One Heart Stories: Bubba O’Leary’s General Store — Preserving a Piece of Chimney Rock
In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, nestled along the winding river and the iconic Chimney Rock Village main street, stands Bubba O’Leary’s General Store, a beloved landmark that feels like stepping back in time.
For locals and travelers alike, Bubba O’Leary’s has always been more than just a store. It’s a place where families pause on their way to the mountains, where kids pick out candy from old-fashioned barrels, and where generations of visitors have stopped to find a gift, a T-shirt, or a friendly conversation. Its rustic charm and welcoming atmosphere have made it a cornerstone of the Chimney Rock community for decades.
But in September 2024, that sense of comfort and continuity was tested when Hurricane Helene brought historic flooding to western North Carolina. Torrential rain and rushing river waters swept through Chimney Rock Village, leaving damage in nearly every direction. Businesses that had stood for generations, including Bubba O’Leary’s, faced devastating losses.
When the floodwaters receded, they left behind layers of mud, debris, and uncertainty. Floors had to be replaced, walls repaired, and merchandise written off as unsalvageable. For the owners, the damage was heartbreaking, not just for what was lost, but for what the store represents: a living piece of local history and the beating heart of downtown Chimney Rock.
Heart on Main Street learned of the destruction soon after and knew that Bubba O’Leary’s was the kind of business our mission was built to support, an independent retailer rooted in its community, with deep local ties and a spirit of resilience.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, Heart on Main Street awarded Bubba O’Leary’s a $10,000 disaster relief grant to assist in their recovery and rebuilding. The funds helped the owners repair their historic space, restock shelves, and reopen their doors to the community and the countless visitors who return year after year.
The support wasn’t just about replacing merchandise; it was about preserving a piece of Chimney Rock’s story. Bubba O’Leary’s isn’t just a business; it’s a gathering place, a landmark, and a reminder of the enduring charm of Main Street America.
Today, Bubba O’Leary’s General Store is open once again, greeting customers with the same warmth and personality that has defined it for generations. The old floors may have been replaced, but the heart of the store remains unchanged.
At Heart on Main Street, we believe that helping independent retailers like Bubba O’Leary’s rebuild isn’t just about recovery, it’s about protecting the stories, traditions, and connections that make small towns thrive.
As we continue sharing our One Heart Stories leading up to Giving Tuesday on December 2, 2025, Bubba O’Leary’s reminds us what’s at stake when Main Streets are at risk and what’s possible when communities come together to restore them.
One Day. One Heart. Endless Impact.