Urban South Brewery is celebrating its 10th anniversary in March 2026, a decade that has transformed the local New Orleans brewery into a community-loved and nationally distributed craft beverage brand.
What began as a single New Orleans taproom in 2016 has grown into a multi-state brand with distribution across several states, positioning Urban South as both a cultural ambassador for New Orleans craft and a competitive force in the broader craft beverage industry.
Over the past decade, the brewery has created 50+ local jobs, donated more than $1 million in retail value of beer to community organizations, festivals and nonprofit partners. During that time, the brewery also expanded through strong retail partnerships and a portfolio tailored to evolving consumer demand.
Urban South’s flagship “Paradise Park” American Lager remains a cornerstone of that growth. The approachable, easy-drinking beer has helped anchor retail expansion across grocery, on-premise and festival channels, becoming a staple in New Orleans culture. The company has since diversified its lineup with seasonal releases and emerging beverage categories, including federally compliant hemp-derived THC seltzers under the Driftee and Stratus Seltzer brands.
Urban South has also leaned into culture-forward collaborations. In partnership with New Orleans music icon Juvenile, the brewery launched Juvie Juice, a hard iced tea inspired by the artist’s preferred Arnold Palmer, reflecting the brand’s commitment to fusing Southern culture with product innovation.
“We’ve always believed that if we grow, our community should grow with us,” said Jacob Landry, co-founder of Urban South Brewery. “Expanding into new markets is important, but doing it in a way that stays authentic to who we are matters just as much.”
That philosophy extends beyond the brewery’s product portfolio. Urban South’s taprooms operate as community gathering spaces, such as its annual Tailgate Fest, fundraiser event which directed proceeds to regional institutions, including Louisiana Children’s Hospital (2024) and Manning Family Children’s (2025).
As part of its 10-year anniversary, Urban South is re-releasing staple brews and hosting taproom activations throughout 2026, signaling its next phase of expansion and continued investment in innovation and impact.
“The first decade was about building a strong foundation,” said Kyle Huling, co-founder of Urban South. “The next decade is about scaling thoughtfully while staying true to our roots.”
As the craft beer industry continues to evolve, Urban South’s trajectory offers a model for sustainable growth, pairing disciplined expansion with cultural relevance and measurable community reinvestment.
For more information about Urban South Brewery’s 10th anniversary, visit www.UrbanSouth.com or follow the brewery on social media at @urbansouthbeer, @urbansouth_nola
