A Louisiana town finds new life in the shadow of a Meta data center

For decades, Rayville watched its downtown core wither as businesses shuttered and younger generations moved away. The arrival of Meta’s project—the largest AI data center in the company's history—has reversed that downward trajectory. Allen, a former construction business owner, pivoted to the restaurant industry in April 2025 to meet the sudden demand for services. He transformed a vacant building into a permanent home for his food truck, which now serves as both a storefront and a catering hub.

The economic surge brings a visible divide. While infrastructure improvements like new blacktop roads and traffic lights have arrived, the quiet rhythm of rural life in Holly Ridge has been replaced by constant construction noise and dust. Allen acknowledges this tension, noting that long-term residents are struggling with the loss of their privacy and peace. Despite the friction, the financial impact is undeniable: 40% of his monthly revenue now stems directly from Meta-related contracts, including catering for the temporary worker camps. As the project progresses, Allen believes the local businesses that emerged during this boom will provide the necessary foundation to sustain the region once the heavy machinery finally falls silent.