Business is booming in a small Louisiana town as a huge Meta AI data center project brings in thousands of workers
A small Louisiana town saw more annual sales tax revenue in 2025 than the last 20 years combined, thanks largely to a huge Meta data center project.
TL;DR
- Meta's Hyperion data center, spanning nearly 10 million square feet, is under construction in Richland Parish, Louisiana, supporting over 7,500 construction jobs.
- The influx of workers has spurred the creation and growth of local businesses, including Holy Tacos, HeBrews Coffee & Eats, and Ice Queen, which provide food, drinks, and essential supplies.
- Richland Parish experienced a dramatic increase in annual sales tax revenue, jumping from $21 million in 2024 to $39 million in 2025, with projections to reach $92 million by the end of 2026.
- Entrepreneurs like David Rodgers (Ice Queen), Tim Allen (Holy Tacos), and TJ and Kaycie Weed (HeBrews Coffee & Eats) have leveraged the construction boom to expand their operations and increase sales.
- New ventures like the Antley Pines mobile home park, owned by Angel and Bryan Crawford, have also emerged to address the housing demand from Meta workers.
- Businesses are adapting their offerings to meet the specific needs of the workers, including catering, hydration products, and convenient food options.
- The Meta project is expected to continue through 2030, with local businesses planning strategies to sustain growth beyond the construction phase.