Westfield's Lions Roar Brewing Co. Has a New Owner

Maddie Bowen purchased Lions Roar Brewing Co. in Westfield from founders Tim and Corinne, completing a transition that represents a particular kind of business success: an employee who believed enough in the place to own it. Bowen, who was the brewery's first and only full-time employee, completed the purchase before turning 30—a milestone she acknowledges with characteristic directness about what it took to reach it.

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Bowen's path to ownership was neither sudden nor disconnected from the brewery itself. She managed Lions Roar since before it opened, developing an intimate understanding of operations, customers, and the role the brewery plays in Westfield's social landscape. When the founders decided to sell, Bowen saw an opportunity not to replace something else but to continue what she had already been building. "I just got territorial and thought to myself, 'Why not me? This already feels like mine,'" she said. That sense of ownership—both psychological and now legal—shaped her decision.

Her connection to the space transcends typical employee-to-owner transitions. "To say I love this place is an understatement. I was the first employee and have been the only full-time employee to this day," Bowen said. She completed the purchase young enough to face decades of operational decision-making ahead. "I am known to downplay my accomplishments, but it is pretty cool to be under 30 and a business owner all by myself. I do know all of the hard work that went into getting where I am now."

The brewery itself has evolved. A rebrand earlier in 2026 positioned Lions Roar as a business that extends beyond beer to serve broader community tastes. The company now offers hard seltzers, teas, non-alcoholic beer, mocktails, and house-made soda. For Bowen, the rebrand is an evolution: "It's the same brewery everyone knows and loves, just getting better every day." That positioning is deliberate. "A lot of people don't realize how much we already do offer," Bowen said. "When people want to support us or come to an event, they don't need to like beer."

Under Bowen's ownership, Lions Roar functions less as a venue and more as a community gathering platform. The brewery currently hosts live music, trivia, and karaoke. Bowen plans to add mahjong nights and book clubs—activities that broaden the brewery's appeal beyond the traditional beer enthusiast. She's also considering partnerships with local businesses and organizations, treating Lions Roar as a node in Westfield's civic and social network rather than a standalone business.

This community-first approach reflects Bowen's formative experience. "My parents raised me in a house where hosting was second nature, and owning Lions Roar has truly just felt like having people in my home and making sure that they're comfortable, know that they're welcome, and having a good time." That philosophy becomes operational strategy when translating it to business leadership: "I'm an open book and will throw things at the wall until they stick. I want Lions Roar to be a place for the community, so of course the community has a say. I'm listening."

Bowen's ownership transition reflects a broader pattern in local hospitality and brewing: younger entrepreneurs building businesses around community connection rather than commodity production. By remaining in Westfield and committing to the brewery's role in civic life, Bowen positions Lions Roar within an ecosystem of neighborhood gathering places—not in competition with them but complementary to them.

She's received strong support from the surrounding community. "Westfield has been nothing but supportive and welcoming. From the residents, to other local businesses and organizations, I'm truly more thankful than words can express for this community. I want to continue being a place people can gather, meet each other, make memories and celebrate," she said.

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FAQ

Q: Who is the new owner of Lions Roar Brewing Co.?
A: Maddie Bowen is the new owner. She was the brewery's first and only full-time employee and purchased the business from founders Tim and Corinne.

Q: How did Maddie Bowen go from employee to owner?
A: Bowen managed Lions Roar since before it opened and developed a deep connection to the business. When the founders decided to sell, she purchased the brewery herself.

Q: What products does Lions Roar offer?
A: Lions Roar offers beer, hard seltzers, teas, non-alcoholic beer, mocktails, and house-made soda. The brewery also hosts live music, trivia, and karaoke events.

Q: What changes has Maddie Bowen made since taking over?
A: Bowen completed a rebrand in 2026 and plans to add mahjong nights and book clubs to the event schedule. She's also exploring partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

Q: What is Bowen's vision for Lions Roar?
A: Bowen wants Lions Roar to be a community gathering place where people can meet, make memories, and celebrate. She frames the business as an extension of hosting in her own home.

Q: How old is Maddie Bowen?
A: Bowen completed her purchase of Lions Roar before turning 30.

Q: What events does Lions Roar host?
A: Currently, Lions Roar hosts live music, trivia, and karaoke. Bowen plans to add mahjong nights and book clubs to broaden the brewery's appeal beyond traditional beer enthusiasts.