Slidell is one step closer to getting its first production brewery, and it’s happening on city-owned property right along Bayou Bonfouca.
Raymond Masker III and his business partners, Scott McCain and Steve Bagwell, are leasing the site to launch Wicked Bayou Brewing. It will be the city’s first brewery with its own taproom.
“Who doesn’t like to be right along the water, drinking a nice craft beer made in Slidell?” Masker said.
The team started homebrewing just two years ago and quickly gained a following. “Once we started tasting the beer and having a lot of people that live in the area taste the beer — friends, family, people that know us — rave reviews,” Masker said.
Plans for the site include overflow parking, an outdoor event space, and a taproom built inside a renovated city building.
City leaders say the impact could go far beyond the brewery itself.
“It’ll also transfer into the restaurants of Olde Towne, because that product will be distributed and served locally, and hopefully all across the state of Louisiana, not very long from now,” said Councilmember Kenny Tamborella.
Just a few blocks away at Brass Monkey Bar, Devin Bush says he’s ready to support the new venture.
“We have a lot of beer lovers here. We like to stay local with our products,” Bush said. “Everything we do here is local. So, it’s going to be nice to have a local brewery here that we can also sell.”
As for when the first pints will be poured, Masker says they’re aiming for the end of the year and definitely before Mardi Gras.
“Mardi Gras parades pass near this site, so we can’t miss that opportunity,” Masker said.
READ MORE:First brewery in Slidell set to open by year’s end
