2023 STL April Monthly Meeting

Fran Caradonna is the chief executive officer of The Saint Louis Brewery. Leveraging more than 30 years of craft beer experience, Caradonna oversees all aspects of the company’s brand, Schlafly Beer, including two brewing production facilities, four brewpub locations, and the sales and distribution of Schlafly Beer across 17 states. As a female CEO and leader, Fran continues to guide Schlafly through the ever-evolving beer industry, while staying true to the company’s craft beer roots, maintaining sustainability initiatives and positively impacting our communities. 

Fran was appointed CEO of The Saint Louis Brewery in July 2019. She successfully navigated the organization through the pandemic and is forging growth in a declining craft beer market. “My goal is to build the amazing brand of Schlafly by creating a more robust and diversified beer portfolio. The craft beer consumer is changing, and we must adapt. Starting to brew non-alcohol craft beers with Well Being is the first step towards expanding craft audiences and putting more cans in hands”.

Prior to joining The Saint Louis Brewery, Fran was a pioneer in the expansion of craft beer in the St. Louis area. She was co-founder and Vice President of The Signature Beer Company, one of Schlafly’s original wholesalers. Fran was key in Signature’s success as she raised capital for expansion and was able to acquire and launch several national craft beer brands in the St. Louis area. In 2000, Fran co-founded O’Fallon Brewery. For over 10 years, she served as the chief executive officer and helped build several award-winning brands. 

Fran is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. She is active in several industry organizations, including Missouri Craft Brewers Guild (board member), Pink Boots Society, Brewers Association (Mentor Program).

When Fran isn’t busy with the Schlafly team,  you can find her traveling, spending time with her two adult sons, enjoying good food and drinks with friends, or taking long walks with her Carolina dog Benji.