Mason City Brewing moves ahead after change in ownership

In addition to four regular house beers, Mason City Brewing rotates in four taps of new seasonal beers including these brews produced for St. Patrick's day - an Irish Stout and and Irish Red Ale. — In addition to four regular house beers, Mason City Brewing rotates in four taps of new seasonal beers including these brews produced for St. Patrick’s day – an Irish Stout and and Irish Red Ale. (Submitted photo)

MASON CITY – A change in ownership will not affect a favorite downtown Mason City craft brewery, NIT is told.

Mason City Brewing opened on February 23, 2013, under the ownership of Arian Schuessler, Jake Rajewsky and Justin Merritt. They have been brewing and serving home made craft beer ever since, and have had a strong, steady business. Folks have become enamored with the beer, occasional live music, and the festive, social atmosphere the establishment offers.

However, Mr. Schuessler and Mr. Rajewsky have confirmed that a change of ownership in the brewery has taken place. Mr. Rajewsky recently left the business, and Mr. Schuessler and Mr. Merritt will continue on as co-owners.

Mason City Brewing is located in a historic building in downtown Mason City. The building features original tin ceilings and wood floors. (Submitted photo)

According to Mr. Schuessler, “Jake is no longer employed by Mason City Brewing. I don’t know what his plans are. We have filled the position internally.”

He told NIT that he is confident in the brewery’s business model of slow and steady growth. He favors building a dedicated clientele of return customers and wants to be sure the brewery remains a cornerstone of the Mason City downtown, which is set for possible explosive growth and development.

“We’re using this opportunity to expand our brew system,” he explained. “We haven’t skipped a beat and have been serving an all-Iowa guest beer lineup for the last month and will continue to do so until we get our system on-line in the next few weeks. We think we have a bright future and we’re making a pretty big investment in this expansion.”

Former Mason City Brewer Jake Rajewsky checks the prefermented beer for sugar content during a recent brew session. (Submitted Photo)

As for Mr. Rajewsky’s plans, he was known as “the man” who did most of the beer brewing at Mason City Brewing, until his departure. As Mr. Schuessler and Mr. Merritt take over those responsibilities at his former business, Mr. Rajewsky tells NIT this his plans are not ready to be announced quite yet.

NIT asked him about the possibility of a brewery of his own opening up, as there have been rumors in the community circulating that he might have plans along those lines.

“Nothing’s decided for sure yet, but it’s a definite possibility sometime in the future,” Mr. Rajewsky said. “If anything happens and we send out a press release we’ll make sure NIT is on the list.”

Mason City Brewing is the first brewery in Mason City in 130 years, it says. They remain open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 5 – 11 PM at 28 East State Street.