Meta's Data Center Project Transforms Local Economy in Holly Ridge, Louisiana

The arrival of thousands of construction workers in Holly Ridge, Louisiana, is transforming the local economy as they build Meta's massive data center project, dubbed Hyperion. The enormous workforce is not only bringing specialized skills and manpower but also a significant influx of cash to spend in the area.

Local entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to establish new businesses, capitalizing on the booming demand for goods and services. According to David Rodgers, co-founder of Ice Queen, a local business, "it's been a good opportunity for everybody." The sheer scale of the data center project is unprecedented, with Meta investing heavily in the region.

The Hyperion data center will span nearly 10 million square feet, supporting over 7,500 jobs at its peak construction phase. This workforce is larger than the population of Aspen, Colorado, putting a strain on local resources and infrastructure. However, the economic boost is undeniable, with the influx of workers stimulating growth in the region.

Holly Ridge, a small town in Richland Parish, was previously struggling with stagnating economic conditions. Agriculture has long been the mainstay industry in the area, but the arrival of Meta's data center project is bringing much-needed investment and jobs to the community. Local residents are optimistic about the future prospects of their region.

The impact of the data center project on local daily life is being felt, with housing shortages and disruptions to services becoming increasingly common. However, for many in Holly Ridge, the benefits of the project far outweigh its drawbacks. As Tim Allen, a restaurant owner from nearby Rayville, noted, it's been in decline over the last several years... but this could be a turning point.

Downtown Rayville has seen a resurgence in activity since Meta announced its massive AI data center project in 2024. The town's residents are capitalizing on the influx of construction workers, reviving old businesses and opening new ones.

Allen, who runs a local business with his family, credits Meta's announcement for turning around the town's fortunes. His company has benefited from the increased foot traffic and demand for services. Holy Tacos, which opened in April 2025, is another example of how entrepreneurs are seizing opportunities presented by the project.

TJ and Kaycie Weed, owners of HeBrews Coffee & Eats, have seen their sales skyrocket since Meta's project took off. The couple's café, which has been operating near downtown Rayville since late 2021, now attracts a large number of customers from the construction site. They've even opened a food truck directly across the street from the construction site in Holly Ridge.

The construction workers have also given rise to new businesses catering specifically to their needs. Ice Queen, cofounded by Rodgers and Linda Edwards in 2025, sells $3 bags of ice to subcontractors and companies working on the Meta project. The business has become a vital supplier to the construction industry, capitalizing on the demand for its services.

With the town's economy booming, residents are optimistic about the future prospects of downtown Rayville. As the data center project continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how long the effects will last and what other opportunities the influx of workers will bring.

The sweltering summer heat has brought a surge in demand for ice to keep trade workers hydrated on the job site of the massive Meta AI data center project in Richland Parish.

Temperatures have soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit over two dozen times since July, making ice an essential commodity for outdoor workers. To meet this need, one business, Ice Queen, has transformed its operations to supply not just ice but a wide range of essentials to the work crews.

In addition to ice, Ice Queen now provides coffee machines, cups, sugar packets, fridges, microwaves, and even straws, essentially becoming a one-stop shop for the workers' basic needs. The business has invested in a large tractor-trailer to store and transport its products on site.

The influx of construction workers has also given rise to new businesses catering to their requirements, such as lodging and food services. This growth is evident in the parish's sales tax revenue figures, which have seen a significant spike since 2024.

According to data collected by Grow NELA, Richland Parish's annual sales tax revenue jumped from $21 million in 2024 to $39 million in 2025, with projections indicating it will reach $92 million by the end of 2026.

The influx of Meta AI data center workers has created a surge in demand for housing in Richland Parish, prompting entrepreneurs to capitalize on the opportunity.

Angel and Bryan Crawford, owners of Parish Line Properties, have been at the forefront of addressing this need with their mobile home park, Antley Pines. The couple opened the development in 2025, offering fully-furnished homes just eight miles from the construction site.

To cater to the high demand, Angel and Bryan have been actively adding new units to their property. In 2025, they completed two new homes, followed by four more this May and another four in July. The mobile homes, which come with a price tag of $3,000 on average, were secured by deposits from Meta workers even before the properties were fully constructed.

The Crawford's decision to enter the real estate market was driven by their own life circumstances. Having previously worked in nursing, they found themselves empty nesters and sought new challenges. In 2024, they began purchasing older homes with the intention of renovating them, eventually developing a vision for a mobile home park on land they had already acquired.

The location of Antley Pines has been particularly appealing to Meta workers due to its proximity to the construction site. With long working hours and early start times, many employees appreciate having a convenient place to rest their heads after a 12-plus hour shift. As a result, places like HeBrews Coffee & Eats have become popular gathering spots for workers looking to unwind during their limited free time.

The influx of workers on the Meta AI data center project has created a thriving demand for food services in the small Louisiana town. Local businesses are cashing in on this trend by offering catering services to the construction crews.

Holly Ridge, a food service provider, delivers 450 lunch plates to the Meta work site twice a month. They also cater breakfast and coffee several times a month, with popular items including breakfast burritos, muffins, and scones.

For lunch, workers typically order pulled pork nachos, steak bites with peppers over rice, chicken bits over rice, or sandwiches from Holly Ridge. Additionally, Holy Tacos fulfills catering orders for Meta's project workers, both at the work site and in their mobile setup at the temporary housing camps for construction workers.

Holy Tacos' owner, Allen, estimates that they receive between one to four catering orders per month from Meta workers, with costs ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 depending on the size of the order. The business has seen a significant increase in sales since the project began.

Another local business, Ice Queen, is also benefiting from the construction boom by selling large quantities of water and electrolyte drinks to keep workers hydrated in the hot Louisiana summer.

The influx of construction workers in Richland Parish has created a surge in demand for essential products, particularly water and electrolyte drinks. Local businesses are capitalizing on this trend by stocking up on these items, with some even reporting significant increases in sales.

According to local real estate agent Edwards, water was one of the most sought-after products due to the extreme heat and humidity. Construction workers were not accustomed to such conditions, making hydration a top priority. As a result, businesses like Ice Queen have seen an uptick in sales, as they cater to the needs of the temporary workforce.

The economic benefits of the Meta project are substantial, with estimates suggesting that it will generate around $9 million in sales tax revenues at both local and state levels. While this influx of money is welcome news for the community, business owners are aware that the construction phase has a limited lifespan. Most workers will eventually move on to other projects, taking their spending habits with them.

In anticipation of this eventuality, businesses are diversifying their client base and exploring new revenue streams. Some, like Holy Tacos and HeBrews Coffee & Eats, plan to maintain their presence in the area by catering to existing clients and expanding their offerings.