AB Exec Buys MO Craft Brewery
O’Fallon Brewing co sold to veteran AB marketing executive
Jim Gorczyca, a 20-year A-B marketing veteran announced that he has purchased the O’Fallon Brewery in O’Fallon, Missouri. The amount of the deal was not disclosed.
Gorczyca juts recently left his post as A-B’s director of trade marketing.
The brewery was founded in 2000 by Tony and Fran Caradonna who will stay on as employees under Gorczyca. Head brewer Brian Owens, who has been at O’Fallon since 2002, will remain in his current position, as will assistant brewer Dave Johnson and production manager Dawn Obrecht.
One major change: The brewery has parted ways with St. Louis-based distributor Missouri Beverage Co.
The Caradonnas put the word out in February that they were looking for a local investor to infuse some much-needed cash into the brewery to allow it to stay afloat and prepare for future growth. They were forced to impose temporary layoffs and halt beer production.
O’Fallon produced about 6,400 barrels of beer last year for distribution to 11 states. While most of O’Fallon’s bottled and canned beers are brewed and packaged under contract in Stevens Point, Wis., its kegged products are brewed at the company’s headquarters in an industrial complex in O’Fallon.
Wow, uhhhh… well glad to see the doors are staying open!! 😀
Brian, Fran & Tony~ best of luck to all of you!! I miss dropping in after a brewday at Trailhead on my way to play disc golf out in Wentzville.
Jim~ (although I don’t think we have ever met) I am happy you have stepped in to assist this craft brewery in its time of need. I know those folks have worked hard to get where they are and they make a darn good brew too.