Farewell to Howlers & Growlers: A Tale of Challenges and Closure

It is with a heavy heart that we bid adieu to Howlers & Growlers, a beloved Windsor restaurant known for its rooftop bar and self-pour beer wall. After nearly a year in business, the establishment closed its doors on September 6, leaving its loyal patrons in disbelief.

Co-owner Amy Lowther shared her thoughts on the closure, attributing it to a combination of factors. First and foremost, the restaurant’s delayed opening proved to be a substantial setback. Originally aiming for a late August or September debut, construction delays pushed the opening to November. This unfortunate timing, as Lowther noted, is far from ideal for launching a new establishment.

Furthermore, staffing issues plagued the restaurant in its early days. However, the resilient owners remained hopeful that things would improve over time. They had high hopes for the business, especially given its advantageous proximity to Windsor’s Future Legends Sports Complex, which has been attracting both indoor and outdoor sports events throughout the year.

Unfortunately, even the excitement surrounding the forthcoming completion of the complex’s 6,500-person stadium did not materialize into the anticipated surge in business. A disappointing turn of events occurred when road closures caused by two major projects severely impacted access to the restaurant and its neighboring businesses.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) embarked on a resurfacing project along Colorado Highway 257 in late May. Rolling highway closures eventually led to a full 30-day closure of the road section from Walnut Street to Eastman Park Drive, forcing customers to undertake significant detours throughout most of July.

Simultaneously, the town of Windsor was undergoing an intersection safety improvement project at Eastman Park Drive and Highway 257, further exacerbating access issues. East and west travel on Eastman Park Drive came to a standstill in mid-June and is expected to remain closed until September. This closure was necessary for the implementation of new traffic signals and improvements to a nearby railroad crossing.

The cumulative effect of these roadwork projects was deeply detrimental to Howlers & Growlers. Potential customers were forced to take detours of up to 14 miles to reach the establishment, significantly dampening business prospects during the crucial summer season.

To add insult to injury, the restaurant received notice from the town of Windsor on September 5 that its liquor license was set to expire that very same day. Although Lowther later clarified that an automated email about the expiration had been sent on August 29, the timing proved to be yet another blow. The town emphasized that these notifications were not legally required but were sent as a courtesy to Windsor businesses.

According to the state of Colorado’s liquor licensing department, establishments must receive notification of their liquor license expiration at least 90 days in advance. While the department confirmed sending the necessary notification to the address on record for Howlers & Growlers, Lowther insisted that the restaurant never received it.

In light of these numerous challenges, Lowther made the difficult decision to close the eatery. The expiration of the liquor license served as the final straw, serving as the “icing on the cake” after a series of setbacks ranging from construction delays and staffing issues to road closures.

As we bid farewell to Howlers & Growlers, we remember the hopes and dreams that inspired its inception. Despite its relatively short run, the restaurant’s self-pour beer wall and delectable menu of appetizers, entrees, and brunch items will be sorely missed by the Windsor community.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated team at Howlers & Growlers for their tireless efforts in creating a memorable dining experience. May their journey ahead be filled with new opportunities and success.