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AUGUSTA — The company that aimed to create a national tourist destination in wine country here is selling more businesses, once seen as key to the firm’s dream.
The Florida-based Hoffmann Family of Cos. has a little more than a dozen properties in and near Augusta now listed for sale, including the town’s only gas station and an art gallery.
The company had previously listed a few businesses for sale late last year.
The properties for sale do not include the wineries the Hoffmann acquired around 2021.
Don Simon, Hoffmann’s chief executive in Missouri, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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The Hoffmann Family of Cos., until recently led by Washington natives David and Jerri Hoffmann, announced in 2021 that it would spend up to $150 million purchasing existing wineries, planting new vineyards, constructing a hotel and convention center, building a golf course and opening a five-star restaurant, among other things, all aimed at making Augusta a rival to California’s famed Napa Valley.
The company had purchased or renovated more than 50 buildings in Augusta and opened several new businesses, including a new riverboat excursion on the Missouri River.
But last year, the company began selling off properties and listing businesses for sale. David Hoffmann, the former CEO of the company, said at the time that his sons, who had taken over running the business, were selling off just a small portion of their holdings to refocus on winemaking.
The properties now listed publicly for sale include:
- The White House Cafe on Walnut Street for $499,900
- The Hoffmann Gas & Gator and The Livery on Jackson Street for $599,900
- The Augusta Coffee Shop & Emporium on Walnut Street for $525,000 (or $675,000 for fixtures and equipment)
- Gallery August on Walnut Street for $650,000 (inventory negotiable, according to the listing)
The Hoffmanns have also listed Defiance Roadhouse on Highway 94, Dutzow Deli in Marthasville and a former nursery for sale.
Officials confirmed last year that the company was looking for buyers for 10 acres of land near the Washington Regional Airport. Its historic Emmaus Homes campus in Marthasville, northwest of Augusta, also was marketed for sale in 2023. The company had envisioned it as a boutique hotel and employee lodging.
The listings come as a southern Missouri grape-grower filed suit against the Hoffmanns for allegedly misleading him about its plans to purchase his grapes.
Ethan Colbert of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Chuck Dressel, the former owner and current manager of Mount Pleasant Estates winery, talks about the changes taking place in Augusta as the Hoffmann Family of Companies begins to pour money into the town for renovations and updates aimed at turning the town into a national winery and vineyard destination.
Napa Valley near St. Louis? Investor plotting $100M revamp to turn Augusta into national destination
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