Roar Brewing Company Celebrates First Year, Igniting Detroit's Craft Beer Scene

In a significant milestone for Michigan’s beverage industry, Detroit’s first Black-owned and veteran-owned brewery, Roar Brewing Company, celebrated its first anniversary in July 2026. Since opening its doors on March 23, 2025, Roar Brewing has not only established itself as a vibrant community hub but has also earned critical acclaim and expanded its distribution across the state.

Founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Evan Fay, Roar Brewing Company set out to be more than just a brewery; it aimed to create a space where Detroit could gather, celebrate, and give back. Located in Midtown at the former Nain Rouge Brewery space, the company has rapidly achieved this vision, receiving recognition within its inaugural year.

A Roaring Success in its First Year

Within its first year, Roar Brewing Company was lauded among the top 13 ‘Best in the Midwest’ craft breweries, a remarkable achievement for a new establishment. Its sports-themed taproom, featuring the metallic lion mascot Growlie, has become a popular destination for both Detroit residents and visitors. This vibrant atmosphere, combined with a full bar and food offerings, has cemented its role as a key community gathering spot.

The brewery’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2026, it was recognized as one of Midwest Living magazine’s “Best New Restaurants” and received a nomination for Hour Detroit’s “Best Brewery/Bar.” This swift ascent highlights the quality of its craft beers and the inviting experience it offers to patrons.

Expanding Reach and Community Impact

Beyond its Midtown taproom, Roar Brewing has successfully expanded its distribution network to over 70 locations throughout Michigan. This expansion has made its unique brews accessible in a variety of restaurants and retailers across the state, including well-known establishments like Slows Bar-B-Q and Green Dot Stables.

Evan Fay emphasizes that the mission of Roar Brewing extends beyond craft beer. The company has actively engaged in partnerships with organizations dedicated to education, veterans, youth, and community development. For example, it collaborated with Wayne State University Athletics to create the Golden Warrior Lager, further embedding the brewery within the fabric of the local community.

Pioneering a Path for Black-Owned Breweries

Roar Brewing Company’s opening marked a historic moment as Detroit’s first Black-owned brewery, challenging the long-standing lack of diversity in the craft brewing industry. This pioneering effort contributes to a growing movement of Black-owned hospitality businesses that are reshaping Detroit’s culinary landscape and creating inclusive spaces.

While statistics show that Black Americans represent 12% of U.S. beer drinkers, Black-owned breweries still constitute less than 1% of all breweries. Initiatives like Roar Brewing are vital in shifting this narrative, demonstrating not only the potential for success but also the rich cultural contributions Black entrepreneurs bring to the industry.

The success of Urban Garden Brewhouse in Washington, D.C., as the city’s first Black woman-owned brewery, and other trailblazers like Black Viking Brewing and Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., exemplify this positive trend. These ventures underscore a broader movement to increase representation and foster a more equitable and vibrant craft beverage scene nationwide. Roar Brewing Company stands as a testament to the power of vision, community, and quality in building a lasting legacy.