Meet the Couple Bringing Voodoo to North Carolina!

We even go a few steps further by creating localized Voodoo logos and food menus based on your area. Not many other franchise breweries can claim that.

However, even with all our epicness, we understand there still may be some uncertainty on your part regarding whether or not to move forward, especially during a time of economic uncertainty.

Studies have shown that when the economy drops, alcohol sales rise. That’s because people want to enjoy their preferred libation no matter what the stock market is doing.

Get this: the craft beer industry saw a 21% sales increase in 2021, a year still in the midst, somewhat, of the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s just something about a familiar-favorite craft beer that makes people feel relaxed.

Anyhoo…

We’ve put together a little ditty—an interview—with a couple of our new franchise owners where they discuss their previous professional backgrounds, what led them to invest in a franchise, and why a Voodoo Brewpub Franchise.

Follow along below and enjoy!

Future Voodoo Family Member, Meet New Voodoo Family Members,
Jonathan & Melissa Stamper From Holly Ridge, North Carolina

What is your personal/professional background?

I (Jonathan) just retired from 25 years as a U.S. Marine. I was an Engineer Operations Chief responsible for the day-to-day operations, training, and logistics for large-scale exercises and deployments. My wife is a Business Manager for a National Dental Service Organization.

What are your personal hobbies or interests?

We are very active in our local community, volunteering for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Veterans Administration. Melissa and I enjoy the coastal life on our off-time; boating, the beach and drinking craft beer.

How did you first learn about the Voodoo Brewpub Franchise?

After looking at other corporate franchises, Voodoo was presented to us by a franchise broker. I laughed at him at first because I thought a brewery was outside our scope until he explained the Voodoo Pub Franchise.

Why is Voodoo Brewing Co. the right fit for you?

U.S. Marines are big on culture. Voodoo brewery franchise has a unique culture that Melissa, I, and our community gravitate towards. For us, Voodoo will provide our local community with an outstanding customer experience.

What did you like about Voodoo’s franchise business model?

That it’s well-structured, simple, and flexible, this franchise business model lets you individualize the location. Individual connections are what drive good business and what keeps customers coming back for more. The franchise’s art, style, and décor are vibrant and inviting.

What did you like about meeting Voodoo’s corporate team?

They were very down-to-earth and welcoming. This was not in a corporate/business setting; very laid back and comfortable. The entire team was very humble and genuine. It was easy to be ourselves.

What did you like about Voodoo Discovery Day?

It was incredible; glad they provided the transportation and a venue close to the hotel! Everything was well choreographed, from the locations to sampling the food, beer, and mixed drinks. Even when the discovery day was over, we all hung out and got to know each other over their fantastic craft beer and beverages. Being able to visit the different locations was a plus.

What was the “a-ha” or “lightbulb” moment that made you want to franchise with Voodoo?

For me, it was the “Anti Franchise” quote presented in their introduction video. It showed me that Voodoo is for the “little guy” just looking for a solid business opportunity and being able to be a part of their unique culture and brand.

Why did you want to become an entrepreneur?

I feel that my career in the military has set me up to be a successful business owner, along with my wife’s management skills in the corporate field. We are confident to execute a plan and own a business of our own. It’s the “American Dream,” the right to be our own boss.

What do you think will make you successful?

My wife and I make a strong, effective team through strong leadership, organizational management, effective communication, and embracing the intangible assets that Voodoo Craft Beer Franchise provides. We are adaptable and like to be challenged.

What sets Voodoo Brewing Co. apart, in your eyes, from other franchise opportunities in the restaurant/hospitality Industry?

That’s easy… The BEER! Also, it’s not a “cookie cutter” franchise; it provides a unique customer experience. The Voodoo culture will connect to the community by breaking the stigma, notion, and connection to the corporate big brother. When a franchise can personalize a customer’s experience, it strengthens community bonds and allows an individual to link to a community member.

What has been the best part of your experience with the Voodoo Brewing Co. corporate team so far?

It’s the Franchise Owner support you receive, the weekly calls, and belonging to the Voodoo team. They are always accessible, and you never feel that you’re alone during the process of establishing your franchise.

What advice would you give to a potential Craft Beer Franchise Owner?

Get in now! You won’t be disappointed, do your mutual discovery and ensure you’re a good fit!

What do you look forward to most about owning your own Voodoo brewpub?

