The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) has secured the final funding for the Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator, an $8.7 million project set to break ground in late 2026 at the Churchill Technology & Business Park in Jefferson Parish. This incubator is expected to open in 2028, providing much-needed space for local food manufacturers.
Confirmation of the full funding came after an additional $3.65 million was secured from federal appropriations. This brings the total investment to $8.7 million, with an extra $850,000 allocated for purchasing kitchen equipment. The facility will include three production kitchens, a demonstration kitchen, cold storage, and other necessary support areas.
The incubator, covering over 12,000 square feet, plans to serve between 25 to 30 businesses. JEDCO, along with Greater New Orleans, Inc., aims to select a construction contractor by 2026. The groundbreaking is targeted for late 2026, with operations expected to commence in 2028.
A key player in the funding was U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, who sponsored the federal appropriations. The facility will introduce a new asset class in the real estate market, catering to small producers and creating opportunities for leasing and management in the region.
The project is expected to have significant economic impacts by facilitating local food manufacturing and creating a pipeline for construction and service contracts. This development represents a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local entities to boost economic activity on the Churchill campus.
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