Click on any of the photos below to view each team member’s bio!
Owner/General Manager
Owner/Business Manager
Owner/Head Brewer
Dog Ambassador
From prehistoric caves, laboratories, thunderstorms, and hot tubs to forests, dreams, and showers—ideas of all shapes and sizes come to us in a myriad of ways—but the best ideas are almost always conceived over a couple of beers among friends. The Marine Corps. Shark Week. Buffalo Wings. The Ironman Triathlon. And…Paddlefish Brewing Company—the first brewery in St. Peter since Engesser Brewery Distributors threw in the towel in 1942. That is over eighty years without selling “pure grains of keg beer distributed in single service containers” (as an old advertisement of Engesser’s quipped.) It goes without saying that that is eighty years too long. Thankfully, a trio of beer lovers named Eric Johnson, Luke Dragseth, and Dave Long are bringing a brewery business back to this fine town in the fall of 2023.
This is the story of how St. Peter’s first brewery in over 80 years came about. It begins, as it should, with some damn good beer. At Paddlefish Brewing Company, everything worth talking about begins with damn good beer. In this case, we must raise a glass to Paddlefish head brewer Luke Dragseth—born and raised in “Brew City” Milwaukee—for concocting and sharing his delicious home-brewed Cream Ale for his friends at Gustavus Adolphus College. One of those friends lucky enough to imbibe that batch was none other than owner and business manager Eric Johnson. With Luke’s Cream Ale nourishing his friends in body, mind, and soul, Eric got an idea and joked that he’d like a chance to sell Luke’s product. The idea germinated unseen until Paddlefish’s entrepreneur extraordinaire was enjoying a cold one at Bent Paddle—another Gustie-owned brewery—and that seedling of an idea that sprouted as a joke among friends transformed into a glorious vision to create St. Peter’s very own brewery and taproom.
So after spending hours crafting and perfecting the best beer recipes using equipment in his dorm room, Luke is elevating his talents to the next level. Eric, having put several thousand miles on his feet completing the many tasks of a brewery business manager is also ready and so is their industry expert Dave who has been busy developing the brand and stepping up his managerial skills. The ultimate goal of selling Luke’s damn good “keg beer in single service containers” is fast approaching. Stay tuned for all the ways you can join the fun and contribute to our mission to become St. Peter’s finest community-oriented brewery, a place where you can enjoy some of the best damn beer in the state among your friends for years to come.
And now our beloved beer fans, this is where Paddlefish Brewing Company’s story is almost ready to merge with your own. With gratitude, excitement, laughter, humility, nervousness, and a whole lot of passion, we simply can’t wait to raise a glass of Paddlefish pure grains together!
🌸 Mother’s Day Makers Market – Call for Vendors! 🌸
Join us on Sunday, April 27th from 12–3 PM for a special Mother’s Day Makers Market! Showcase your creations and connect with the community as we celebrate moms and makers alike.
🛍️ Vendors of all kinds are welcome – from handmade goods and crafts to unique gifts perfect for Mother`s Day.
📲 Sign up now to secure your spot! Link in bio for vendor registration. Link in bio!
Big week ahead! Here’s what’s coming your way:
🍺 Monday: Kick off with Happy Hour (4–6 PM) featuring $1 off pints.
🎤 Tuesday: A day of drink specials for educators paired with an Open Mic session from 6–8 PM.
✏️ Wednesday: Test your Office know-how with our Trivia night (7–8:45 PM) and savor what Russell’s cooking up!
🍺 Thursday: Another round of Happy Hour (4–6 PM) with $1 off pints to keep the momentum going.
🌭 Friday: Satisfy your cravings with Minnesota’s Original Brat Dogs (5–9 PM).
💃 Saturday: Enjoy El Mexicano Tacos from 3–8 PM, plus get swept away by a live Flamenco performance by Molly Stoltz from 7–9 PM.
🐣 Sunday: Celebrate with special Easter hours from 11 AM to 8 PM.
🎉 Happy Birthday, Zoe! 🎉
If you’ve ever been greeted with a warm smile and impeccable handwriting at the bar... you’ve probably met Zoe. ✍️
She’s a Mountain Mama superfan (patiently waiting for the imperial 👀), a plant parent who might out-green our taproom, and a pro at helping you discover your new favorite beer. 🍺🌿
Whether she’s pouring pints, quoting Hot Rod, or reminiscing about her past as a school photographer 📸, she brings top tier energy and great beer recs every shift.
Wish her a happy birthday when you see her behind the bar this weekend!
💚 Beer of choice: Anything IPA or light & crisp
🎃 Favorite holiday: Halloween
🛫 Dream power: Flying
📍 Favorite MN spot: Duluth
🌮 Eats tacos for every meal (respect)
🚨 BREWERY DOLLS - JUST DROPPED 🚨
We had to jump on the AI action figure trend—so here she is, Paddlefish-style.
This one’s rocking a 4-pack of Mountain Mama IPA, but each “doll” comes with a different brewski.
Which 4-pack would your action figure be holding?
Collect them all… or at least stock up on Mountain Mama ⛰️
Disclaimer: Action figure is generated, and not available or for sale…Maybe some day
🚨 It’s time to crown the Best Brewery in the Mankato area— and we need YOUR help! 🚨
We’re honored to be nominated in the Best of Mankato 2025 and would love your support. You can vote once a day through April 30 at the link in our bio!
🗳️ Find us in the “Brewery” category (second from the bottom—right after wineries and before Mediterranean cuisine).
Let’s show ‘em what Paddlefish is all about 🍻
Vote daily 🗳️
Tag your beer-loving friends & let’s bring it home! 🏆
🍺 This Week at Paddlefish! 🍺
📅 Mon 4/7: Happy National Beer Day!🍻
🍺 Tues 4/8: Educator & Member Tuesday – $1 off pints all day + Whimsical Garden Cookie Decorating Class from 6-8pm! 🍪🎨
🥙 Wed 4/9: Pharaoh’s Gyros food truck from 4-8pm!
🍔 Thurs 4/10: The Squeaky Cow food truck from 4-8pm, plus a Dollars for Scholars Fundraiser (15% of beverage sales from 4-8pm)! ✏️ 📚
🍗 Fri 4/11: Fatbellies BBQ food truck from 4-8pm, plus live music by Mike Fugazzi w/ Possum Willy from 6-9pm! 🎶🍖
🦞 Sat 4/12: Norseman Lobster food truck from 12-8pm! 🦞🍽️ (or until they sell out!)
🐾 Sun 4/13: @russellstravelingkitchen from 11am-3pm, @elmexicanofoodtruck from 3-7pm, Paint Your Own Pet Class from 1-4pm! 🐶🎨
🚨 NOW SERVING THE NORTH METRO 🚨 Our Mountain Mama West Coast IPA is the featured draft on tap at Clive’s in Champlin! It pairs excellently with their BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich and chicken wings 🤤
Where else would you like to see us on tap??
It’s been a cloudy stretch, so we brewed our own sunshine☀️
Introducing Sol Del Norte—our bright and zesty Mexican Lager, perfect with a wedge of lime and good company.
Tapped today for First Friday at 5pm —New Month New Beer!
See you beer🍻
4% ABV
IBUs: 16
📰 Who knew St. Peter was home to flying Paddlefish and great Paddlefish beer? 🤷
#Paddlefishinthesky #BreweryLife #StPeterMN #flyingfish #lovalnews
🌸 Exciting Events This Week! 🌸
From Paint & Sip to Live Music to Sunday Yoga, we’ve got something for the whole crew! Check out our lineup below and mark your calendars. 📅
🎨 Tues 4/1 – Educator & Member Tues, $1 off pints all day + Paint & Sip 6-8pm @paintandsipmn (still space available! Link in bio)
🍻 Wed 4/2 – Russell’s 4-8pm + Trivia Mafia 7-8:45pm
🍪 Thurs 4/3 – Whimsical Garden Cookie Decorating Class 6-8pm
🍺 Fri 4/4 – New Beer, New Month: Mexican Lager + Tapping at 5pm
🍲 Sat, 4/5 - Russell’s Food Truck here alll day 12-8pm
🧘♀️ Sun 4/6 – Yoga at 10am + Free Drink After! Live Music with Katy Tessman 2-4pm
#EventsThisWeek #HappyHour #Trivia #PaintAndSip #LiveMusic #YogaTime
⚠️ Warning: May cause spontaneous singing and peak enjoyment. Contents are dangerously crisp, wildly hoppy, and born in the heart of St. Peter.