Becoming an owner-operator with my wife and providing top-tier craft beer and food to my local community in a good vibe establishment.

So, What’d Ya Say!

We hope you liked reading about the Stamper’s Voodoo Brewery Franchise journey as much as we enjoyed talking about it with them.

If this sounds like the franchise business opportunity for you, please don’t wait any longer to contact us HERE about starting your Discovery Process. Our franchise territories are selling fast, just like our craft beers, so the time to invest is now before yours dries up.

And if you see some of our beers at your local bottle shop, grab a case. You won’t be disappointed.

Voodoo Brewing Co. Beer Franchise is Growing & Growing

Voodoo Brewing Co., the fastest-growing, Pennsylvania-founded brewpub in the galaxy, is also one of the best in the franchising world. We make it easy for people with little to no experience to open, own, and operate a thriving beer pub.

Our straightforward franchise business model works like this: you invest in a location, brew all the beer at our headquarters, and then ship it to our Franchise Owners to serve it to hundreds of their closest friends.

Unlike the other thousands claiming the same, we’re the anti-corporate, non-cookie-cutter brewing company. We put our money where our mouths are—and our beer to provide a unique experience within the brewpub world. 

Because of our methods and dedication to the craft, our locations, and Franchise Owners have become beacons in their local communities, offering a safe, comfortable, and fun place to eat great food and drink cold beer.

Voodoo Brewery Franchise Heads West

When Voodoo started franchising in 2018, it quickly expanded to states like Kentucky, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Texas. However, it wasn’t until recently—January 28, to be exact—that they opened their doors in their most western state.

You were a bit mistaken if you thought Reno, Nevada, needed more top craft breweries. Voodoo opened its doors at the end of January in the revamped Plumgate Center thanks to Mike and Amy Hitchcock.

The Hitchcock’s kept with the theme of Voodoo’s fun culture by decorating the inside with bright lights and brilliantly painted murals that set the vibe inside. There’s also a large seating area with long picnic tables and plenty of bar seating for the belly-uppers.

If you’re familiar with this brand but worried they wouldn’t have some of their best and most popular craft beers, relax. This pub franchise gets all of their beers brewed at and shipped from Voodoo’s home brewery in Meadville, Pennsylvania. So you and your friends will be able to sip on favorites like Lacto-Kooler, Oh Mama, Voodoo Love Child, and Where Our Secrets Go, among others.

All of those craft beers will undoubtedly make you hungry, and there’s plenty of food to go around. Relax with a bowl of beer cheese mac, a signature pizza, and a plate of wings featuring flavors like cajun rub, garlic buffalo, and good vibes BBQ.

So, if you live anywhere near Reno, Nevada, you’d be a fool not to visit one of the best craft beer breweries west of the Mississippi. Their address is 550 W. Plumb Lane, Suite E.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m very hungry and thirsty.

Finally, We’re in the Sunshine State

Like our other craft beer franchise locations, all the beer will be shipped from our manufacturing facility in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

Head to our Facebook page for all the latest updates on the opening of this new beer pub franchise location.

Love is in the Air… And Other Stuff

If a Voodoo Brewing Co. brewpub comes to your neighborhood, don’t sleep on the exciting events we love to host in-house.

This Valentine’s Day, we played host to all sorts of shenanigans at several locations in Pennsylvania and the East Coast.

We started the weekend off with an I’m A Loner Party for people to make new friends and spread good vibes throughout the night.

For the people who actually have a special someone in their life, Saturday was for them! We offered romantic dinners for two featuring delicious food, original Voodoo craft beers, and specialty cocktails.

And then, on Sunday before the Eagles and Chiefs went to war in the Big Game, we offered huge party platters and take-and-bake pizzas. And, of course, craft beer to go.

When one of our brewpub franchises opens near you, don’t miss out on all of our fantastic events.

We Like to Give Back

Making and drinking craft beer is fun, but at Voodoo beer franchise we also love to give back to the communities that support us in any way we can.

This year Kyle Hauser, General Manager of Voodoo Brewing in Erie, Pennsylvania, hosted a polar plunge with all proceeds and donations going to the Special Olympics.

The event had other fun activities like a dunk tank and raffles and featured specialty brewed beers available only on-site for the event.

Watch Kyle discuss all the happenings on the local news right HERE.

