Mother Road Brewing Company

Mother Road Brewing Company is a regional craft brewery based in Flagstaff, Arizona, and stands as the state's third-largest independent craft brewer. The company was founded in 2011 by Michael and Alissa Marquess, who were inspired to create a business that combined their passions for craft beer, travel, and Arizona. The journey began after Michael Marquess, who had a background in hotel management but was working in real estate appraisal, started homebrewing in 1999. The idea for the brewery solidified during a road trip, and Marquess left his job in 2010 to pursue the venture, securing a loan and opening the brewery in a 1920s-era commercial laundry building on a historic portion of Route 66.

The brewery's business model is centered on beverage sales, primarily in the southwestern United States, with distribution across Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern Nevada. Revenue is generated through two main channels: taproom operations, which account for 30% of revenue, and distribution through partners like Hensley Beverage Company, which makes up the remaining 70%. Mother Road has cultivated over 5,300 points of distribution, including national retailers, restaurants, resorts, and bars. The company reported $10 million in revenue for 2023.

Mother Road produces a variety of distinguished beers, including its flagship Tower Station IPA, which was the number-one selling independent IPA in Arizona in 2023. Other popular offerings include Conserve & Protect Golden Ale, Daily Driver Juicy Pale Ale, and Limited Visibility Hazy IPA. The company operates its original taproom for experimental batches and a larger production facility, opened in 2018, to meet growing demand. A significant milestone was reached in 2021 when the brewery produced over 19,000 barrels, officially classifying it as a Regional Brewery by the Brewer's Association. The company is also committed to sustainability, implementing a CO2 recapture system and partnering with the Arizona Game and Fish Department on its Conserve & Protect Golden Ale, donating a portion of proceeds to wildlife conservation.

Keywords: craft brewery, regional brewery, Arizona beer, Flagstaff brewery, Route 66, craft beer distribution, Tower Station IPA, independent brewer, taproom, beverage sales, brewery operations, sustainable brewing, wildlife conservation partnership, ale production, Michael Marquess, beer manufacturing, Southwest US distribution, Conserve & Protect Golden Ale, community engagement, hospitality