How a Taco Shop Thrives Beside Meta's AI Data Center
40% of Holy Tacos' revenue now comes from catering to Meta's construction boom.
1Opportunity from Tech Expansion
The Allen family opened Holy Tacos in April 2025 after learning Meta would build its largest AI data center in nearby Holly Ridge, Louisiana. Rayville, a declining town of 3,600 residents, had lost most downtown businesses over decades. Meta's $800 million project brought 1,200 construction jobs, creating immediate demand for services. The family repurposed a food truck into a brick-and-mortar restaurant after initial plans to serve the construction site directly were denied for safety reasons.
2Creative Business Adaptation
When barred from the construction site, the Allens pivoted by converting a vacant building into a restaurant. They anchored their food truck inside the space, creating a hybrid model allowing both dine-in and catering services. A chance encounter during a church event led to securing the location. The setup now serves 60-80 customers daily, with catering accounting for 40% of revenue. Their mobile unit also serves temporary worker housing camps, with orders ranging $4,000-$7,000 per event.
3Economic Transformation
Meta's project reversed Rayville's economic decline. Previously shuttered storefronts now house new businesses, many locally owned. Infrastructure improved with new traffic lights and road paving. The parish (county) saw tax revenue increase by 18% in the first year. Other beneficiaries include a hardware store that doubled its workforce and a motel operating at 90% capacity after years at 30%. The data center will employ 200 permanent staff post-construction.
4Community Tensions
While creating jobs, the project disrupted rural Holly Ridge's quiet farming community. Residents contend with 24/7 construction noise and dust. Property values jumped 45%, pricing out some long-time residents. Local government had to mediate between pro-growth factions and preservationists. The Allens navigate this divide carefully, noting their customer mix now includes both construction workers in safety vests and longtime residents adjusting to change.
5Catering Gold Rush
Holy Tacos' catering serves Meta's prime contractors monthly, with orders sometimes reaching four times per month. They've expanded to serve corporate events in Monroe (20 minutes away) and will soon cater on-site at the data center. The family's construction background helped them understand project timelines and worker schedules. They've hired six additional staff to handle demand, paying $15/hour - 25% above local average for food service.
6Business Model Evolution
The restaurant operates seven days a week, with former slow days now matching previous weekend volumes. Dinner service was added after recognizing shift workers' needs. Their taco recipes incorporate Louisiana flavors, differentiating from chain competitors. The Allens plan to retain catering as a core offering post-construction by targeting new commercial clients attracted to the area, including tech subcontractors setting up offices.
7Regional Impact
The data center project has created a ripple effect across northeastern Louisiana. Monroe's airport added flights to accommodate business travel. Local colleges launched tech training programs anticipating future hiring needs. Real estate developers have proposed three new mixed-use projects near Rayville. State economic development officials report 14 ancillary businesses have located within 30 miles since Meta's announcement.
8Sustainable Growth Lessons
Holy Tacos exemplifies how small businesses can capitalize on large-scale tech investments while maintaining local character. The Allens balanced immediate opportunities with long-term planning, avoiding over-reliance on temporary construction demand. Their story shows infrastructure projects create diverse economic benefits beyond direct employment, from supply chains to lifestyle services. Community leaders now use this case to attract responsible development.
Original article: Business Insider — How a Taco Shop Thrives Beside Meta's AI Data Center