Rising Stars: Meet Abbie Backes of Carrollton, MO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbie Backes.

Hi Abbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Moving back to our hometown of Carrollton in 2010, my husband Joe and I saw a need in our community for a place to sit down, have a drink, socialize with friends and give you that “Cheers” vibe. Joe had a hobby of brewing beer in the garage and the beer was pretty darn good, so we decided to open River Bottoms Brewing Company in 2017. Located on the town square, in a historic building it is the perfect setting for our brewery and restaurant. Carrollton is centrally located and just about an hour from Kansas City, Columbia, and Sedalia. We brew 9 flagship beers, with the Pre-Prohibition Pilsner and Honey Wheat as customer favorites. We love to create unique pizzas with combinations including Peaches, Bacon, and Honey pizza and Peanut Butter and Jalapeño Jelly Pizza. Our atmosphere and service keeps people returning time and time again!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being in the brewery/restaurant business is rarely a smooth road. Changes in the economy, price increases as well as minimum wage increases are a challenge.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a RN and small business owner along with my husband Joe. We own 2 businesses in our small town, River Bottoms Brewing Company and Folger Street Inn and Coffeehouse. Together we manage and run both businesses. I am most proud of the work we do with our local youth. Many of our employees are high school age and working their first job. We set up an interview, teach them communication skills, and set high expectations. Sometimes they struggle in the beginning, but with time and training they build life skills. We’ve seen many go off to college and request references from us as employers. I think our sense of community and family with our customers and employees sets us apart from others.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Accomplishing your goals with a sense of peace and joy in your day to day life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: River Bottoms Brewing Company
• Facebook: River Bottoms Brewing Company