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Ray Griesedieck Email: RGofGB@swbell.net
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As an eighth generation brewer, Ray Griesedieck knows the history of brewing in St. Louis - when names such as Griesedieck Brothers and Falstaff shared center stage with Budweiser. Over time some of the old names disappeared. Production of GB beer was discontinued in 1957. Ray, however, had a vision to brew the fabled beer again.
Ray wanted to make GB beer available to a new generation of beer drinkers and to the more mature consumers who recall the brand with fondness. In 1992, Ray incorporated the new Griesedieck Brothers Brewery Company and in 2002, he began beer distribution. The original beer was a classic American lager, with the present formula a Golden Pilsener. Ray chose to produce the beer as a Golden Pilsener because of its drinkability.
Currently, Ray contracts with a third-party brewer. His son Bob is involved in the business with him. They distribute the beer to over 100 stores and restaurants in the St. Louis area. Their goal is to build their own brewery where they will have total control of production and quality. Ray is actively pursuing capitalization to make that dream a reality.
Although beer courses through Ray's veins, he makes time for other activities. His hobbies are diverse: woodworking, model trains, furniture building, cooking, needlepoint, stamp collecting and deer hunting. Ray's model train habit consumes huge amounts of space: he collects trains in the 1.6" scale. Translation: Ray's operational live steam locomotive is over 12 feet long, 16 inches wide and 16 inches tall.
Ray is a native St. Louisan. His response to the high school question is a proud "CBC!" Ray's wife, Karen, teaches kindergarten at Andrews Academy. They met through her sister - Ray was dating her! Ray's first recollection of Karen was greeting him at the door with hot rollers in her hair and wearing a dress, and she looked great. Ray was smitten. They've been married 29 years, 4 months and 8 days. All is well among Ray, Karen and her sister.
Ray and Karen are the proud parents of John, Bob and Libby. John is an attorney working for the state. Bob works in the family business with Ray. Libby is pursuing a degree in special education and is interested in the theater. She was a member of the Muny Teens, appearing in Hairspray and 42nd Street during the summer of 2009.
Ray joined Rotary at the invitation of Jim Smith. He's been a member since 2007. He ran the silent auction for the 2009 golf tournament. Ray is also involved with the Boy Scouts, sitting on the District Eagle Board, the St. Louis Live Steamers, St. Gerard Majella choir, and the MBAA.
Last updated: October 2009