I feel like this is a sign of a general and growing trend towards local markets following the backlash from the bank/car bailouts. People are feeling more comfortable paying slightly more for quality product and services, and they're more reluctant to throw money at large faceless corporations not beholden to local interests. I know here in NOLA, while we certainly did feel some effects of the recession, the impact appeared to be severely diminished since a large segment of the metro area relies on local business, PARTICULARLY in the entertainment and restaurant industries. I honestly think it's just what this country needs atm. I'm a localvore, and as much I love getting 1.5x the meal at Taco Bell and at far more convenience, I'm coming around to the fact that some red beans from Breaux Mart down the street and Manda sausage (green onion, accept no substitutes) is so much better - and even cheaper when I've got the time commitment to spare.
More relevant to the topic, Abita beer is also definitely the beer of choice around here, being a fan of Purple Haze and Amber myself. There's actually a pretty vocal minority that almost actively protests against the "shitty domestics," my sis being one of the loudest, preferring either local or imported. TBH, though, most beer tastes like shit to me so take that as you will. Also Abita's rootbeer is possibly only second to Barq's, which while owned by Coca Cola, got started and still keeps most of its business here in the French Quarter.