Time to Invest

Stop questioning what you should do next in your life and invest in one of the best craft beer brewery franchises on the market!

You’ll become a beer hero.

Get to Know Our Newest Craft Beer Franchise Owners, Virgil and Jennifer Matos!

1. What is your personal/professional background?

I (Virgil) just retired from 22 years as a Federal Agent for the Department of Homeland Security, and now I’m coaching high school baseball. My wife, Jennifer, had worked for several different restaurants as a server throughout the years and was a claims adjuster for an insurance company before we started a family. Once the kids came, she decided to become a stay-at-home mom.

2. What are your personal hobbies or interests?

We are both very active volunteers in our community, serving in the local elementary schools and little league programs. I (Virgil) love all things sports-related and play ice hockey for two local adult league teams.

5. What did you like about Voodoo’s franchise business model?

The support and sense of community within the franchisees and the weekly check-in calls—the freedom to shape our Voodoo Brew Pub to fit our community and support our local community by sourcing locally.

6. What did you like about meeting Voodoo’s corporate team?

The team at Voodoo Brewing Franchise was very welcoming and relaxed. They made you feel at ease, and they explained everything in detail. No one was anything like we expected; honestly, they were down-to-earth and very open.

7. What did you like about Voodoo Discovery Day?

Discovery day was exciting! It was great getting to sample the food and craft beer and to see it in real-time, not just have someone explain how it works. The best part was after the “formal presentation.” It was great just getting to know everyone in a not-so-formal setting.

8. What was the “a-ha” or “lightbulb” moment that made you want to franchise with Voodoo Brewing Co.?

In complete honesty, I think it was just a pipe dream at first. Then we went to the funeral of a friend who passed away unexpectedly. It made us realize that life is short, and we didn’t want to regret not trying to make a Voodoo brewpub work for us.

9. Why did you want to become an entrepreneur?

We never really thought about becoming entrepreneurs exactly. However, Jennifer has always had small multi-level marketing (MLM) businesses on the side of running the household to help her with her creative outlet. She’s always had the urge to start something new to help support the family.

10. What do you think will make you successful?

After 25 years of marriage, we learned that we could be successful at anything as long as we communicated and worked as a team. We plan to bring that into our lives with our Voodoo Brewing Co. Franchise.

11. What sets Voodoo Craft Brewery apart, in your eyes, from other franchise opportunities in the restaurant/hospitality Industry?

Voodoo’s Franchise Owner support and the freedom to connect each individual location to its specific community was a huge draw. The enthusiasm that the Voodoo Brewing Co. team brings is contagious!

12. What has been the best part of your experience with the Voodoo Brewing Co. corporate team so far?

Definitely Discovery Day, and having the time after the scheduled session to hang out and get to know everyone.

13. What advice would you give to a potential Franchise Owner?

To put a lot of thought into it, take the time to research everything you can about the company and concept and if you’re comfortable, jump in and take the chance. Everything in life comes with a risk; trust the process.

14. What do you look forward to most about owning your own Voodoo brewpub?

We look forward to sharing Voodoo and the culture with our family, friends, and neighborhood. We want it to be a place where everyone can come together, feel welcome, and relax for a bit—who knows, maybe make a new friend.

If you’re feeling inspired to invest in yourself and think a craft beer franchise is perfect, click here for more information.

Another Year With More Craft Beer

We added 15 new franchise owners, some with multiple units in nine territories in nine states, including Texas, Indiana, and Tennessee, among many others across  the country.

We also collected some hardware along the way by being called a 2022 Top New & Emerging Franchise by Entrepreneur.com. So, yeah, we know what we’re doing.

But enough of us and how awesome our beer franchise brand is. Let’s get to know a few of our newest Voodoo Brewing Co. Franchise Owners.

Meet the Leos! 

We are so excited to announce two of our newest Franchise Owners in Leisa and Vinny Leo! They left their day jobs because their hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, was lacking in quality craft beer. 

As a couple with a great passion for craft beer and entrepreneurship, it’s hard to find a better Voodoo Beer Franchise Owner fit than the Leos. Leisa and Vinny’s early background in the restaurant industry and the experience they’ve gained throughout their professional careers make them eager to begin the newest chapter of their lives as co-Owners of Knoxville’s future favorite craft brewpub.

But first, who the heck are the Leos?

