East Flat Rock. Studio 116 in the background. The Man Cave on the right.

Once a thriving industrial corridor and railroad stop in the early 20th century, East Flat Rock spent decades in relative quiet—its energy dimmed, and its promise forgotten by many. Today, however, a fresh wave of creativity, community spirit, and entrepreneurial grit is breathing new life into this quiet corner of Henderson County.

From soulful food to inclusive art and compassionate self-care, new ventures are rising where empty storefronts once stood, rekindling East Flat Rock’s legacy as a place of growth and gathering. At the heart of this quiet renaissance are three new enterprises—828 Take & Bake, The Man Cave, and Studio 116—each of which is planting something hopeful, heartfelt, and entirely their own in this historic community.

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828 Take & Bake
Opened February 2024

Step through the doors of 828 Take & Bake in East Flat Rock and you’re likely to be greeted by a warm smile, a free sample, and a taste of tradition—courtesy of Steve Conti, owner, chef, and passionate steward of his family’s culinary legacy. With meatballs steeped in memory and marinara simmered to perfection, Conti has quietly built a loyal following by serving up delicious meals prepared with a hearty helping of family traditions.

As a young boy in western New York, Conti grew up in a vibrant Italian-Swedish household where the kitchen was the heart of the home. His fondest memories revolve around cooking alongside his grandmother. “I loved being in the kitchen with my Nonna—watching her cook, learning her techniques, and helping in any way I could. That’s where my passion for food truly began,” he recalls.

Although Steve always loved cooking, life initially took him down a different path. After high school, he pursued a career in the motorcycle and powersports industry. He later transitioned into a position with a small manufacturing company. However, a serious injury during this time became a turning point. During his recovery, he was let go from the company, prompting him to reflect on his true passions. “I told my wife, ‘Why not now? I’ve got nothing to lose.’” With time to heal and a renewed sense of purpose, he returned to his culinary roots, and 828 Take & Bake was born.

Established in September 2023 and moving into its current East Flat Rock location in early 2024, 828 Take & Bake offers a rotating menu of ready-made meals, soups, salads, and more—some fresh, some frozen, all crafted with care. There’s no static menu and no laminated list on the wall. Instead, Steve sends out a weekly email to his customer list with the week’s offerings. “It keeps it fresh, it keeps it fun,” he says. “If I only had ten items, people would get bored. This way, there’s always something new.”

Steve’s customer service philosophy is simple: “Try it before you buy it.” Sampling 828’s fare is part of the experience—especially for kids. “Parents love that they can bring their kids in and let them try the food first,” Conti says. “That way, there are no surprises when dinner time comes around.”

828 Take & BAke at 303 West Blue Ridge Rd in East Flat Rock.

Don’t expect a lot of bells and whistles at 828. Steve’s food isn’t flashy, but it’s flavorful, comforting, and honest. His all-beef meatballs and five-hour slow-simmered marinara sauce, drawn from family recipes, are bestsellers. Pasta dishes range from traditional Italian-American fare to quirky hybrids like cowboy tater tot skillets and bacon cheeseburger Alfredo. Health and quality matter too. He avoids preservatives, uses avocado or extra virgin olive oil, and seasons with only sea salt.

Beyond take-and-bake meals, Steve also offers catering for weddings, parties, and special events—most often with his signature Italian dishes.

East Flat Rock, with its under-the-radar charm and growing community, has proven to be the perfect fit for Steve’s vision. “Downtown Hendersonville is expensive, and I don’t need to be on Main Street. If the food’s good, people will find you,” he says. “This place has been very good to me. I hope I never have to leave.”

From farmers markets to a thriving storefront, Steve Conti’s journey has been anything but ordinary. But his purpose is clear: share food, share joy, and keep his Nonna’s spirit alive in every bite. “I could be in the kitchen 14 hours a day and never get tired,” he says. “I love this. It’s who I am.”

828 Take & Bake
Tuesday/Thursday 11 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm
303 W. Blue Ridge Rd.
East Flat Rock, NC
www.828takenbake.com

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The Man Cave
Opened June 1, 2024

Kris Cuevas, owner of The man Cave in East Flat Rock

When Kris Cuevas opened the doors to The Man Cave inside Hope Station in East Flat Rock nearly a year ago, she wasn’t just launching a business—she was building a sanctuary. What began as a simple vision for a men’s hair salon has become something much more profound: a place for healing, connection, and purpose.

Kris, a licensed stylist since 2010, has been cutting hair beginning in her teenage years while learning at the side of her mother, also a stylist. Her career includes time at Sport Clips in Hendersonville, but it was the consistent feedback from clients—especially men—that prompted her to rethink the haircut experience altogether. “I kept hearing how stressful it was—the noise, the wait, the lack of personal connection,” she said.

Kris’s answer to that problem was to create a warm and welcoming space that feels “like hanging out at your best friend’s house.” She found the perfect place for her new concept in the 100-year-old building that originally housed East Flat Rock’s old First Bank and Trust. Now, one century later, a young woman with a new way of seeing her industry has completely transformed the staid old bank into The Man Cave – complete with an array of comfortable couches, televisions, music, vintage arcade games, a bar with cold drinks and snacks, and a comfortable vibe that encourages customers to relax and enjoy their stay. Even the original bank vault has been transformed into a private space for styling hair.

