New Lenox's Arrowhead Ales Celebrates 10 Years of Passion, Grit and Community Support

Owners Mike Bacon and Wes Cooley reflect on a 'long and strange trip' as they mark a decade in business, with an anniversary party planned for April 18.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:40pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring an arrangement of premium, polished objects symbolizing the craft and community-driven spirit of Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company, including a gleaming stainless steel beer tap, a wooden beer barrel, and a collection of artfully arranged beer bottles and glasses, set against a clean, monochromatic background that uses dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows to convey the business's resilience, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company's 10 years of crafting premium beers and fostering a tight-knit community in New Lenox are reflected in this polished, conceptual still life.New Lenox Today

Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company, founded in 2016 by two former teachers, Mike Bacon and Wes Cooley, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend. The business has weathered challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, staff turnover, and a constantly evolving brewing industry, but has remained a beloved community hub thanks to the owners' passion, creativity, and strong local ties.

Why it matters

In an era when many small breweries have shuttered, Arrowhead Ales' 10-year milestone is a testament to the power of community support, adaptability, and a relentless entrepreneurial spirit. The business has become a fixture in New Lenox, supporting local causes and collaborating with other area businesses, while also evolving to meet changing consumer demands.

The details

Bacon and Cooley opened Arrowhead Ales in 2016 with little more than a 'passion for beer and a food idea.' The early years were a 'grind,' as they navigated managing staff, running a kitchen, and paying the bills. But they persevered, weathering challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic by pivoting to curbside pickup and an expanded outdoor patio. They've also collaborated with local businesses and causes, brewing special beers to support community initiatives.

  • Arrowhead Ales opened in the summer of 2016.
  • The business is celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 18, 2026.

The players

Mike Bacon

Co-founder and owner of Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company, a former PE teacher who saw an opportunity to shift gears and open the brewery after the closure of Lincoln-Way North High School.

Wes Cooley

Co-founder and business partner of Arrowhead Ales, described by Bacon as the 'extremely strong glue that has helped hold this whole thing together.'

Matt Sharp

Arrowhead Ales' trusted graphic designer since 2018, known for creating the brewery's clean, polished yet fun and edgy label designs.

Kelly Calascietta

The new general manager at Arrowhead Ales, bringing a fresh vision to help steer the business.

Bradley Skoczylas

The returning chef at Arrowhead Ales, who Bacon says is 'putting out the best food we've ever had here.'

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What they’re saying

“I'll always say, 'it's been a long and strange trip.' The quote of this whole journey.”

— Mike Bacon, Co-founder and owner, Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company

“We've built something real here. I'm really proud of that. We've weathered changing chefs, different curveballs—just trying to run a place this size—comes with a lot of different things you don't think about, and you just kinda learn as you go.”

— Mike Bacon, Co-founder and owner, Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company

“The turnout for that was huge. We were kind of just on an upswing after the pandemic—came out stronger on the other side. That gave us the drive, a renewed feeling of 'we can do it.'”

— Mike Bacon, Co-founder and owner, Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company

“He's the extremely strong glue that has helped hold this whole thing together. My problem-solver when I'm stuck on something. I'm more frontlines, boots on the ground, crazy ideas guy. He's the calm, 'think things out, pull the reins' guy. We're yin and yang.”

— Mike Bacon, Co-founder and owner, Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company

“People have gotten to know our overall look over the years. If anybody's seen one of our labels, people know that Matt Sharp did it. We are very lucky and grateful that we have him, and we're the place that has the labels that 'look like Matt Sharp did it.'”

— Mike Bacon, Co-founder and owner, Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company

What’s next

The anniversary party at Arrowhead Ales is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, running from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The event will feature a new beer release, barbecue specials, live music, and family-friendly activities like face painting and balloon art.

The takeaway

Arrowhead Ales' 10-year milestone is a testament to the power of community support, adaptability, and entrepreneurial passion in the face of industry challenges. By staying true to their values, collaborating with local businesses, and continuously evolving to meet customer needs, the owners have built a beloved community hub that has weathered the ups and downs of the past decade.