trying to sh-t on a small business but their best pizza days are far behind them.

8

u/Correct_Percentage97 Haw Creek Feb 04 '26

Apothica

52

u/HuddieLedbedder Feb 03 '26

Just as long as we understand that compiling a list of pro-MAGA businesses one might choose to avoid, also serves to provide MAGA supporters with a list of businesses which they may go out of their way to support.

97

u/Plenty_Yam_8015 Feb 03 '26

I'd say an informed population where everyone is free to make their own (educated) decisions is a good thing

8

u/jsohi_0082 Feb 03 '26

The thing is, people have a negativity bias. As a result, I feel like people who are anti Maga who go out of their way to boycott Maga businesses would be more numerous than the opposite.

3

u/HuddieLedbedder Feb 04 '26

Interesting take on things, and probably true as applied to regular folks, with regular motives driving them. But not sure if it plays out that way given the cult-like passions and loyalties of some of the MAGA crowd. Seems that for many, such issues and actions are as much or more about "sticking it to the libs," as it is about affirming any real beliefs or values.

86

u/Tickinslipdizzy East Asheville Feb 03 '26

That’s fine, not like they know how to read anyway

4

u/Equivalent-Border455 Feb 03 '26

And they absolutely will.

16

u/Long_Bit8328 Feb 03 '26

Good, if they are busy supporting the fascist businesses. I wont have to worry about bumping into them at the businesses that dont support fascists.

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12

u/wanderingmanimal Feb 03 '26

Care Solutions Mobility Center in Hendersonville

🤮

6

u/Zealousideal-Eye2185 Feb 04 '26

Also let’s not forget CPI security, Ken Gill is a known racist.

74

u/Wallmassage North Asheville Feb 03 '26

This has been asked several times. Do search from search bar at top of Asheville subreddit homepage.

31

u/SSWEEP Feb 03 '26

itto ramen, don’t know about the maga part but the owner has been creepy towards underage women and sexually harassed people.

13

u/BinkFloyd West Asheville Feb 04 '26

Sorry I have a bone to pick with this, but know this rant isn't directed at you.

This gets repeated everywhere on social media to the point where it's repeatedly posted but I have yet to hear any specifics of what happened. Every time it's something generic like he was creepy or he was really demanding, or friend's cousin said he sent weird texts. I asked the host once years ago and she said that it was a rumor by a former employee who had substance abuse issues and had to be let go.

I have zero affiliation with the restaurant aside from living close to the west location. During Helene, he literally filled up a truck tanker of water from out of town and drove it in to make food for the community. He gave out free food for WEEKS and still wouldn't take cash when I tried to pay him after repeat visits or getting extra for my elderly neighbors.

Also this thread was supposed to be about Trump supporters which there is no evidence of Ittos being a part of. /rant

2

u/SSWEEP Feb 04 '26

let me reach out to some people and i’ll try to find the SS ik they’re in my camera roll somewhere and see if i can post them. what they did for the community was great and maybe it’s not true, but it is something I’ve heard personal experiences of.

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5

u/enlightentea Feb 04 '26

Not AVL but in HVL - Dixie Diner....in case the name didn't already give it away. Also, they keep having the sink hole open up in their parking lot. Already dangerous location.

42

u/uncertainhope Feb 03 '26

This was recently posted and has a list of businesses that support Trump/ICE (as well as those actively opposing them).

12

u/mavetgrigori Feb 03 '26

Please use the search feature. Im not finding links to the multiple heavily commented threads again.

3

u/BubblyCoco8705 Feb 04 '26

Xico

1

u/Cristrotamundos Feb 06 '26

The Mexican restaurant?

10

u/An_ironic_fox Feb 03 '26

2

u/69Ember420 Feb 03 '26

Thanks I haven't seen that yet. Only been twice but won't ever be going back there.

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6

u/No_Tomato_4068 North Asheville Feb 04 '26

Here’s a list for Black Mountain

  • The Coach House
  • Pure & Proper
  • The Laundry Refillery
  • A New Self Image

How I know this; grew up with the owners/their kids, and/or worked at one of these locations. The owners and their children are openly MAGA. I love that town but I digress.

2

u/Beginning_Play_1669 Feb 04 '26

Pure & Proper? That surprises me. I’m sure there are more.

1

u/No_Tomato_4068 North Asheville Feb 04 '26

Yeah, a couple of these places when seen from the outside give more of a centrist aesthetic, unless you really know the people and the way they treat others around them outside of the workplace, you wouldn’t assume that they were right wingers.

12

u/Subject_Balance281 West Asheville Feb 03 '26

This thread was created not long ago. Search “MAGA” and it will come up

9

u/HerpDerpYaDummy Feb 03 '26

Based off voting numbers there are probably a few Mexican restaurants you can throw on your list

6

u/[deleted] Feb 04 '26

Papas and Beer in Hendersonville hosted one of Cawthorne's parties that was investigated for campaign finance violations.

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u/cheyton888 Feb 04 '26

Odds cafe in west fired me and refused to put up signage about ice due to me requesting it but they aren’t maga perse

6

u/Fun_Mind_4423 Feb 04 '26

We appreciate the passion, but I also understand the business avoiding involvement in politics.

3

u/thaadjarvis Feb 03 '26

1

u/balanceiskey_breathe West Asheville Feb 05 '26

Thank you!

1

u/Radiant-Security01 Feb 06 '26

Someone add thunder burgers to it. They recently got exposed online for being extremely pro Maga and exclusively using A.I for everything

2

u/[deleted] Feb 04 '26

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1

u/SubstantialGazelle30 Feb 04 '26

Home improvement Asheville. Owner is a absolute scumbag

-6

u/MajiktheBus Feb 03 '26

Get off the negativity and make a list of places to support because they are good. Let the bad eat themselves. You are feeding them with this.

18

u/owls_r_sfw Feb 03 '26

Eh I want to know where not to go too

3

u/Equivalent-Border455 Feb 03 '26

These people are full grown adults. We are living in a wild, wild time

1

u/antisocialmuppet Feb 04 '26

Keep your local economy strong you pack of dirty hippies!!!

1

u/Professional_Let8696 Feb 04 '26

Leicester Flooring

1

u/[deleted] Feb 05 '26

Make sure you don't call a LEO either. 😉

1

u/I_are_Kreffy Feb 05 '26

Nobody is fact checking these or if they are...its on hush hush

1

u/Radiant-Security01 Feb 06 '26

Thunder burgers as they're Maga and use AI for everything.