Lion & Owl Owners Unveil New Concept at The Paddock

Longtime Eugene restaurant group takes over historic sports pub with renovations and fresh vision.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:24pm by Ben Kaplan

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a coffee cup or other tableware item repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the design-focused renovation and new dining concept at The Paddock in Eugene.The Paddock's new owners have transformed the historic sports pub with a design-forward renovation, signaling a pivot to a fresh dining concept for Eugene.Eugene Today

The owners of the popular Lion & Owl restaurant in Eugene have purchased and renovated The Paddock, a historic sports pub in the city's south side. The new co-owners, Kirsten Hansen and her business partner, have transformed the space with a fresh design aesthetic featuring gold walls and a plant-filled interior, signaling a pivot to a new dining concept.

Why it matters

The transition of The Paddock represents the ongoing evolution of Eugene's dining scene, as established restaurant groups seek to adapt to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions. The Paddock's new owners are betting that their design-forward approach and focus on creating a unique ambiance will resonate with local diners.

The details

After operating the acclaimed Lion & Owl restaurant for several years, Kirsten Hansen and her business partner have taken over The Paddock, a long-standing sports bar in Eugene's south side. The new owners have completely renovated the space, installing gold-toned walls, a plant-filled interior, and other design elements that signal a departure from the Paddock's previous sports-focused identity.

  • The Paddock was purchased by the new owners in early 2026.
  • The renovations and transition to the new concept were completed in March 2026.

The players

Kirsten Hansen

Co-owner of the newly renovated Paddock restaurant in Eugene, Oregon.

The Paddock

A historic sports pub in Eugene, Oregon that has been purchased and renovated by new owners.

Lion & Owl

A popular restaurant in Eugene, Oregon that was previously operated by Kirsten Hansen and her business partner, who have now taken over The Paddock.

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What they’re saying

“Everything we've built here, the gorgeous gold walls to the light on the plant wall, is special to me,”

— Kirsten Hansen, Co-owner of The Paddock

The takeaway

The Paddock's transformation under new ownership signals the ongoing evolution of Eugene's dining landscape, as established restaurateurs seek to adapt to changing consumer preferences by reinventing historic spaces with a focus on design, ambiance, and a fresh culinary vision.