After Hurricane Helene devastated the River Arts District in September 2024, Guajiro lost its food truck, prep kitchen and neighboring bar, El Patio de Guajiro, to the flood. In the months that followed, Guajiro was able to reopen its food truck operation at Hi-Wire Brewing in Biltmore Village while work began on rebuilding the Cotton Mill and creating a permanent home for the restaurant.

The move into the Cotton Mill also marks an important milestone for Chef Joel Morales, who is now a partner in Guajiro alongside owner Chris Barroso.

“We know we’re going to have some kinks to work out,” Barroso said. “This is a completely new kitchen, a new service model and a much bigger space for us. We ask everyone to have a little patience with us while we learn. But after everything it took to get here, we don’t want to keep the doors closed any longer. We’re ready to welcome people in.”