From BlueRidgeNow.com …
David Brannock, owner of the Blue Note Grille and Flat Rock Wine Shoppe
, has died. He was 53.
Brannock passed away in his sleep Tuesday, said his wife, Lee.
The well-known entrepreneur moved his popular business from Flat Rock to Hendersonville in October. His restaurant and lounge had been in Flat Rock for five years prior to relocating across the street from the Historic Henderson County Courthouse.
Mrs. Brannock said there are no plans to close the Blue Note Grille and Flat Rock Wine Shoppe due to her husband’s passing.
“It will be business as usual right now — that would be a tribute to him,” she said. “It’s what he would have wanted.”
Brannock’s contributions to local culture were considerable, particularly his support of local music. Have a favorite Brannock memory? Please leave it in the comments below.
HVLLive contributor. 
I am quite shocked to read of this and want to express our deepest sympathies. My wife and I had frequented the Back Room in Flat Rock several times and enjoyed it a great deal. We ate dinner within the first couple of weeks in the new location in Hendersonville and once again enjoyed it a great deal. We only met David briefly as we entered of left the restaurant however he was very cordial and made us feel welcome. We are very sorry to hear os his passing.
Pete and Tess Tintle
David Brannock was exceptional in his support of regional music and musicians. The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe quickly became a circuit venue for touring singer / songwriters and we could not have asked for a better host or venue. I am deeply saddened at this news. A loss for the communities of Hendersonville and Flat Rock and loss for the musicians community.
I loved Dave Brannock. We got to know each other rather well in our quest for the optimum beer and ale. He once shared with me a bottle of his private stash, an Allegash Curieux that was the best beverage — alcoholic or not — I ever tasted. I will never forget it. I keep that bottle in homage to my friend. I will miss you, Dave.