Harvest, Hops, and Hangouts: Riggs Beer Company
Just outside Urbana, family-owned Riggs Beer Company turns prairie-grown grains into crisp German-style beer—and turns strangers into neighbors at long, screen-free tables.
Farm History
Matt and Caroline Riggs own Riggs Beer Company in Urbana alongside Matt’s brother Darin and his spouse. Their family story stretches back generations in Champaign County. In the 1850s, Matt’s Scottish ancestors lost the family farm during a depression. Then, in 1874, the family’s German ancestors bought 80 acres of wet prairie in southeast Champaign County, drained it, and transformed it into productive farmland.
Today, Darin continues farming that original acreage (and more), while Matt and Caroline own 36 acres along with the brewery. Together, their combined 316 acres is tiny by modern Midwest grain-farm standards—and they’re proud of it. They’ve intentionally chosen not to “get big or get out.” Instead, they focus on raising quality grains sustainably and adding value by turning those grains into beer right here at home.
Their fields rotate with purpose: about one-third are cover crops, another third are small grains like wheat and barley, and the rest are devoted to “experimental crops” such as sweetcorn, popcorn, pumpkins, cut flowers, and more. They also planted fruit trees several years ago. Their conservative model—no rented land and no debt—gives them the freedom to stay flexible, try new ideas, and take great care of their staff.
The Riggs family built their grain-to-glass business from scratch on a former baseball field just south and east of town. From day one, this homegrown concept has been central. The brewery exists to deliver value to the family farm, full stop. As Matt puts it, “We’re sitting somewhere around 200 tons of our own grain into beer… I don’t know of another brewer in the country who can say that.”
Having spent time in Germany, Matt and his German-born wife Caroline wanted to bring the feel of a true German Biergarten to central Illinois. Their motto says it all: “Customers equal community.”
They installed long communal tables, banned screens and gambling machines, and built a playground so families could linger (common in Europe but a bold move in central Illinois at the time!). They invited food trucks to park in their large lot—no commercial kitchen required. And through it all, they’ve remained laser-focused on exceptionally made German-style beer, along with excellent non-alcoholic options. The result is simple and powerful: people of all ages come to sit, unwind, and actually talk—with a full parking lot to prove it.
Why They Farm, Why They Brew
Matt and Caroline love working for themselves and wearing multiple hats. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly the point. After leaving monotonous corporate jobs, they’re working longer hours—but having a lot more fun doing it.
They’re passionate about growing most of their ingredients sustainably, sourcing hops directly from hop farmers in the Pacific Northwest and building real community around a glass of beer. Just as important: they’re proud to preserve the family farm and keep its value right here in our region.
And they love what they get to witness because of it. Some customers had their first date at Riggs. Others got engaged there and now return with two or three kids in tow. The space has become a go-to for life’s celebrations: retirement parties, baby showers, and annual company gatherings.
Favorite Things & Unique Aspects
The “secret sauce” is the laid-back, welcoming vibe—what they call an “unplugged atmosphere.” Seasonal events bring that spirit to life, from Riggs Beer Fest to their now-beloved German-style Christmas Market, which has become a holiday staple in the community. The “Europe in Champaign County” feeling is unmistakable.
Underneath the stellar beer and community-building is a deep commitment to sustainability: diverse, soil-building crop rotations; 100% reliance on solar power; and an annual sustainability report published on their website.
When customers ask why they should pay more for local craft beer than grocery-store beer, Matt and Caroline keep it straightforward: those dollars stay local. They support good-paying jobs with benefits. And they keep the value created from growing grain and turning it into beer right here in the Champaign-Urbana area.
Future Plans
Matt and Caroline are focused on keeping the beer garden experience vibrant and welcoming. In 2025, they reimagined the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival into an all-local event hosted at Riggs—and they hope to make it a regular seasonal staple.
Looking ahead, they’re also exploring limited u-pick options from their fruit trees and selling farm products—like eggs from Darin’s laying hens. Their Christmas Market continues to grow each year, and collaborations with the University of Illinois Small Grains Program keep them experimenting with new grains and staying on the cutting edge of what local grain farming (and brewing) can be.
Riggs Beer Company is a living example of how local agriculture can evolve without losing its roots. With every season and every pour, the Riggs family is keeping their farm story going strong—and inviting the whole community to be part of it.
CU on the Farm!
Sign up for our CU on the Farm Experience Pass and visit Riggs Beer Company (along with 15+ Champaign-Urbana area farms)!