Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the launch of the GNO Food and Beverage Incubator at the Churchill Technology and Business Park in Jefferson Parish. The announcement was made alongside officials from JEDCO (Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission), Greater New Orleans, Inc., and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.

The incubator's start-up costs were significantly funded by a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant, which provided nearly half of the required amount. "Louisiana’s food is the best in the world and this incubator will help keep it that way," said Dr. Cassidy. "Chefs and caterers will use its kitchen space to serve new clients. They’ll grow their businesses and add to our culinary legacy."

JEDCO recently received $4.2 million from various agencies for the project, including $2 million from the EDA. The necessity for this incubator arose after Edible Enterprises, previously the only food and beverage incubator in Greater New Orleans, was severely damaged by Hurricane Ida.

The food and beverage industry plays a crucial role in Louisiana's economy, particularly through tourism. Oxford Economics reported that in 2022, visitors generated over $4.7 billion in direct, indirect, and induced food and beverage sales in Louisiana. Additionally, according to the National Restaurant Association, there were 11,275 restaurants last year in Louisiana supporting over 200,000 jobs.

The new incubator aims to provide small food and beverage businesses with commercial kitchen space and technical assistance to help them grow their operations. It will feature three commercial kitchens along with training and demonstration spaces totaling 15,000 square feet.

Cassidy commended everyone involved for their efforts on this project while JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna expressed gratitude for his support: "It was an honor to welcome Senator Cassidy to Churchill Technology and Business Park today to announce the development of the Greater New Orleans Food + Beverage Incubator," said Mr. Bologna.

"JEDCO received a $2 million EDA grant and matching state and local dollars that will fund the design, engineering, and construction of the facility which fulfills a critical regional need," he added. "This incubator will be the only facility of its kind in the area further solidifying Jefferson Parish and all of Greater New Orleans as a destination for culinary manufacturing and innovation."

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