Mother's Brewing Co. changes ownership

Springfield craft beer business Mother's Brewing Co. has changed hands 12 years after it opened downtown.

Founder Jeff Schrag introduced the new owners, Jeff and Lindsay Seifried, during a news conference this morning at Mother's Brewing Co.'s taproom and headquarters, 215 S. Grant Ave. The deal closed May 2 for undisclosed terms.

"It has been an incredible journey," said Schrag, who with his wife, Mary, sold the brewery to the Seifrieds. "We're really grateful to the Springfield community."

Jeff Seifried thanked the Schrags for their work in helping usher in a craft beer boom in the Queen City.

"Jeff and Mary built craft beer in Springfield," Seifried said. "Lindsay and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the brand."

The Schrags maintain an undisclosed minority stake in Mother's Brewing Co., said Seifried. Jeff Schrag is slated to stay involved with the business in the near term to assist with sales and operations as he transitions to retirement from the beer industry, company officials say.

Changes on the way at Mother's Brewing Co. include plans for expanded distribution and outdoor service for customers at the Springfield campus, as well as growth of the Barrel House indoor seating area to be able to serve as an event venue.

Jeff Seifried has past experience as president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau and Connell Insurance, which is now Higginbotham. Lindsay Seifried owns a company called Talent | Wellness and has past experience in leadership roles at GO CAPS and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Mother's Brewing Co., which operates in Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas, ranked No. 1 on Springfield Business Journal's list this year of the area's largest breweries. The company reported 8,039 barrels produced in 2022, a 0.4% increase from 2021, and 22 employees.

Read more about the sale in the May 8 print edition of SBJ.