The storied history of Dixie Brewing in New Orleans is about to open a new chapter.
The New Orleans brewery, which first opened in 1907, sustained moderate but not severe damaged during Hurricane Katrina. But after the flood waters receded the brewery complex was looted with much of the equipment stolen. The brewery has been closed ever since.
The brewery will reopen in December as a new, modern-day and family friendly tourist attraction. New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson, who is a new majority owner, has created a new vision for the historic brewery which will include a beer garden, a small park and a beer museum in addition to the 100,000 bbl capacity brewery.
“What we’re doing here is a mix of the old and the new,” Jim Birch, Dixie Brewing Co.’s general manager told NOLA.com. “The approach is fresh and modern, but we’re starting with a product with a really long history in this community. Bringing that together is what’s really exciting.”