The Rockcreek Brewing Co. Expansion: 5 Reasons This Mission, KS Brewery Is Taking Over The KC Beer Scene
Rockcreek Brewing Company, the beloved neighborhood taproom that quickly became a standout on the Kansas side of the Kansas City craft beer scene, is making its biggest move yet. As of late 2025, the brewery is actively working on a massive expansion, planning to purchase and transform the historic Run Rite Automotive building in downtown Mission, Kansas, into a new, larger brewery and pub. This exciting development signals a new era for the brewery, promising a larger space, expanded production, and an even deeper commitment to their local community.
Established in May 2020, Rockcreek Brewing Co. successfully navigated the challenges of a pandemic-era opening to become a local favorite, known for its diverse tap list and welcoming atmosphere. This in-depth look explores the key players, the incredible beers, and the ambitious plans that are cementing Rockcreek's place as a must-visit destination on the JoCo Ale Trail.
The Masterminds: Key Owners, Location, and Acclaim
Rockcreek Brewing Co. is a true passion project, founded by a group of former Cerner associates who shared a love for homebrewing and quality craft beer. Their collective vision was to create a neighborhood taproom that served exceptional, diverse small-batch artisan ales and lagers.
- Current Location: 5880 Beverly Ave, Mission, KS 66202
- Opening Date: Late May 2020
- Ownership Group (Co-Owners): Sara Charlson, Mark Schonhoff, Craig Reed, Chris Murrish, and Sameer Brahmavar.
- Head Brewer: Trent Wiegers, who is credited with creating the brewery's delicious and diverse small-batch recipes.
- Recognition: Voted Best New Kansas City Area Brewery in 2020 by *Pitch Magazine*.
- New Location Plan: The group is currently in the process of purchasing the former Run Rite Automotive building in downtown Mission for a significant expansion.
The ownership group’s background, transitioning from the corporate world of Cerner to the artisan craft of brewing, speaks to their dedication. They brought a professional, quality-focused approach to the Mission, KS, craft beer scene, quickly earning them a spot among the best breweries in the Kansas City area.
The Diverse Tap List: 15 Essential Rockcreek Beers and Styles
What sets Rockcreek Brewing Co. apart is its commitment to variety, moving beyond the standard IPA-heavy lineup to offer 12 rotating craft beers that cater to every palate. Head Brewer Trent Wiegers ensures the tap list is constantly updated, while maintaining fan favorites. This dedication to diverse styles has been crucial to building their topical authority in the competitive Kansas City market.
Here are some of the most popular and critically acclaimed beers and styles you can expect to find on the Rockcreek Brewing Co. menu:
- Vegas Daze Hazy IPA: Considered their flagship hazy IPA. It’s brewed with a complex blend of Citra, Columbus, Mosaic, and Vic Secret hops, offering a bright, citrus-forward explosion of flavor.
- Breck American IPA: A classic American IPA featuring Mosaic, Evergreen, Columbus, and Super Cascade hops, resulting in a complex aroma of fresh pine, candied orange, and grapefruit zest.
- The Magician Lager: A clean, crisp American Lager (4.5% ABV, 29 IBU), perfect for those seeking a lighter, approachable brew.
- London Calling Mild - Dark: A nod to traditional English styles, this Dark Mild (4.5% ABV, 20 IBU) is a favorite for its low ABV and rich, malty character.
- Pie-Eyed Piper Sour - Fruited Gose: Showcasing the brewery's experimental side, this is a kettle sour style, often featuring rotating fruit additions.
- Coffee In Transit Cream Ale: A unique fusion of a light Cream Ale base with the addition of coffee for a smooth, caffeinated kick.
- Eiger Sanction Porter: A robust Porter (6.6% ABV, 35 IBU) offering deep, roasty flavors.
- Tmavé 13: A Czech Dark Lager, demonstrating the brewer's skill with European lager styles.
- Oktoberfest: A seasonal favorite, this Märzen (6.1% ABV, 24 IBU) is a traditional malty lager released in the fall.
- Mutual Benefit: Another core offering, often rotating in style but consistently a fan-favorite for its balanced profile.
- Pumpkin Porter: A seasonal dark beer (6.9%) that combines classic pumpkin flavors with the roastiness of a traditional dark beer.
- Cabin Fever Reliever: A popular hazy IPA, often mentioned for its comforting, hop-forward profile.
The Future is Mission: What to Expect from the New Pub
The biggest news surrounding Rockcreek Brewing Co. is its ambitious plan to relocate and expand into a much larger facility. The owners are currently working to purchase and renovate the Run Rite Automotive building in downtown Mission, a move that will dramatically increase their capacity and community presence.
This expansion is more than just a size upgrade; it’s a commitment to the neighborhood that embraced them from the start. The new location is expected to allow for a full-scale pub experience, which will likely include an expanded food menu and a more robust event schedule. The current location is known for hosting popular local food trucks, such as American Way Smokehouse, which frequently serves Texas-style BBQ on-site. The new pub will likely integrate a similar focus on local culinary partnerships or even its own kitchen.
While a definitive opening timeline for the new Rockcreek Brewery and pub is not yet public as of late 2025, the process of purchasing the building confirms that the expansion is moving forward. This move solidifies Rockcreek's role as a driving force in the local economy and a key player in the competitive Johnson County brewing scene, alongside other local craft beer destinations like Sandhills Brewing and Servaes Brewing Company.
The owners’ goal remains the same: to be the ultimate neighborhood taproom. The new space will allow them to host more patrons, increase their brewing volume to keep up with demand, and provide an even better atmosphere for enjoying their diverse range of craft brews. It is a clear sign of the brewery's success and its bright future as a cornerstone of the Mission community.
Rockcreek's Impact on the Kansas City Craft Beer Scene
Rockcreek Brewing Co. has quickly become a vital part of the wider Kansas City craft beer scene. Its success is often highlighted by its ability to offer a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere while producing high-quality, diverse beer styles. This approach has helped the brewery stand out among major players like Boulevard Brewing Co., City Barrel Brewery, and KC Bier Co.
The brewery’s focus on variety, from the light and crisp *The Magician Lager* to the dark and complex *Tmavé 13*, appeals to a broad audience, encouraging beer drinkers to explore new styles. This diversity, championed by Head Brewer Trent Wiegers, is a key reason for their rapid acclaim, including the 2020 Best New Brewery award.
The forthcoming expansion into the Run Rite Automotive building is set to further elevate the brewery’s profile, drawing even more attention to the thriving craft beer culture in Mission, KS. It signals a major investment in the future of local, artisanal brewing and a commitment to providing a top-tier craft beer experience for residents and visitors alike.
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