Riverwatch Grill

09/23/2026

Following the recent rains, the Hickory Nut Falls look especially beautiful as they cascade over the rocks! Thank you Kristen Sottile for the great capture. 📸 😊

09/19/2026

09/19/2026

You guysssss!!! 🤯🍔🏆 We are SO excited to announce that RiverWatch Grill has officially been voted BEST BURGER in the Best of Blue Ridge Community’s Choice Awards!

We are incredibly proud of this one! A HUGE thank you to everyone who voted for us, to our amazing team, and to all of you who continue to support our family business.

After everything our little community has been through, getting to celebrate a win like this feels extra special. 🥹

BEST BURGER IN THE BLUE RIDGE!!! 🍔⛰️ Come see us in Chimney Rock and try it for yourself! ❤️

09/14/2026

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 9/11/2001. Never Forget.

A letter from our owner, Matt Banz—

Every year on September 11, I think back to where I was and what I was doing that day. Today, it’s hard to believe that was 25 years ago.

At the time, I was a volunteer firefighter in Chimney Rock. Watching the events of 9/11 unfold was devastating for everyone, but being a firefighter made the loss of 343 fellow firefighters especially difficult to comprehend.

I remember feeling like I needed to do something.

I designed a memorial magnet honoring the firefighters we lost that day and started selling them at the Arcade Building in Lake Lure. People from our little community bought the magnets and supported the cause, and we sent the money we raised to New York to help the firefighters and their families.

I still have one of those magnets today, and so does Chimney Rock firefighter Ronnie Wood, who still proudly displays his on his truck 25 years later.

When I look at that magnet, it reminds me of more than just that terrible day. It reminds me of what happened afterward.

People came together. Communities helped one another. American flags were everywhere. For a while, it didn’t matter where you came from or what you believed, we were simply Americans standing together.

I’m proud that our small community in Western North Carolina was able to do something, even if it was small, to let the firefighters and families in New York know that people hundreds of miles away were thinking about them.

Today, 25 years later, I remember the 343 firefighters who answered their final call, every innocent person who lost their life, and all the families who were forever changed.

I’m also grateful for the firefighters who continue to answer the call today, especially those right here at the Chimney Rock Volunteer Fire Department. It means a great deal to know that our community continues to have men and women willing to serve, protect, and be there when their neighbors need them most.

May we never forget them, and may we never forget how united we once were. 🇺🇸🚒

— Matt Banz

09/11/2026

Giving a shout out to one of our Firefighter Nick Sottile for climbing the stairs at Chimney Rock State Park! Climbing the stairs at the park 4 times is a little under the 2071 steps that the firefighters had to climb at the World Trade Center 25 years ago today. Nick we thank you for your dedication and desire to honor those lost on 9/11.

09/11/2026

Today, we remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, the families forever impacted, and the first responders who answered the call with extraordinary courage and selflessness. ❤️

In honor of the first responders who serve and protect our communities every day, all first responders are invited to join us today for a free appetizer of their choice at RiverWatch Bar & Grill and a free latte of their choice at RiverWatch Coffeehouse — no purchase necessary.

We’ll also have live music with Danny Grayshock from 5–8 PM.

To our first responders, past and present, thank you for your service, courage, and dedication to our communities.

We will never forget. 🇺🇸