For over two decades, Vinny has honed his professional background in the life science industry’s IT compliance and controls sector. He is looking forward to bringing the unique experience he has acquired to his new role as a Voodoo brewpub Franchise Owner!

His lovely wife, Leisa, has been focused on her dedicated career as a certified public accountant (CPA). After spending nearly 15 years in one of the most important roles of all—being a mother. In Leisa’s words, opening a Voodoo craft beer franchise is a great chance to work with Vinny as her partner both in life and in business, and she sees their new business venture as a chance to reignite her passion for learning. And what better thing to learn about than craft beer?

They Didn’t Need Restaurant Experience… But They Have It

One of the most common questions the franchise leadership team at Voodoo gets asked is if a potential franchisee needs any restaurant experience to own and operate a brew pub. And the answer is not really. In fact, many of our current Franchise Owners come from different walks of life without a shred of restaurant or bar industry experience before Voodoo. It helps, but it isn’t necessary. However, the Leos’ previous restaurant experience will go a long way toward their success as craft beer Franchise Owners!

Their restaurant experience started a long time ago. Leisa and Leo have done everything from bussing positions and servers to management roles. The Leos are confident that they’ll be able to apply their vast knowledge of the inner workings of a restaurant to the successful management of their Voodoo brewpub. Since our simple franchise business model eliminates a LOT of the typical headaches of running a bar or restaurant, keeping staff to a minimum with our European beer-hall style of service, Leisa and Vinny will be able to avoid some of the issues they surely remember from their days working at restaurants!

Passion & Commitment

We believe integrating passion with business acumen is an essential mix- the “special sauce” that makes our pubs different from those cheesy, cookie-cutter bar chains out there. With their real-world business experience and genuine passion for what Voodoo has to offer its customers, Vinny and Leisa bring this core value to life. According to the couple, one of their greatest inspirations for wanting to own a franchise was having control over the business process.

It’s essential for Franchise Owners to love and appreciate a brand as much before investing. With such a passion for the brand and business model, we can’t wait to see the new heights Vinny and Leisa take us to with their Voodoo pub franchise!

Good luck in Rocky Top, Vinny and Leisa!

Goodbye to their 9 to 5s

What are the faces of a couple of people who told their traditional corporate jobs to kick rocks and bet on themselves? 

Meet Fahad and Manal Keen, the couple bringing Voodoo Brewing Company’s refreshing craft brews to Dallas, Texas. 

We’re so excited to see that they are making Voodoo part of their life, and we can’t wait to share their fascinating journey with you.

What’s Their Deal?

Manal spent the last 15+ years in the financial services industry. She ran strategy and finance in three sectors throughout her career: real estate, treasury/investment, and wealth management. About a year and a half ago, she left her corporate job to pursue her passions and become a teacher, becoming the first woman at the University of North Texas at Dallas to teach finance classes at the school. 

Her husband, Fahad, spent the last 15 years in business operations, analysis, and data. He is passionate about making an impact on his local community. In his free time, he coaches youth sports and plays sports himself.

Time for New Careers

When you’re in the market for a new career or a lifestyle change, you have at least one “Ah Ha” moment.

When we asked them what made them choose Voodoo Brewing Co., Manal explained, “When I was leaving my corporate job, I wanted to do something in a different niche: helping communities, bringing people together. I didn’t wanna go back to 9-5.”

So, her husband helped her research and ran across our Voodoo Brewing Co. Franchise video on YouTube. The video flowed with why she left her corporate job. Fahad called her to the computer and told her, “you need to watch this; they sound like you.”

Manal could see that we also want to bring people together and create a safe haven for people to come together and enjoy themselves. That shared belief is what led them to seal the deal with the Voodoo craft beer franchise.

Onwards & Upwards

If you’re tired of the corporate chaos, the 9-5, or the ongoing commute of agony you need to endure to work towards someone else’s dream: It may be a sign to start looking at other career opportunities, the same way Fahad and Manal did.

“Many people leave corporate jobs because of culture goals you want for yourself to match up with a franchise if you’re new to business ownership, a franchise is almost like a guard rail taking a risk, but you have support. Having a foundation helps build knowledge and take away some risk.”

We know Fahad and Manal will be another Voodoo Brewing success story. They took a leap of faith coming to us. They said goodbye to their 9-5 and jumped head first into a pool of entrepreneurship. However, there’s nothing for them to worry about because we’re going to be their “guardrail” every step of the way.

