Veteran brewer pulling double shift with purchase of neighboring Crossroads taphouse, brewery

Purchasing a nearby brewery in the Crossroads Arts District will help Pat Mitchell boost beer production and distribution in Missouri and Kansas, as well as expand a community of support for U.S. military veterans and especially former service members who’ve become entrepreneurs. 

Mitchell, founder and owner of Red Sash Brewing, and longtime family friend Ryan Elder, principal at Facility Systems, Inc., announced this week their purchase of Double Shift Brewing Company in the heart of brewer’s alley in the Crossroads district.

Double Shift Brewing Company; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

The duo plans to maintain Double Shift’s taphouse vibe and beer quality while using the opportunity to push both its beers and Red Sash’s offerings deeper into the market.

“Red Sash was my first attempt at introducing the veteran community to the exciting, ever-changing world of the East Crossroads brewery scene,” said Mitchell, a U.S. Army veteran. “The (Red Sash) taproom is the perfect place to come and enjoy a great local beer, tell stories, play games and grow your community.”

Click here to follow Double Shift on Instagram.

“When we heard our neighbors across the street at Double Shift were thinking about giving it up, we knew we needed to extend our community to their amazing brewery,” continued Mitchell, who also is project director of construction and MEP for Kansas City Chiefs.

The West Point graduate and former U.S. Army captain became interested in home brewing during a pilot microbrewing program through the After Action Network. In 2020, Mitchell and his wife — Allison, an Overland Park native and fellow West Point graduate — opened Red Sash Brewing in the former space of Border Brewing Co.

One of the newest additions to the Crossroads brewers’ alley, Red Sash Brewing offers a variety of IPAs along with interesting but easy drinking brews. Mitchell created the taproom to introduce the veteran community to the craft brewing community, he said. 

Click here to follow Red Sash Brewing on Instagram.

Double Shift Brewing Company; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Ryan Elder, Facility Systems, Inc.

Mitchell’s business partner, Elder, brings a wealth of business management knowledge with his experience at Facility Systems, a facility management design, construction and technology provider in Overland Park. As a local, family-company owner, Elder understands the importance of community in business, he said. 

“Community connections drive local businesses, and brewer’s alley is the perfect example of that,” said Elder. “Over the past two years, Pat has created a space that brings together diverse customers. We couldn’t stand by and watch our neighbors at Double Shift lose that sense of community. By taking on the business, we can help ensure that Kansas City’s craft beer community stays just as vibrant as ever.” 

With Allison Mitchell now directs operations for both Red Sash and Double Shift, Pat Mitchell and Elder plan to grow the production and distribution of Double Shift, reaching into the Kansas retail market and introducing the fan-favorite beers like the Tessalation Mosiac IPA and Power Moves at local downtown restaurants.

“Double Shift Brewing already has a loyal customer base in the KC area. We want to make sure that we keep the same taproom vibe and beer quality,” said Mitchell. “Our goal is to continue the legacy and good name of Double Shift and introduce more people to the amazing things happening in brewers’ alley every day.”

Red Sash Brewing

In addition to Red Sash and Double Shift Brewing’s own handcrafted beers, the organizations plan to continue collaboration with other Kansas City area local businesses including veteran-owned Bizz and Wheezy Confectionary and Jude’s Rum Cake.

Red Sash Brewing recently released its highly anticipated whiskey-barrel aged beer, and periodic releases in partnership with other local breweries, distilleries and restaurants are planned in the coming months. 

Double Shift Brewing is open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Red Sash Brewing is open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.Thursday; and noon to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.