New brewery working to open this summer in St. Francisville, aims to be community hub

Michael Scheidt
·2 min read

ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. (BRPROUD) — A new brewery is coming to St. Francisville.

Bayou Sara Brewing Co., 11943 Ferdinand St., is aiming to open in late summer, according to co-founder, Steve McKinney.

He said the brewery “is named after Bayou Sara, which runs through West Feliciana Parish and empties into the Mississippi River.”

McKinney, along with his wife Amanda, brother-in-law, Doug Cochran, and his wife, Abby Cochran, own the new business.

When it comes to the beer, he said, that the plan is to “have about 12 on tap at any given moment.”

McKinney said that over the years he has developed some “staples” that will be available at the brewery. That includes:

  • Honey Pale Ale.

  • West Coast IPA.

  • New England IPA.

  • Citrus Wheat.

  • Blood Orange Blonde.

  • Amber.

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He said a Pilsner is also a possibility along with some rotating beers like a Black Lager, Porter, Pear Wheat and Belgian Trippel.

The menu is a work in progress, according to McKinney. He said there would be grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, and something for the kids, including mini corn dogs and chicken fingers.

He said six-packs, kegs and food will be available to go.

The building used to contain a Ford dealership. The brewery’s layout will include a dining area in the front and a smaller bar area with tables and chairs for guests.

McKinney said in the back “we will do extensive slab replacement and restructuring to build out the new kitchen, the brewing area and new restrooms.”

The rest of the space will contain communal seating including picnic tables and cornhole.

McKinney said he wants the brewery “to be a hub for the community.” He said it will be at a “perfect location, right in the middle of downtown St. Francisville.”

McKinney thinks they will open at 11 a.m. every day and close at 10 p.m. during the week and 11 p.m. or midnight on weekends. Those plans might change.

When Bayou Sara Brewing Co. holds its grand opening, McKinney said there will be live music, food trucks and drawings for free merchandise.

The brewery will be the second business that McKinney and his wife own in St. Francisville. They also own Temple Design,11888 Ferdinand St., which he said was “a graphic design studio specializing in brand creation and ad specialties.”

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