Franchise Deep Dive: Voodoo Brewing Co.’s Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

The pro-fun brewpub franchise has 17 open locations and is quickly growing as it brings its in-demand craft beer and customized menu items to markets nationwide.

By Morgan Wood1851 Franchise Contributor

SPONSOREDUpdated 5:59 AM • 09/28/23

Voodoo Brewing Co., the 17-unit brewpub franchise, began as a small, locally owned brewery in Meadville, Pennsylvania. When Matteo and Curt Rachocki took over the business in 2012, they honed the brewing and distribution models to bring Voodoo Brewing Co. beer to even more consumers.

After noting the potential the brand held, the pair began considering how they might expand further and decided to open a taproom in Erie, Pennsylvania. On opening day, Matteo withdrew the last $76 from the business account to make change for the register, and he just knew the model would have to work. Fortunately, there was a line wrapped around the corner, and this taproom, along with a string of new openings, took off.

Seeing the model’s continued success, the team decided to begin distributing the sought-after Voodoo Brewing Co. craft beer to local owners, and this is when the franchise model launched. Now, it leverages a European beer hall model and award-winning craft beer shipped straight to franchisees to develop a community hub and thriving local business in the markets it enters.

How Many Voodoo Brewing Co. Locations Are There?

With 17 brewpubs concentrated along the East Coast and in Colorado and Nevada and dozens more in development, Voodoo Brewing Co. is quickly expanding nationwide. The brewpub franchisor continues along an impressive growth trajectory as the demand for its one-of-a-kind beer, unique menu offerings and social atmosphere is proven time and time again.

Having exceeded its 2023 growth goals prior to the end of the third quarter, the franchisor has just 50 franchises left to award and is on the fast-track to selling out territories across the nation.

What Is the Voodoo Brewing Co. Business Model?

Voodoo Brewing Co. leverages a communal European-style brewpub model to bring “liquid-gold” beer, craft cocktails, local wines and unique, flavorful menu items to communities across the nation. By allowing local owners to customize their own brewpubs, logos, menu offerings and social engagement schedules, Voodoo Brewing Co. empowers its franchisees to truly take ownership of their businesses and become pillars in the community.

With Voodoo Brewing Co. beer delivered directly to the local franchisees, the specialized process of brewing craft beer is taken out of the equation for local owners, allowing them to focus more intently on hosting live events, connecting with other local business owners and further engaging with the community to drive awareness and growth.

How Much Can Voodoo Brewing Co. Franchise Owners Make?

As a franchise system, Voodoo Brewing Co. does not publicly disclose financial performance representations or return-on-investment data. Earnings can vary greatly, depending on factors like location and management. Potential franchisees should carefully review the franchise disclosure document (FDD) and speak with existing franchisees to better understand the potential financial performance.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Voodoo Brewing Co.?

The total estimated initial investment to open a single Voodoo Brewing Co. franchise is $479,000-$1,144,000. This accounts for the following categories:

Initial Franchise Fee: $75,000
Launch Fee: $10,000
Construction and Leasehold Improvements: $151,000-$600,000
Lease Deposits and Rent (Three Months): $24,000-$36,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: $65,000-$186,000
Signage: $10,000-$15,000
Computer, Software and Point of Sale System: $5,000-$6,000
Grand Opening Marketing: $2,000-$4,000
Initial Inventory: $20,000-$30,000
Utility Deposits: $4,000-$8,000
Insurance Deposits (Three Months): $5,000-$10,000
Travel for Initial Training: $5,000-$10,000
Professional Fees: $5,000-$7,000
Design and Architecture Fees: $30,000-$45,000
Licenses and Permits: $3,000-$7,000
Liquor License: $15,000-$20,000
Additional Funds (Three Months): $50,000-$75,000

What Is the Franchise Fee for Voodoo Brewing Co.?

Voodoo Brewing Co. offers multiple types of franchise agreements, each with its own respective franchise fee amount.

The franchise fee for a single-unit agreement is $75,000. For a one-to-three unit multi-unit agreement, the franchise fee is $150,000, and for a one-to-five unit multi-unit agreement, the franchise fee is $200,000.

Who Is the Leadership of Voodoo Brewing Co.?

Mike Edwards—Board Member
Matteo Rachocki—Founder and Board Member
Thomas Harper—Chief Operating Officer
Pete Gaeth—Head of Mixology and Seltzer Programs
Tony Lang—Chief Marketing Officer
Matt Hass—Director of Training
Andrew Volanski—Franchise Operations Manager
Sean Kirzyc—Executive Chef
Braxton Babcock—Real Estate and Construction Manager
Rick Schmitt—Director of Finance
Brent Dowling—Chairman of the Board

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