What started as the home brewing hobby of a self-proclaimed “beer geek” would soon turn into the first fully functioning craft brewery in Northeast Louisiana. Flying Tiger Brewery opened on Black Friday in 2016 as a manufacturer of craft beer to be distributed in stores and retail locations. Over the last 10 years, they have shifted to the “Brew Pub Model,” allowing the establishment to transition to fit its patrons needs, offering the flexibility to add a pizza kitchen and full bar.

The name "Flying Tiger" alludes to famed General Claire Chennault, a Louisiana native who retired to Monroe after leading the Flying Tigers of World War II. A replica of the iconic shark-face, red-nosed P-40 Warhawk plane sits above the bar. With menu items named things like "P-40," "The Chennault," and "Victory Garden," the restaurant pays homage to a beacon of local history.

James speaks about the team of people it took to get the business off the ground. Co-Founder Rob Brewer wrote up a business plan, but upon a financial question, James reached out to his CPA. “He saw the numbers, he saw the business plan,” James says, “there was a real gap in the market in our area.” The pieces fell into place as a community that didn’t even realize it was lacking a craft beer industry rallied around to support a couple of guys with a big dream.

James owes his connection to the arts scene in Monroe to his mother who was invested in Strauss Theatre Center while he was growing up. He would eventually become a musician himself for more than ten years, giving him tons of connections in the industry. He feels lucky that performers—local and otherwise—reach out to him as Flying Tiger has established itself as a venue that’s on people's radar. On any given night of the week you can catch a live performance inside or out on the large grassy patio that includes a full stage. From jazz to classic rock to country, the weekly selection varies constantly. You might even catch a full musical production, as Flying Tiger hosted The Rocky Horror Show two years in a row!

While sitting at the bar top, a table, or the spacious patio, you can enjoy the presence of a dedicated staff ready to serve up pizzas, cocktails, and beer. The list of craft beer is ever evolving, but some of their flagship beers include Burma Blonde, Man At Arms, Jucee, and Final Resting Place. This Summer, they’re adding two new additions: Grapefruit Jucee and Blonde Light.

Beer isn’t the only thing Flying Tiger is an expert at. Once the pizza kitchen became part of the business, there was no skimping allowed. Every morning at 5am, kitchen staff arrive and begin prepping pizza dough using Caputo 00 flour from Italy that will slow proof over 24 hours to create more flavor. Award-winning Alta Cucina tomatoes from California make up the sauce. James asserts, “If your crust is wrong and your tomatoes are wrong, everything else is gonna be wrong.”

Doctors, lawyers, bikers, hippies, and more sit elbow to elbow at the bar to connect over something special. Flying Tiger hopes that people of all walks of life feel welcome as they attempt to connect with everyone. As people evolve, the business evolves. “Craft beer is a creative outlet—it’s a tie to different areas of Louisiana culture”, James hopes that the tap room can be a landing place for people far and wide to come and enjoy a taste of Northeast Louisiana.

Check out Flying Tiger Brewery & Pizza Bar for delicious beer, pizza, handhelds, salads, and more!