1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-lloyd-a9930ab1/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=voodoo-brewing-alcohol-suppliers-become-franchisees-2726253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kevin Lloyd</a> started his own craft distillery business,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bigspringspirits.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=voodoo-brewing-alcohol-suppliers-become-franchisees-2726253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Spring Spirits</a>, 10 years ago.&nbsp;Several years later he joined forces with a group of partners in Pittsburgh including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-kraemer-36b23427/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=voodoo-brewing-alcohol-suppliers-become-franchisees-2726253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Eric Kraemer</a>, a real estate expert and pub owner.&nbsp;Big Spring Spirits has had a close relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://voodoofranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=voodoo-brewing-alcohol-suppliers-become-franchisees-2726253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Voodoo Brewing</a> for years, supplying the brewpub franchise with all of its spirits from their distillery. Lloyd and Kraemer, along with business partners&nbsp;Rick Mongiovi and Dan Taylor, are taking that bond one step further by becoming&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco/info">Voodoo Brewing</a> franchisees.&nbsp;The entrepreneurial team has had their fair share of business experience, including in the hospitality sector, but are looking forward to venturing into franchising for the first time. They couldn’t imagine a better brand to do it with, as they have watched Voodoo Brewing expand over the years, recognizing the growing fan base and appreciating the brand’s ethos as they worked side by side.“We watched them grow as they franchised across the country, and we will continue to supply alcohol for them across the country, too,” Lloyd said. “We know everyone, and we liked everything about the brand, including the people and the culture. We knew that there was an opportunity here and we thought it would be a good fit for us.”1851 Franchise spoke with Lloyd and Kraemer about their journey into franchising and their plans for the future.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Lloyd: I started Big Spring Spirits 10 years ago, and we make a lot of different products: vodka, gin, rum, whiskey and tequila, as well as ready-to-drink cocktails. About three years ago, I connected with Eric and a couple of other guys as partners and we have a manufacturing facility currently in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, which is near State College. We are planning a multi-use facility at the South Shore in Pittsburgh opening in the fall, which will include manufacturing and other businesses.Kraemer: I come from the world of commercial real estate. For 30 years, I've been in commercial real estate property developer and owner/landlord. In the last five years, I have been involved in the hospitality business with an Irish pub and became a partner in Big Spring Spirits.&nbsp;Lloyd: We have been close partners with the brand for five or six years; we supply Voodoo corporate with all of their alcohol. We watched them grow as they franchised across the country, and we will continue to supply alcohol for them across the country, too. We know everyone, and we liked everything about the brand, including the people and the culture. We knew that there was an opportunity here and we thought it would be a good fit for us.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Lloyd:&nbsp;We have a tasting room at our Bellefonte location, so we have some idea of the hospitality industry. We have food and we have cocktails. But, I'd never participated in a franchise before, and frankly, I'm thrilled because we are inheriting a playbook which is essentially their best practices that they use across all their franchises. It's very detailed with timelines and tasks. It's a really fantastic experience because we have a whole team of Voodoo people behind us from marketing to operations to graphic design to food and beverage development. We're working with a lot of knowledgeable people that are continually working to refine their practices.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Lloyd:&nbsp;We hope to be successful financially, but we also hope that we can open additional franchises wherever the geographical opportunity exists. We hope to be an example to other potential franchisees, as well.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Lloyd:&nbsp;As a group, we're always trying to learn new things and learn better ways to do things. That's what drives all of us. The whole thing is a big puzzle between the people and the business, so we're trying to figure out how all that fits together and run it as efficiently as possible. We want to maintain a collegial, collaborative environment with our employees — and our customers for that matter, too.&nbsp;Kraemer: Our brands are closely tied together; we want to be good stewards of their brand and learn from the great team and complete package they offer. We are launching a large hospitality project on the riverfront and can’t wait to apply everything we learn.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Lloyd:&nbsp;Reach out to the brand; they will give you a plan. Be prepared to execute the plan in terms of the timeline and financial requirements. It’s a tried-and-true plan, but there are no shortcuts.Kraemer:&nbsp;Reach out and talk about it. For me, it’s been a great experience. I have not had any other franchises, but I’ve been involved in launching other businesses. Having the support of a well-organized franchisor has been really comforting and helpful. They’ve laid out the entire plan for us and, in addition to that, the business comes with brand recognition. We haven’t opened the doors yet, but I can tell by the community interaction that having the horsepower of the name and brand behind you is a much different feel than launching something brand new on your own.ABOUT VOODOO BREWING CO.More than just a brewery, Voodoo Brewing Co. is a community of passionate beer lovers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of craft beer. Alongside world-renowned “liquid gold,” provided directly from the brewery, local owners offer killer food, craft cocktails and hard seltzer in their community-focused brewpubs. Each location has a customized logo, locally inspired menu and consistent local events, allowing Voodoo Brewing Co. franchise partners to become truly immersed in their communities. With 18 locations across multiple states, Voodoo Brewing Co. has already captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts nationwide and has proven itself as the fastest-growing brewpub franchise in the world. Now, it is on track to quickly grow roots across the nation. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://voodoofranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=voodoo-brewing-alcohol-suppliers-become-franchisees-2726253" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://voodoofranchising.com/.</a>&nbsp;

Voodoo Brewing Franchisees: From Big Spring Spirits Partners

1851 Franchise

The Big Spring Spirits owners have had a front row seat to Voodoo’s expansion through franchising and have been very impressed. So much so, they’re joining in as franchisees.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Voodoo Brewing Alcohol Suppliers Become Franchisees

voodoo-brewing-alcohol-suppliers-become-franchisees

TruBlue Home Service Ally

NJBiz: Preventing Falls Crucial in Helping Older Adults Maintain Independence

njbiz-preventing-falls-crucial-in-helping-older-adults-maintain-independence

Griswold

How to Protect Seniors From Tax Day Scams This Year

protecting-seniors-from-tax-day-scams

Happy Joe’s Franchising

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Franchise Opportunity: Happy Joe’s Looks To Reignite Its Legacy in Iowa 

happy-joes-franchise-cedar-rapids-iowa-opportunity

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Wraps Up Q1 With Two New Openings and Continued Industry Recognition

childrens-lighthouse-wraps-up-q1-with-two-new-openings-and-continued-industry-recognition

Why Texas Is the Perfect State To Open a Happy Joe’s Franchise

why-texas-is-the-perfect-state-to-open-a-happy-joes-franchise

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

FAT Brands Becomes First Restaurant Franchise To Accept Bitcoin for Royalty Payments

fat-brands-becomes-first-restaurant-franchise-to-accept-bitcoin-for-royalty-payments

Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs To Retire in 2026 After 36 Years With the Company

yum-brands-ceo-david-gibbs-to-retire-in-2026-after-36-years-with-the-company

Hooters Bankruptcy - Chapter 11 - April 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Sells Restaurants to Franchisee Group

hooters-bankruptcy-chapter-11-april-2025

Fly Dance Fitness Expands With First Franchise Location in Georgia

fly-dance-fitness-franchise-expansion

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Voodoo Brewing Alcohol Suppliers Become Franchisees

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS