Uptown Jackson could soon get a fresh combo of craft beer and wood-fired pizza, as Good News Brewing Company moves ahead with plans for a new brewpub on South High Street, pending local approval of its liquor license. The proposed spot would take over the former Barrel 131 space and be run by local managers if the license gets the green light at a public discussion set for next Monday, March 2.
According to the Southeast Missourian, founder Dan Tripp has filed for a liquor license to operate Good News Brewing at 131 S. High St., but the board took no action during its Feb. 17 study session. The paper reports that Robert and Terry Tripp, who live in Jackson, are slated to handle day-to-day operations if the Uptown location moves forward. The application is now scheduled for public discussion at the board’s regular session next Monday, March 2.
As described by Good News Brewing Company, the brand pairs its house-made craft beers with wood-fired pizza and has already expanded into several community locations in the St. Charles and St. Louis area. Company materials highlight Dan Tripp’s focus on gatherings, events and family-friendly hours rather than a purely late-night bar model, a community-oriented approach the owners say they hope to bring to Uptown Jackson.
Uptown Site and Neighborhood Fit
The building at 131 S. High St. is listed online as the former Barrel 131, an Uptown venue that previously combined a wine and cocktail program with small events. That existing layout makes the space a natural candidate for a wood-fired kitchen and tasting room setup.
Good News Brewing’s plans would adapt the current footprint into a brewery and pizza operation geared more toward daytime and early-evening crowds than a late-night bar scene, aligning with the family-focused approach the company promotes at its other locations.
Licensing and Next Steps
The liquor-license application must be approved by the mayor and Board of Aldermen at City Hall. The City of Jackson Board of Aldermen page lists regular meeting times along with information on how the public can attend.
According to the Southeast Missourian, Jackson’s ordinance requires additional approval for businesses located within 100 feet of churches, a rule that could come into play for the Uptown application. Residents who want their say can attend the session next Monday, March 2, in the Board Chambers at 101 Court Street, prior to the aldermen’s vote.
If aldermen grant the license, the Tripps and Good News Brewing would join a growing roster of regional breweries and pizza operations working to bring more daytime and family-friendly options to Uptown Jackson. No firm opening date has been set; the owners told the filing they plan to manage build-out and health inspections before committing to a timeline.
For now, interested locals will need to keep an eye on the city’s agenda center for updates on the discussion next Monday and on the eventual vote that will determine whether Good News Brewing becomes Uptown Jackson’s next neighborhood hangout.
