When Passion Meets Purpose: The Story Behind 100 Mile Brewing Company

In December 2022, Sue Rigler took a leap of faith that many would call impossible—opening a full-service brewery and restaurant with zero restaurant experience. Less than two years later, 100 Mile Brewing Company has become an award-winning fixture on Tempe Town Lake, recognized by USA Today as one of the top 10 new craft breweries in the US, while Sue earned the title of Businesswoman of the Year in Tempe.

From Iowa Roots to Microbiology Precision

Sue’s journey to 100 Mile Brewing began long before the doors opened. Growing up in Iowa, she absorbed the values of community and hospitality—block parties, pig roasts, and neighborhood gatherings were a staple of her childhood. Later, she earned a degree in microbiology from Arizona State University, giving her the scientific foundation that would later complement her passion for brewing. In hindsight, her combination of hospitality and scientific precision created the perfect mix for success in craft beer.

The Meaning Behind 100 Miles

The brewery’s name reflects Sue’s commitment to freshness and local connections. She believes beer should travel no more than 100 miles from production to consumption to maintain peak quality. This dedication to locality extends beyond beverages to the community itself. From hosting water drives for unsheltered individuals to supporting the Pat Tillman Foundation, and creating a special "Hey Buddy" peanut butter stout honoring the late Alyssa Ramirez (with proceeds supporting her scholarship fund), 100 Mile Brewing exemplifies purposeful business.

Leaping Into the Unknown

Sue describes her entrepreneurial journey with a vivid metaphor:

"You're not drinking water from a fire hose; you're free-falling from an airplane."

Taking massive risks without knowing how the landing will go is the reality for many entrepreneurs. From zero to 45 employees in under two years, Sue navigated the shift from dreamer to leader, fueled by her passion for craft beer and community building.

Leadership, Growth, and Systems

Initially uncertain and admittedly "scared," Sue has grown into a confident decision-maker. Working with a restaurant coach, she implemented operational frameworks for labor allocation, waste tracking, and employee training. She’s learned the delicate balance between being “Iowa nice” and making tough business decisions—a skill critical to running a thriving brewery.

Sue likens her business to raising a child:

"You think of a name. You don't know what it's going to look like. You don't know what it's going to act like, but you have this passion… and all of a sudden, you birth this kid, the door's open, and you're like, 'Now what do I do?'"

The sleepless nights, constant worry, and immense responsibility mirror parenthood, yet the rewards are just as meaningful.

Building Community Around Beer

As 100 Mile Brewing approaches its third anniversary, exciting developments are underway. Soon, water taxis will transport customers from the brewery to ASU football games, offering a scenic pre-game experience across Tempe Town Lake. The “Laps Around the Lake” running club continues to foster community every Sunday morning, with milestone shirts and half-price beers rewarding participants after their workouts.

Passion, Persistence, and Purpose

From collecting beer cans as a child to running an award-winning brewery, Sue Rigler’s story embodies the essence of entrepreneurial spirit. By combining scientific knowledge with genuine hospitality, she has created something that not only serves great beer but transforms a community. Her journey proves that when passion meets persistence and a willingness to learn, the results can be extraordinary.