Cheers to the newest Voodoo-ers!

With Voodoo Brewing, he’ll do more than build a pub franchise he can be proud of. He’ll create memories and start a new and different journey than what he’s been doing the last few years.

Outside of Voodoo, David is a workout fanatic, a lifelong learner, and a devoted husband and father! Now that he’s a Franchise Owner, we can say he’s the complete package!

David, Meet Voodoo, Voodoo, Meet David

We met David at our Discovery Day event, and we immediately knew this would be a match made in Heaven. And, surprise! He knew it too.

Our corporate team embodies everything it means to be part of Voodoo Brewing Co. If you mesh with them, you mesh with Voodoo. That’s just how it works! Our team is passionate about what they do and wants to see Franchise Owners succeed. When we asked David what he liked about the corporate team, he mentioned, “The genesis of the concept, the journey that has been taken, and the passion they have for the product.”

“Touring the brewing facility and getting educated on the process, seeing how they invest in equipment for growth and the future, touring the individual brewery locations, and tasting the menu and the liquid.” If we had to guess, we’re sure tasting the menu and the liquid was his favorite part, but we appreciate him mentioning the rest!

See You, David, and Others in 2023!

We know David will be successful with us because he embodies the three most important attributes: drive, determination, and grit. He’s got everything he needs to be successful with us, and we can’t wait to see the mark he leaves on Indianapolis, Indiana. If you’re in the area, stop by, meet David, and see if becoming a craft beer Franchise Owner is the right option for you! David has one piece of advice for anyone interested: “Do research, ask questions, do Discovery Day and enjoy the ride.”

We’d love to keep going, but we’re so pumped for David and what he’s bringing to Indianapolis that we’re going to cut it short, crack open a Voodoo Love Child, and raise one up to Indy’s newest brew pub.

Ready to find out if Voodoo Brewing Co. is a good fit for you and your goals? Request more information today.

Our Craft Beer Franchise Team Answers YOUR Top Questions

 Hey, guys, this month’s blog post has been taken over by the Voodoo Brewery Franchise development team—Directors of Franchise Development Mike Edwards, Bill Wotochek, Rod Arreola, and our Franchise Development Manager, Ben Collins.

This week we’re taking over the blog to answer questions asked by people like you who want to bring some of the best damn craft beer on earth to their neck of the woods but need to do a little due diligence first. 

For the prospective Franchise Owners who asked about the Discovery Process, support, operations, funding, and more for this post, we respect and appreciate you taking this seriously. 

Below are the best questions received from Candidates in the Voodoo Brewing Co. Franchise Education Process.

OK, enough chit-chat. Let’s get to the questions!

Sean in Scottsdale, AZ, asks: “I am concerned about the economy, inflation, and possible recession. Is now really a good time to invest in a Voodoo craft beer franchise?”

Mike: There is no “good time,” nor is there any “bad time” to open a business. The time to open a business is when you are ready to do so!  

There are pros and cons to opening when the economy is humming and pros and cons during a recession. When the economy is roaring, there is a LOT of competition, as typically money is flowing, and people want to go into business for themselves because they have extra money to do so. And if everyone is trying to go into business at the same time, then specific finite resources get extra tapped. For instance, when the economy is doing well, everyone has jobs. Thus, hiring people becomes extra hard when the economy is strong. Conversely, when the economy is weaker, there is a surplus of employees, which makes it much easier to hire better employees. 

Rod: The same goes for getting good commercial real estate: when the economy is strong, there is less available real estate. When the economy is slower or in a recession, it can be an excellent time to sign a 10-year lease for a great location at a very reasonable rate.

So, to answer your question, no matter what kind of economy we’re in, the only person who knows if it’s a “good time” to invest in a Voodoo brewpub franchise, ultimately, is you!

From Laughlin, NV, Julie asks: “Interest rates are very high. Why should I invest now?”

Bill: Actually, interest rates are almost the same as in 2019—the year before Covid. We just went through a period of extreme money printing and rates well below the historical average, which led to rampant inflation. Rates are returning to their historical norms now. It is an excellent time to take advantage of that normalization by realizing that rates probably won’t go back to zero for a very long time, if ever again, and that there is lots of competition waiting and hoping it does. Get a jump on the competition!

