Let me preface this blog by stating what readers of my posts probably already know: I’m a bit of a beer fan.
I can say with little doubt that being given clearance to attend the Mother’s Brewing Co. ribbon-cutting ceremony is my least-dreaded assignment to date.
Mayor Jim O’Neal, who spoke at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce ceremony yesterday afternoon, seemed to agree with me.
“It took a lot of coaxing to get me out to a brewery today,” he said, laughing.
Seemingly embracing the matriarchal name of his 215 S. Grant Ave. company, Jeff Schrag asked of the ceremony patrons that beyond the taste of beer on their lips, they go away with one idea about Mother’s, “We brew love.”
Following the introductory speeches and ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour the facility at their leisure.
Beer stations were set up throughout, serving samples of the craft brewery’s year-round selections: Lil’ Helper, an India Pale Ale; Three Blind Mice, a brown beer with a slight chocolate malt flavoring; and Towhead, a light golden blonde ale and my personal favorite. Also up for a taste test was Sandi Wheat, one of the facility’s seasonal brews, that, according to a Mother’s staffer, will be available until August.
I eventually found myself in the brewery’s bar area, the cap on this small-business bottle. The place brimmed with activity.
Mother’s 10-person crew seemed to embody the good that comes with their product – hospitality, friendliness, a sense of community and, of course, a willingness to serve you beer.
Sure, I love beer (as do a number of businesspeople I spotted who also attended the ceremony), but it wasn’t just this that caught my eye, or tongue, if you will.
Mother’s has done well for itself thus far in garnering interest by pushing the hype machine via social media. Time will tell whether the community will embrace Mother’s financially as it has embraced the community socially, but I can’t help but think that it will. Suffice it to say, I’m one to root for the underdog.
Kudos to Mother’s and cheers to any small-business owners getting their start or thinking about becoming involved in Springfield. You’re a testament to business and, frankly, a breath of fresh air.
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Particularly loved the 2d to last paragraph. Very cool stuff, Geoff. Look forward to reading more from you.