New Orleans Brewery Hits 10 Years, $1M in Donations

A New Orleans brewery that started with one taproom in 2016 just hit its 10th anniversary with a track record that shows doing good and doing well can go hand in hand.

Urban South Brewery now distributes across multiple states and employs 50 local workers. But the numbers that really stand out are the million dollars in beer donations to community organizations and nonprofits across the city.

Co-founder Jacob Landry says the philosophy was simple from day one. "If we grow, our community should grow with us," he explains.

That thinking shows up everywhere in the business. Their Paradise Park American Lager became a New Orleans staple, anchoring expansion into grocery stores and festivals across the region. The approachable beer helped build the foundation for a diverse lineup that now includes seasonal releases and innovative beverages.

Urban South didn't just brew beer. They brewed partnerships that reflected New Orleans culture. Their collaboration with local music legend Juvenile created Juvie Juice, a hard iced tea inspired by the artist's favorite drink.

The brewery's taprooms operate as genuine gathering spaces where neighbors connect. Their annual Tailgate Fest directs proceeds to institutions like Louisiana Children's Hospital, turning celebration into support for families who need it most.

The Ripple Effect

Fifty jobs in a local economy means 50 families with steady paychecks. A million dollars in donations means hundreds of festivals, fundraisers, and community events got the support they needed to happen. Each pint sold became a small investment in the city's social fabric.

The brewery recently acquired Perfect Plain Brewing Co. in Pensacola, Florida, extending their community-first model to another Gulf Coast city. Co-founder Kyle Huling sees the next decade as a chance to scale thoughtfully without losing what made them special in the first place.

As craft breweries face industry headwinds nationwide, Urban South's anniversary shows there's still room for brands that prioritize place and people alongside profit. They're celebrating throughout 2026 with re-releases of classic brews and taproom events that bring neighbors together the way they have for ten years.

Sometimes the best business plan is just taking care of the community that takes care of you.