It was the mid-1990’s when, between jobs in commercial photography, film and television, Raymond Pumilia began brewing beer as a hobby.
He enjoyed it, and the hobby stuck. Then came the day 15 years later when Raymond and his wife, Mandy Pumilia, had the idea to transform this hobby into a business that would unite and uplift the community.
“We wanted to share our love of craft beer, cooking and entertaining with everyone, and bring it to a part of New Orleans that desperately needed economic development,” Raymond says.
The Pumilias spent the following year researching and writing a business plan for what would become Royal Brewery New Orleans, followed by identifying the best location and funding opportunities for their new business. In Nov. 2015, they chose a location in Eastern New Orleans near the Lakefront Airport.
At the time, Tipitina’s Foundation planned to build an amphitheater in the area, and the National World War II Museum planned to locate a ship there. Furthermore, other like-minded businesses (such as Folger’s Coffee, Luzianne Tea, Bunny Bread and Southshore Donuts & Restaurant) were also located nearby. The Pumilias considered the area to be what they called “the Beverage and Yeast Belt of New Orleans,” and they were excited to add Royal Brewery to the mix.
“In 2015, there were very low barriers to entrance as it relates to cost, zoning and buildout,” Raymond says. “Additionally, Eastern New Orleans was once an epicenter of manufacturing, retail and entertainment in the New Orleans metro area, and we envision the area returning to an even grander version of what it was previously.”
Royal Brewery offers eight different brews on the menu in the taproom, along with an additional five rotating taps. There are currently three brews in distribution to local bars, restaurants, hotels and retailers. Among them, the Chevelle Diablo (a porter) and the Termite Loger (a steam lager) are the most popular. Other choices include the Culicidae (an American pale ale) and the A.B.S. (American special bitter). “We make multi beers that have more body than many domestic beers in the market, and they are designed to pair with the foods that New Orleanians, Sicilians and Southerners make every day,” Mandy says.
With a staff of seven paid employees (and three unpaid employee owners), Royal Brewery currently produces 10,800 cases of beer annually. A new easy-drinking beer that’s perfect for festival season will be released soon. It is made in collaboration with members of the local band, Downman Sound, and is dubbed Plenty of Time after a song on their album, “Tastes Like Yesterday.” A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the beer will be donated to a fund that supports New Orleans musicians.
While the pandemic almost put Royal Brewery out of business, the Pumilias found two investors who were able to help them purchase a bottling machine, thereby allowing Royal Brewery to transition into packaging. Raymond and Mandy have since expanded their operation and are planning to hire additional employees as they gain momentum in the bottled space.
“Local businesses can only survive with local support and locals embracing our story as their own,” Mandy says.
7366 Townsend Place, Bldg. B, 415-8444, royalbrewerynola.com