Close your eyes, take a sip, and let Mountain Mama take you home 🏔️ Oh, and take home a 4-pack while you’re at it!
6.5% ABV, 55 IBUs
🍻 Beertender Spotlight: Jason Sletta!
Meet Jason — Paddlefish beertender, sales rep, and everyday math wizard. He’s got a thing for cream ales, 40s music, and helping you find the perfect beer.
• His go-to pour? Boundary Waters Cream Ale
• Weirdest job before beer? Pig farm or stone quarry (yes, both—but not at the same time)
• Hidden fear? Marionettes. Especially Pinocchio. 😳
• Not-so-hidden talent? Growing a mustache and umpiring baseball. He’s been an umpire since the beginning of time. Happy MLB Opening Day! ⚾️
Come grab a pint with Jason—just beware, you might leave with 14 growlers!
🐶 Meet 4 of our four-legged Paddlefish Pups 🐶
Bjorn, Elizabeth, Bowie, and Winston are here to remind you that hoppy tails and wagging ales are best enjoyed at Paddlefish 🍻
Woof!
No matter what the weather is doing outside of Paddlefish, there’s always a cold one waiting for you 🍺 ☀️⛈️❄️🍺
🧩 Puzzle Competition Recap! 🧩
Another Puzzle Competition in the books, and we have a NEW RECORD! 🏆 The winning team crushed it in 31 minutes and 58 seconds—a new best time (though with a different puzzle 🕰️🔥
Funny enough, they sat at the exact same table as our previous champs from January… Maybe that spot has some extra puzzle-solving magic? ✨
Big thanks to everyone who came out to drink, think, and puzzle it out with us! Round 3 coming in May! 👀
#PuzzleCompetition #PaddlefishBrewing #BrainyAndBeery #MNEvents #GameNight
🎨🐾 Paint Your Pet at Paddlefish! 🐾🎨
Join us on Sunday, April 16 from 1-4PM for a Paint Your Pet event with @GrayDuckArt! 🖌️🐶🐱 Whether it’s your pup, kitty, or bearded dragon 🦎—bring your creativity and let’s make some art!
🚨 Deadline to sign up: THIS SATURDAY (March 23)! 🚨 That’s only 6 days left to grab your spot. Don’t wait—secure yours now!
🔗 Sign up at the link in bio!
#PaintYourPet #GrayDuckArt #PaddlefishBrewing #MNEvents #DogLovers #CatLovers #BeerAndArt
“A Promise is a Promise” – Sweet Pea Gets Some Sweet Coat Racks! 🚐💚
We have the BEST customers, and Ole Johnny is proof of that. A true Paddlefish & Sweet Pea fan (he has his own blue VW bus named Neil 🛻), Johnny handcrafted these two amazing coat racks just for us—from the goodness of his heart.
Not only do they match Sweet Pea’s exact paint color (he color-matched it at Sherwin Williams 🎨), but they also feature authentic VW German hubcaps as the base! Absolute perfection.
In the photo, John is in the middle (next to his wife), and Keith Dorn (who helped John with them) is on the far right. Huge shoutout to Keith, a talented scrap metal artist who also did work for Mankato Brewing!
And the best part? Johnny is bringing LOTS of VW friends with their VWs to Paddlefish on Friday, May 23rd for a big meetup, live music (Squid City Slingers 🎶), and On Every Corner Mexican Cuisine 🌮. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss it!
Ole Johnny, you’re one of a kind. Thanks for making Paddlefish even more special 🍻
🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Lucky Hours Today 🍀
Lucky Hours are running 11AM-8PM, and Russell’s is back from 4-8PM serving up some Shamrock Specials! 🌈🍽️
PLUS, we’re continue to taste the rainbow with our:
🍹 $5 Lucky Limeade Seltzer
🍺 $5 Leprechaun Lager
🚐 Sweet Pea is rolling through the parade at 5:30pm! Keep your eyes out for some sweets… or maybe even a lucky piece of gold (AKA a FREE BEER TOKEN)! 🍬🍺✨
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We’re honored to be nominated for Best Brewery in Mankato and would love your vote!
Vote once per day through April 30
️ Find the “Brewery” category — it’s second from the bottom!
