13. Ana McClain: Beyond Beer Lion Bridge Brewery Builds Community

Ana McClain hails from a family with a passion for food.  Her sister is a television chef and her mother attended culinary school just for fun.  However, it was the realm of food and beverage business that drew Ana, a native of Mexico and her husband Quinton, a native of Cedar Rapids, to the Czech Village district of his hometown.  In 2014, they made a significant impact on the area’s post-flood renaissance when they opened Lion Bridge Brewery. Named for the iconic Bridge of Lions on the nearby Cedar River, the brewery brings more to the table than award winning beer and cuisine.  It serves as a community hub, showcasing local artists, supporting local causes, and organizing local events. While Ana primarily operates behind-the-scenes, her business background has solidified Lion Bridge Brewery as a cornerstone of the historic district.