Sassafras on Sutton bookstore, Black Mountain, N.C., which opened last winter in a downtown building dating back to 1876, is closed for the time being after suffering substantial damage in the wake of this week's snowstorm, which dumped historic amounts of snow across the state.
"Unfortunately the roof has failed in our beautiful historic building," Sassafras on Sutton posted yesterday on Facebook. "We are closed indefinitely and hope to know more later. This is obviously devastating during our first holiday season. A big thank you to the fire department and the town for keeping everyone safe. The roof tore open a gas line and this could have had terrible consequences. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year! This is not the way I planned to spend Christmas at Sassafras!"
Co-owner Cole Blumer told WLOS the community is already reaching out: "We've had people with the store say whatever it takes, we're here for you. I don't know what it will take but we certainly appreciate that. I think it's just very telling of the way people are very caring about the community and the stores and the people that live here."