Kris’s business philosophy is rooted in empathy and shaped by her experiences as a single mom who’s faced life’s challenges and come out stronger. “I’ve walked through the fire,” she said. “And what I learned is that people want to know they matter. That they are seen.”

The result has often been powerful. Kris recalls a client undergoing chemotherapy who came in to have his head shaved. “I asked if he wanted it solemn or fun, and he said, ‘Let’s laugh.’ So we did. We laughed and cried. That’s what this place is about.”

Children have found refuge at The Man Cave, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Kris draws on her background as a preschool teacher to tailor the experience—singing songs, using video games to distract, or simply sitting on the floor if that’s what it takes. One young boy even emptied his piggy bank to pay half the cost of his haircut because he insisted on coming back to see “Miss Kris.”

As The Man Cave celebrates its first anniversary on June 1, Kris is both proud and deeply grateful. “When I started, I felt like I was standing on a ledge with my kids on my back. I didn’t know if I’d fall or fly,” she said. “But the wind picked me up, and I’m soaring.” And East Flat Rock has become an unexpected sanctuary. “This place has embraced me,” she said. “It’s where I got to rebuild. The neighbors have been incredible.”

Looking ahead, Cuevas has no shortage of ideas for the future of Hope Station. But at the heart of everything remains her commitment to people. “Every haircut is the most important one of my career,” she said. “Because it might be the only moment of care someone gets that day.”

With two new stylists joining the team and a growing business built on understanding and empathy, The Man Cave is more than a men’s hair salon. It’s a testament to Kris Cuevas’s vision—quiet, powerful, and rooted in hope.

Schedule an appointment
Monday - Friday, 10 am - 5 pm
(828) 230-3067
124 West Blue Ridge Road, East Flat Rock, North Carolina
www.hopestationnc.com

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Studio 116
Opened April 2, 2025

What began as an impromptu gallery setup in one section of the historic Stepp Walker building has grown into one of East Flat Rock’s most vibrant and heartfelt creative spaces. Studio 116, owned and envisioned by artist Melanie Hopkins and her husband Daniel, is more than a gallery—it’s a community hub for art, conversation, and authentic human connection.

The studio's transformation was unexpected. “It wasn’t planned,” Melanie said. “I always had an intention of having a studio,” Melanie said. “But joining the Art League and doing the Open Studio Tour kind of forced my hand.” She cleared out space being used for storage, set up old festival panels—and people showed up.

The response was immediate and affirming. Encouraged by community support and interest, Hopkins began inviting other artists into the space. Soon, the walls that once held household storage began showcasing professional art from a variety of artists. The gallery’s official opening came on April 2, 2024, but its evolution was steady and organic.

One of the first artists invited to share the evolving space with Melanie was David Macvaugh, whose upcoming art installation will be hosted by Studio 116 beginning June 6. Macvaugh’s installation is titled Breast Story and explores themes of connection and vulnerability through a striking combination of wood sculpture and personal narrative.

Macvaugh speaks with deep appreciation for the opportunity to share his work at Studio 116. “What Melanie and Daniel are doing for me is enormous,” he says. “Without them, I wouldn’t have the chance to present work at this scale. As an artist without formal training or gallery representation, this kind of solo installation—clearing the gallery for over 70 of my pieces—is something I could only have dreamed of. They’re creating a space where voices like mine can be heard.”

Melanie describes the mission of Studio 116 succinctly. “To make art a unifying experience where everyone feels welcome, represented, and connected to the creative community.” She emphasizes that Studio 116 is not a traditional commercial gallery, but a place where art is accessible, inclusive, and meaningful.

What truly sets Studio 116 apart is its location—and its impact on East Flat Rock. “This isn’t downtown Hendersonville. This is a neighborhood that’s been overlooked,” Hopkins said. “But there’s energy here. There’s a desire for community.” And community is exactly what’s forming. Neighbors come to sit, to chat, to explore art, and to be seen. Volunteers have offered marketing support, helped with food at openings, and even pitched in to build a print shop inside the gallery.

Despite its modest setting, the space is gaining recognition. “People come in and say, ‘I’ve driven by this building for years and always wondered what’s inside,’” Hopkins said. “Now they know—and they’re part of it.”

Studio 116 is, at heart, an evolving story. It’s about creative risk, resilience, and the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire. “We’re just the caretakers,” Hopkins said. “This building belongs to the community. We’re just giving it a new life.”

Studio 116
116 W Blue Ridge Rd, East Flat Rock, NC
828-290-9693
Open Wed - Sat • 11a - 4p or by appointment
www.studio116nc.com

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Taken together, these inspiring stories of three emerging enterprises in East Flat Rock form more than a snapshot—they mark a movement. In the hands of Steve Conti, Kris Cuevas, and Melanie Hopkins, East Flat Rock is becoming a canvas for compassion, creativity, and community. Each of their businesses are not just destinations, they are gathering places. Each with a beating heart and an open door.

As more people take notice of what’s rising in East Flat Rock, it is becoming clear that this wave of new activity isn’t just a revival. It is a reimagining—led by those who believe in what’s possible when you build with purpose.

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David Macvaugh’s Breast Story runs June 6 through June 28 at Studio 116, located at 116 W. Blue Ridge Road in East Flat Rock. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. www.davidmacvaugh.com