This Westfield Brewery Was Up For Sale, Now It’s Owned By Its First Employee

WESTFIELD, NJ — When Lions Roar Brewing Co. began looking for a new owner, Maddie Bowen was not originally planning to buy the Westfield brewery.

She was simply doing what she had done for years — giving tours, answering questions and helping run the business she had been part of since before it opened.

Then something changed.

As Bowen met with potential buyers interested in taking over Lions Roar, she realized she was not ready to hand the brewery over to someone else.

"I just got territorial and thought to myself, 'Why not me? This already feels like mine,'" Bowen said.

The previous owners agreed to the idea, and Bowen, who was Lions Roar's first employee and has managed the brewery since before it opened, officially became the owner.

"To say I love this place is an understatement," Bowen said. "I was the first employee and have been the only full-time employee to this day."

For customers who have spent time at Lions Roar, Bowen said the brewery will continue to feel familiar while also evolving under her ownership.

"It's the same brewery everyone knows and loves, just getting better every day," Bowen said.

Bowen said many of the events customers already know, including live music, trivia and karaoke, will continue. She also plans to build on the brewery's existing brand with new offerings, more events and additional partnerships with other local businesses.

Lions Roar also completed a rebrand earlier this year, and Bowen said future changes will focus on improving what the brewery already offers.

One thing Bowen wants customers to know is that Lions Roar is not only a place for beer drinkers.

"A lot of people don't realize how much we already do offer," Bowen said. "We have hard seltzers and teas we make in house, NA beer, mocktails, house made soda and more, so when people want to support us or come to an event, they don't need to like beer."

Bowen said she wants to continue adding events based on what the community wants, including possible new gatherings such as mahjong nights and book clubs.

"I'm an open book and will throw things at the wall until they stick," Bowen said. "I want Lions Roar to be a place for the community, so of course the community has a say. I'm listening."

For Bowen, keeping Lions Roar connected to Westfield was a major reason she felt confident taking on the challenge of ownership.

"Westfield has been nothing but supportive and welcoming," Bowen said. "From the residents, to other local businesses and organizations, I'm truly more thankful than words can express for this community."

Bowen said she hopes Lions Roar continues to serve as a place where people can gather, celebrate and spend time together.

"I want to continue being a place people can gather, meet each other, make memories and celebrate," Bowen said.

She also plans to continue building relationships with other businesses and organizations in the community, creating opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.

Taking ownership of Lions Roar is also a major personal milestone for Bowen, who said becoming a business owner before turning 30 is something she does not take for granted.

"I am known to downplay my accomplishments, but it is pretty cool to be under 30 and a business owner all by myself," Bowen said.

Bowen credited former owners Tim and Corinne for trusting her with the transition, while also acknowledging the amount of work that went into reaching this point.

"I do know all of the hard work that went into getting where I am now," Bowen said.

Bowen said her approach to running Lions Roar comes from how she was raised, with hospitality and making people feel welcome always being important.

"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," Bowen said.

As she looks ahead, Bowen said she is excited about what comes next for Lions Roar and the role the brewery can continue playing in Westfield.

"I'm incredibly excited for what the future holds and I'm bursting with ideas and gratitude," Bowen said.