Good News Brewing Company, known for its community-centered approach, is bringing its welcoming brewpub experience to Wildwood, Missouri, in 2025. Housed in the former West County Feed Store, this latest expansion is designed as a space where families, friends, and even pets can gather—a natural fit for Good News Brewing’s original mission to prioritize connection over mass distribution.
A Brewery Born from Community
Dan Tripp and Matt Fair founded Good News Brewing as a homebrewing experiment in O’Fallon. Inspired by a shared love of craft beer and community from their Bible study group, the duo began brewing in Tripp’s basement, gathering friends and family to share stories over small-batch brews. Today, this spirit of connection continues to drive Good News Brewing’s success across multiple locations.
“Our model is about creating a gathering place where all feel welcome,” says Tripp. “We want people to come, relax, and connect.” The new Wildwood location will add to this mission with a menu of wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, and a unique food truck park to offer rotating flavors and dining options.
Why Wildwood?
According to Tripp, the choice to expand to Wildwood came directly from their patrons. Regulars from the Defiance location, especially those biking the nearby Katy Trail, recommended Wildwood as a perfect fit. “We listened to our followers,” Tripp explains. “Wildwood aligns with our goal of providing family-friendly spaces in places where community connections thrive.”
A Food Truck Park for Variety
In a fresh twist for a brewpub, Good News Brewing’s Wildwood site will feature a food truck park alongside its signature wood-fired pizzas. “By offering multiple food options, we hope to create a space where people feel encouraged to come back several times a week,” Tripp says. This flexible model is part of Good News Brewing’s innovative approach, enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere while adding variety for returning guests.
The Beer
Good News Brewing’s beer menu reflects a thoughtful mix of approachable styles and bold, innovative flavors. With a lineup featuring classics like Belgian White, Pale Ale, Brown Ale, and American IPA, the brewery offers something for every palate, from light and citrusy to rich and malty. Their German Pilsner, brewed with authentic German Pilsner malt and Perle hops, highlights the brewery’s appreciation for traditional methods. At the same time, their Local 636 Hazy IPA brings a regional twist that resonates with St. Louis locals.
Alongside these core styles, Good News Brewing experiments with unique infusions that add a creative edge. Specialty beers like the Hazelnut Coffee Milk Stout, made with cold-brewed hazelnut coffee, and the Pumpkin Ale, crafted with real pumpkin puree and seasonal spices, provide seasonal and dessert-inspired options. With most beers in a moderate ABV range of 4.5% to 6.3%, their menu allows for enjoyable tasting without overpowering intensity, making it accessible for both craft beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Focused on Local Experiences Over Distribution
While the Wildwood location won’t have on-site brewing initially, Good News Brewing will continue to craft its beers at its main Augusta facility. By choosing not to expand into retail distribution, Tripp and Fair remain focused on building meaningful, localized experiences rather than competing in the crowded retail beer market.
Set to open in spring or summer 2025, Good News Brewing’s newest location in Wildwood will transform a former feed store into a lively community space. Tripp and Fair look forward to sharing “good news” through fellowship, family-friendly fun, and, of course, great beer—all values that have guided the brewery since its humble beginnings.
