Cassidy Announces Millions of Dollars for JEDCO Food and Beverage Incubator in Jefferson Parish

WASHINGTON –Yesterday,U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined the leaders of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and Greater New Orleans (GNO), Inc. to celebrate the $3.65 million he secured for JEDCO’s Food and Beverage Incubator.
“People travel from around the world just for Louisiana’s food scene,”said Dr. Cassidy.“By supporting this project, we’re supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and continuing a culinary legacy.”
Cassidyannouncedthat the $3.65 million has been secured from the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2026 for this project, bringing the total secured for the incubator up to $8.7 million. Other contributors include the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Louisiana Economic Development, the Jefferson Parish Council, and JEDCO itself.
When completed, it will be the only major wholesale food production incubator in the Greater New Orleans region. It will feature three commercial kitchens with a demonstration/teaching kitchen, equipment for bottling, baking, blending and general production, a loading dock, dry, cold, and freezer storage, and an outdoor plaza and culinary garden.
After the announcement was made about the appropriation, Cassidy visited with small business owners who will benefit from the project and JEDCO’s efforts. He was also joined by Mr. Jerry Bologna, President and CEO of JEDCO, and Mr. Michael Hecht, President and CEO of GNO, Inc.
“This project signals JEDCO’s commitment to the food and beverage industry,”said Mr. Bologna.“With this additional federal investment, we are accelerating our ability to deliver a world-class resource that empowers entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and scale food and beverage businesses right here in Jefferson Parish. This incubator will remove barriers, unlock innovation, and create new pathways for economic growth across our region. We are tremendously grateful for Senator Cassidy’s support of this project and the meaningful impact it will have on our community.”
“This project represents the kind of strategic, collaborative, delicious investment that drives regional economic growth,”said Mr. Hecht.“By providing the infrastructure and support needed to scale food and beverage businesses, we’re helping to strengthen one of Southeast Louisiana’s most culturally significant and economically promising industries.”
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