From Charlotte, NC, Aditya asks: “Why is a craft beer franchise like Voodoo considered recession-resistant?”

Rod: People drink when times are great….and drink more when times are bad! Beer and having a good time are recession-proof concepts especially sought out by customers during a recession. A bad time in the economy is actually an excellent time to offer these goods and services that will never not be in demand.

Jackson in Buffalo Grove, IL, asks: “Can I brew the beer myself?”

Ben: To keep the taste of our award-winning craft beer consistent, all the beer we serve at each franchise location is brewed at our 30,000-square-foot compound in Meadville, PA. We also allow up to 20% of your Voodoo taps to be ‘guest’ beers from local breweries in your area.

Shirley in Plano, TX, asks: “I don’t have experience in the bar or restaurant industry. Can I be a successful Franchise Owner at Voodoo anyway?”

Mike: That is A-OK. Most of our Franchise Owners have little or no craft beer or restaurant experience. Is it advantageous to have experience in the field? Yes, it is. A necessity? Absolutely not. This is why someone would join a franchise instead of opening an independent bar or craft brewery. We have the playbook and blueprint of what to do and how to do it right. We will train all of our Franchise Owners on a step-by-step process to successfully own and operate their Voodoo beer franchise. 

Bill: Now, the one key to success that is important to us that we cannot teach is that you must be a good culture fit for our brand AND love working with people! We are all about the community and people. Becoming a Voodoo Franchise Owner means serving your local community and its people by hosting a good time with excellent craft beer and food!

Andrea in Grand Rapids, MI, asks: “What are the backgrounds of some of your most successful Franchise Owners?”

Rod: People come from all walks of life. We’ve got military veterans and former wealth management experts, folks who’ve worked in the hospitality and bar industries for their entire careers, and even people who have owned franchises before! Again, the most important thing to be a great owner is to be a great fit for our culture, and you must love working with people.

Nick in Terre Haute, IN, asks: “What will my average workday look like?” 

Mike: It will vary greatly depending on what you want to do. The average brew pub Owner wears ALL the hats in their business. At any given time, you could be doing anything from waiting on customers to assisting the cooks in the kitchen to pouring beer behind the bar.

Now, if you hire a General Manager to take on these duties, your primary role will be overseeing the GM and the other managers of your business. Your role will be on growing your business, working with marketing, fine-tuning your operations, and community outreach!

Ben: One of the great things about Voodoo is that the Franchise Owner can set their pub’s hours. While we give our Owners guidance on our other successful pub hours, it can vary from location to location. Some pubs are open seven days per week, and others five days per week. Additionally, most pubs close no later than 11 PM or midnight. (We feel nothing good happens after midnight anyway!) This also gives our pub Owners and staff a regular working schedule to help maintain a great work-life balance.

Roger in Mobile, AL, asks: “Do I need special licenses or certifications to run my Voodoo pub?”

Rod: No, you do not need anything special. You will need a beer and wine license and preferably a liquor license to serve alcohol. We will help you with this entire process.

Scott in Tallahassee, FL, asks: “What kind of support can I expect to receive as a Voodoo Franchise Owner? 

Bill: We will train you on all facets of the business! We have very comprehensive instruction that happens when you come to Meadville/Pittsburgh for your hands-on week of training in our corporate and franchised locations. And then, we fly out to your location to train you and your staff when you are ready to open. Once we ‘cut you loose,’ if you feel like you forgot something or need help on an issue, we are only a phone call away.

Jeremy in Ft. Myers, FL, asks: “Is the food menu flexible?”

Ben: Yes! You or your kitchen manager will work with our Executive Chef to create an efficient and appropriate pub menu for your area and customers. We have several popular, high-selling food items we suggest. But you have the final say in what’s offered from your kitchen.

Alex in Scranton, PA, asks: “I am not strong with marketing but great at engaging with my local community. How will Voodoo help me attract my customers?”

Mike: We have a Chief Marketing Officer who works with every Franchise Owner to create a personalized marketing plan specific to their location. We have opened many brewpubs and always take a little away from each one to put together our list of ‘marketing best practices.’ Our CMO will also work with every Owner to organize a list of community events they should participate in. We are also big on social media and will train our Owners to use social media properly to drive attention and traffic to your location.

Leticia in Corpus Christi, TX, asks: “What is the first hire I should make? How will this person help my business?”

