By Amy Howe
In March 2021, Jared Whitehead and his wife Sheila turned a lifelong passion into a thriving community hub by opening Track 94 Brewery in Seneca, Missouri. Nestled in the heart of this small town, the brewery has quickly become a local favorite, offering a unique blend of craft beer, good food and camaraderie.
Jared’s journey began humbly in his kitchen, experimenting with small-batch brewing. “I started brewing beer in my kitchen years ago,” he recalls. “After getting married, Sheila and I started visiting breweries from Maine to Colorado, and we quickly jumped on the microbrew bandwagon.
”Those brewery-hopping adventures ignited a dream to open one of their own, but it took time for that dream to take shape. Jared often doubted whether it could become a reality, finding reasons to hold off. However, with Sheila’s encouragement and determination, the dream gradually evolved into a plan.
“It took a lot of convincing and a leap of faith, but we finally decided to go for it,” Jared shares. “This journey has been incredible, and we’re so glad to share it with our community.
”Today, Track 94 Brewery is a testament to their perseverance and passion, offering a welcoming space where everyone can find something they enjoy.
A Taste for Everyone
Track 94 Brewery boasts an impressive selection of craft beers and an equally diverse menu. “We have all styles of beer,” Jared explains. “We normally have a base of six beers and a seltzer all the time, plus seven rotating seasonal styles.” Their lineup includes everything from sours and meads to coffee stouts and hazy IPAs.
For food, the menu offers a wide variety to satisfy any craving. “From burgers, wings, pizzas and sandwiches to sushi on Sundays and a taco menu on Tuesdays, we try to have something for everyone.”
Their attention to variety and quality has made several items crowd favorites. “Damsel in Distress, a golden ale, is always popular,” Jared shares. “Sours and our Brown Ale are also hits.”
The Unique Appeal of Track 94
One feature that sets Track 94 apart is its cigar lounge—a rare find in the area. “We have a large walk-in humidor with over 50 different cigars and more being added all the time,” Jared says. The speakeasy-style lounge offers a cozy space for cigar aficionados to gather.
In addition to the cigar room, the brewery’s relaxed, family- and pet-friendly atmosphere makes it a standout. “We host trivia nights, live music, comedy shows, karaoke and more,” Jared says. The brewery also offers private party rooms, making it a versatile venue for community events and celebrations.
Their commitment to community shines through in the variety of events they host. “We’ve had a battle of the bands, a kids’ back-to-school bash, custom jewelry bars and more,” Jared says. “We try to give the local community different options to enjoy.”
A New Chapter After Railroad Challenges
Not every part of their journey has been smooth. The brewery faced significant challenges when the railroad claimed ownership of the original outdoor venue.
“The railroad came in and put up a fence, claiming they owned our outdoor venue,” Jared explains. Despite a lack of proof and attempts to resolve the issue, the financial strain forced the brewery to relocate.
Thanks to the incredible support of their customers, Track 94 found a new home in downtown Seneca. “I had a lot of customers who donated financially and physically to help us move,” Jared says. “Without them, we wouldn’t be here.”
They moved to the old Simple Simon’s building, a larger space offering nearly 6,500 square feet—over eight times the size of their original location. “It was a bittersweet moment, but sometimes you need a kick in the pants to make the next step,” Jared says. “We left the comfort of our nest and rose to the occasion.”
The move downtown also brought about new opportunities for collaboration. “During this transition, we welcomed Andrew Poor as a partner. His support played a key role in getting the new location up and running. Andrew has also contributed to the brewery’s exciting new mead lineup.”
Inspiration on Tap
Much of Jared’s creativity stems from his travels with Sheila. “We always try to find local hangouts and breweries. I look for the oddest beer or style I can find to inspire something similar or a spin-off beer when I get home.”
Their love of exploration ensures Track 94’s offerings remain fresh and innovative, from seasonal brews to creative menu items.
More Than a Brewery
Track 94 Brewery is more than a place to enjoy great beer and food—it’s a community gathering spot where everyone feels welcome. From the first sip to the last bite, Jared and Sheila’s passion for creating an incredible, vibrant space shines through.
Track 94 Brewery has also started distribution to local restaurants in the area. “It’s an exciting step forward, allowing us to share our craft beer and mead with even more of the community,” Jared says.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a cigar lover or simply someone looking for a great meal, Track 94 Brewery invites you to be part of their story. “We hope you enjoy Track 94 as much as we do,” Jared says.
Here’s to Track 94 Brewery—a dream turned reality, a community treasure and proof that sometimes, all it takes is a little push to make great things happen.
See more photos in the January 2024 print and digital editions