Schlafly Beer Names Beer Veteran Fran Caradonna as New CFO & CAO

From Schlafly:

(ST. LOUIS, MO March 20, 2019)—The Saint Louis Brewery, makers of Schlafly Beer, announces today the appointment of Fran Caradonna as both chief financial officer and chief administrative officer for the largest locally-owned craft brewery in St. Louis. Caradonna has over 25 years of experience in the craft beer industry, most recently serving as the general manager for O’Fallon Brewery. In her new role, she will manage all companywide financials and accounting for the Saint Louis Breweryä as well as oversee daily administrative operations. 


In her tenure, Fran Caradonna was co-founder and vice president of The Signature Beer Company, one of Schlafly’s first wholesalers, as well as co-founder and chief executive officer of O’Fallon Brewery. With immense experience in growing beer brands, Caradonna will be a welcomed asset to Schlafly Beer’s executive team.


“We are extremely thrilled to have Fran join the Schlafly Beer family,” says Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board Tom Schlafly. “Her acute understanding of the beer business will be an invaluable resource to our team, and we are confident that her guidance will ensure Schlafly Beer’s success for the next 28 years and beyond.”

As new acting CFO and CAO, Caradonna will lead and develop the accounting and human resources departments of Schlafly Beer. She will be responsible for the company’s budget and other financial performance metrics as well as add a strategic vision to the everyday processes of the brewery. Caradonna contributed to the St. Louis area’s craft beer expansion in her previous roles. At The Signature Beer Company, the wholesaler acquired and launched several national craft beers in the St. Louis area. Caradonna built the company for success through raising capital for expansion and management of all financials. In 2000, Fran co-founded O’Fallon Brewery with her former husband, Tony, and helped build several award-winning brands over 10 years, with sales and production around 6,400 barrels in 2010.

She explains her excitement to join the Schlafly Beer team. “Schlafly Beer served as a barometer of success for us when we started O’Fallon Brewery so it’s very exciting to join the team here,” says Caradonna. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the craft beer legacy that Schlafly continues to build in St. Louis and throughout the region.”

About Schlafly Beer: Schlafly Beer, Missouri’s largest locally owned, independent craft brewery, proudly offers over 60 unique styles of beer. Each is handmade at the Tap Room in Midtown St. Louis or Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood. Utilizing 102 hop varietals, 77 malts and grains, 59 different spices and fruits and 10 separate yeast strains from around the globe, Schlafly also works with local suppliers for everything from farm-fresh food to packaging and labeling. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Schlafly donates spent grain to local farmers to feed their livestock and utilizes 100% renewable energy throughout its operations. The largest Missouri-owned-and-operated beer maker offers free tours of the Tap Room (2100 Locust Street) every Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the hour and Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Avenue) from noon to 5 p.m. every half hour on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The brand continues to define craft across 12 states and throughout countless fine establishments, backyards and basement bars. Join us at either of our locations and on Facebook,Instagram, and Twitter. For a full listing of seasonal and year-round beers and for information on distribution, visit Schlafly.com.