New owners take over Springfield coffee shop with political past

The Hurleys, a Florida-based couple with ties to political consulting, have acquired Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop in downtown Springfield.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Springfield's late-night coffee and wine bottle shop, Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop, has transferred ownership to the Hurley family, who are based in Florida and have ties to political consulting. The new owners, Matt and Rachael Hurley, are updating the menu with new unique wines and plan to expand the tapas and baked goods program. However, the Hurleys' business history includes some controversies, such as complaints filed against Matt Hurley's previous company Youngbloods Inc. and a federal election commission complaint alleging the Hurleys created shell companies to launder campaign funds.

Why it matters

The change in ownership at Schlee's, a longtime downtown Springfield business, is notable as the new owners have a political background that has raised some concerns. The Hurleys' business dealings and political connections will likely be scrutinized by the local community as they take over this popular coffee and wine spot.

The details

Rachael Hurley has been listed as the official registered agent of Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop LLC since the original 2024 filing, with her husband Matt Hurley and Ben Galbraith as the other listed managers. The Hurleys are updating the menu with new unique wines and plan to expand the tapas and baked goods program. However, Matt Hurley's business history includes complaints filed against his previous company Youngbloods Inc. and a federal election commission complaint alleging the Hurleys created shell companies to launder campaign funds.

  • Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop transferred ownership in February 2026.
  • Rachael Hurley has been listed as the official registered agent of the business since the original 2024 filing.

The players

Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop

A late-night coffee and wine bottle shop in downtown Springfield that has changed ownership.

Rachael Hurley

The new co-owner of Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop, listed as the official registered agent since 2024.

Matt Hurley

The new co-owner of Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop, with a background in various business ventures and political consulting.

Ben Galbraith

One of the listed managers of Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop under the new ownership.

Ashley Rickenbach

The previous owner of Schlee's Gourmet Bakery and Bottle Shop who has taken a step back from operations.

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What they’re saying

“The news organization that printed those comments are owned by a certain family that has differing political beliefs. The reporting was largely inaccurate in my opinion ... it was a contract dispute where we were trying to purchase the building. We weren't going to get the variances we needed and ended up pulling out of the deal all-together and the original property owners sued us for breach of lease.”

— Matt Hurley (The State Journal-Register)

The takeaway

The change in ownership at Schlee's raises questions about the new owners' business and political ties, which will likely be closely watched by the local community as the Hurleys take over this longtime downtown Springfield establishment.