Quick Facts
- The Imperial Brewery was the brainchild of St. Louis investors. The original cost of construction was estimated at $50,000 for a brewing capacity of 50,000 barrels per year.
- From 1890 to 1910, Kansas City’s population nearly doubled to 248,000, as did the manufacturing sector. Part of the growth is attributed to demand from local breweries and public demand for good lager beer.
- In 1905, the Imperial Brewing Company elected a new president and general manager, Edwin Becker, who inherited a financially stressed operation. The first mortgage note was unpaid, and creditor claims further threatened the operation. By fall, the Brewery was formally bankrupt, ultimately purchased by the Ferd Heim Brewing Company as a branch of the newly formed Kansas City Breweries Company.
- In 1910, the new conglomerate made further improvements to the Brewery, increasing production to over 338,300 barrels per year. The Imperial and Mayflower brands were no longer the top sellers.
Very special thanks to H. James Maxwell who graciously researched Kansas City’s brewing history, sharing details in his book “Hometown Beer” and authorizing use of elements to Dean Realty Co., present owners of the Imperial Brewing Company brewhouse and horse stables.