Bill: Always start from the top down. The first hires you want to make will be your GM, or if you take that role yourself, shift managers will help you manage your employees. We will train you on how to find the best employees.

From Cedar Rapids, IA, Josh asks: “I’m all about community involvement. How will Voodoo help me support my local community?”

Rod: Voodoo is all about being involved in the community. We will show every Owner how to get involved in various community activities and events. We will show Franchise Owners how to find specific marketing events related to beer drinkers and what events are the best to attend. There are a multitude of charities, colleges, clubs, and local organizations to interact with to promote your business, and we will show you how to gain access.

Dani in Ft. Collins, CO, asks: “How long will it take for my Voodoo beer franchise location to open?”

Mike: On average, it will take 6-12 months. We certainly target the six-month mark; however, it will vary from market to market based on the time it takes to acquire the property, the turnaround on getting permits, and the overall construction process. We don’t cut corners, and at the end of the day, the main objective is to get our Franchise Owners into the right space at the right price so that we can set them up for long-term success.

Miguel in Phoenix, AZ, asks: “How many staff members will I need?”

Bill: Voodoo is designed to run on fewer employees than the average comparable bar or restaurant. On average, each pub will have a total of 10-15 employees. This will be a combination of part-time and full-time employees. About half of the employees will run the bar, and the other half will run the kitchen.

Depending on how busy the pub is, Franchise Owners will have about 6-8 people working on any given shift. Voodoo is excellent at training our Franchise Owners on optimizing the number of employees working at any given time. This type of efficiency significantly impacts the bottom line and is one of the big appeals of owning a Voodoo craft beer franchise.

Amir in Boston, MA, asks: “How will you help me find and open my location?”

Rod: Voodoo is very involved with helping you find a beer franchise location and has partnered with CBRE, the largest commercial real estate firm in the U.S. Soon after you sign a franchise agreement, we will have an onboarding call with you, CBRE and Voodoo to start working on finding you a site. CBRE will assign you a local commercial real estate broker that knows your specific area best, and they will find the best sites available in the area that meet our specific criteria.

Together with CBRE, we will assist with all aspects of the site selection and lease negotiation process to get the best deal possible based on our expertise. After the lease signing, we will also support you in all phases of the construction process, from concept to completion. We have partnered with a national construction management firm called SFV services, which will help with all stages of the project development, including design, construction, and management.

Nate in Santa Fe, NM, asks: “I have a few locations in mind already. Can I use these?” 

Bill: Yes, you can absolutely submit these locations for us to consider and review. We will let you know if we believe they could work for a Voodoo brewpub franchise, but of course, final approval will come after executing a franchise agreement.

Maya, in Sarasota, FL, asks, “What are the required funds?”

Ben: To be considered for a Voodoo craft beer franchise, you must have a minimum net worth of $450,000 and $150,000 in liquid capital. Our initial financial investment ranges from $321,750 to $716,500 for a single franchise location and varies mostly due to the condition and size of the premises for your Voodoo brewpub. The lower end assumes a second-generation location like an existing restaurant or bar that can be converted into a Voodoo brewpub. On the higher end, you are looking for a new site with more building and construction costs.

Bill in West Chester, PA, asks: “I have funds in my 401K. Can I use these?”

Bill: Great name, Bill! Yes, you can use your 401K or IRA retirement funds to start a business. We work with Benetrends Financial, which is an expert in helping our Franchise Owners with top funding options, including 401K funding. You can learn more by going to their website at https://www.benetrends.com/.

Deborah in Tempe, AZ, asks: “What is an SBA Loan?”

Rod: An SBA loan is a business loan that the Small Business Administration guarantees. The SBA does not directly lend money to business owners. Instead, small business owners secure an SBA loan through an authorized SBA lender (such as a bank), and the SBA provides the bank a guarantee for a portion of the loan: thereby mitigating some of the risks and incentivizing financial institutions to lend money to small businesses.

The SBA’s mission is to help entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses, and an SBA loan may provide the longest-term and lowest-interest loan available for your business. The most common one for small business owners is the 7(a) program, which is more generally focused on helping small businesses start and grow. Voodoo is proud to be an SBA-approved franchise.

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Is there anything we didn’t cover that you still want to ask us? Visit our website to schedule a call so we can talk to you one-on-one. We look forward to speaking with you about how you can bring a Voodoo craft beer franchise to your local community!