Voodoo Brewing Co.

After 30 years of working in the electronic design and manufacturing industry,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-skepnek-a85ab3177/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=craft-beer-enthusiast-and-design-engineer-enters-world-of-franchising-with-voodoo-brewing-2725537" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Skepnek</a> decided it was time for a new adventure. In searching for entrepreneurial opportunities, he came across&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco">Voodoo Brewing</a> and was immediately impressed by the brand’s infrastructure, business model and franchisee support. All of that, and of course, great beer.“The whole idea of pub food that’s more elevated with a little twist on it, served alongside great beer and in a great atmosphere, made&nbsp;<a href="https://voodoofranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=craft-beer-enthusiast-and-design-engineer-enters-world-of-franchising-with-voodoo-brewing-2725537" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Voodoo</a> the perfect fit for me,” he said.&nbsp;He looks forward to welcoming the members of his community in St. Petersburg, Florida, catering to the interests of everyone and looks forward to making his location unique, while still offering the beloved vibe of Voodoo.“My goal is to serve great beer, great food and provide a great space,” he said. “My chef has a background in fine dining, so we will introduce some things you might not expect at a pub. I want this to be a place where people want to hang out. There’s a lot of seating, there’s a game room and music. There’s something for everyone.”1851 Franchise spoke with Skepnek about his journey into franchising and his plans for the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;FEATURE QUESTIONS1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Skepnek:&nbsp;I spent almost a lifetime at my previous company; I started with them right out of college. I was in the electronic design and manufacturing industry. I became a design engineer and I spent about 30 years there, and soon became engineering manager pretty early in my career, and then general manager later on. It was a great experience, but as with a lot of good things, the time came for me to move on.I left my company and, right around that same time, my wife got a job offer in Florida, so we decided to make the move from Chicago.I was researching different business opportunities and considering my next move when I came across Voodoo. I've been a craft beer enthusiast for a long time. I've been brewing my own beer since the 80s and I've often considered opening up my own where I do it all myself, but there are some pretty substantial barriers to entry, even though brewing is enjoyable.&nbsp;There's a lot of infrastructure in place in partnering with Voodoo, which allowed me to enter the industry quickly. The whole idea of pub food that’s more elevated with a little twist on it, served alongside great beer and in a great atmosphere, made Voodoo the perfect fit for me.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?Skepnek:&nbsp;There’s a lot to be said for being part of a larger organization. Small business owners, I imagine, feel like they’re out on an island. With a franchise like Voodoo, you receive support and there is always someone there to help you solve any problems you encounter.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Skepnek:&nbsp;I love the beer, the atmosphere and the vibe. They market themselves as a sort of “unfranchised franchise.” It is not as rigid as other concepts; it’s more of a cooperative collaboration. The products, services, food and beer are all great. That, partnered with more flexibility to create my own space, is ideal.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Skepnek:&nbsp;My goal is to serve great beer, great food and provide a great space. My chef has a background in fine dining, so we will introduce some things you might not expect at a pub. I want this to be a place where people want to hang out. There’s a lot of seating, there’s a game room and music. There’s something for everyone.I am currently focused on, and obsessed with, getting this first one off the ground. Eventually, maybe I can take a step back and open another location.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Skepnek:&nbsp;What I’ve taken from my career background is the ability to manage chaos and crisis. I don’t panic when faced with a problem. This is a new industry for me, but I can confidently address challenges as they come. Those who work for me will appreciate this, and my customers hopefully will benefit too.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Skepnek:&nbsp;You’ve got to have a strong stomach; you might face a lot of adversity at first and spend a lot of money. You need to accept that, for a while, the money is only going in one direction. It’s a risk, but the rewards can be great.&nbsp;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 <a href="https://voodoofranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=craft-beer-enthusiast-and-design-engineer-enters-world-of-franchising-with-voodoo-brewing-2725537" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://voodoofranchising.com/</a>&nbsp;

Voodoo Brewing Franchisee Opening New Brewpub in St Petersburg

1851 Franchise

Bob Skepnek, who has been brewing his own craft beer since the 80s, has finally decided to turn his passion into a career as a Voodoo Brewing franchisee in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Craft Beer Enthusiast and Design Engineer Enters World of Franchising with Voodoo Brewing

craft-beer-enthusiast-and-design-engineer-enters-world-of-franchising-with-voodoo-brewing

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Check Out Voodoo Brewing Company

Executive Q&A

Franchisee Highlight

Learn

Visit Website

VOODOO BREWING CO.

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

SOCIAL MEDIA

Celebrate National Beer Day at Voodoo Brewing Co. With New Releases and Old Favorites

Voodoo Brewing Co. Launches New Loyalty Program to Boost Franchise Sales, Aid Customer Retention

Voodoo Brewing Co. Teams Up With Tailgating Challenge

VOODOO BREWING CO. MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT VOODOO BREWING CO.

CONTACT VOODOO BREWING CO.

facebook

instagram

twitter

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

State

Questions or Comments

Own a Voodoo Brewing Co.

<a href="https://www.voodoobrewery.com/">Voodoo Brewing Co.</a> may be known for its craft beer, but the brand is just as focused on what’s coming out of the kitchen.Over time,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco/info">Voodoo</a> has intentionally shaped its concept around in-house food preparation and a dining experience that feels welcoming and community-driven. While beer remains an important part of the brand, the restaurant side of the business now plays a central role in how guests experience Voodoo.“In the early days of the craft beer boom, it was very beer-centric,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-volanski-bb19b8a4/">Andrew Volanski</a>, director of franchise operations and liquor. “As we evolved and consumer trends changed, we really adapted and pivoted. The beer is still very important to us and it always will be, but when we started franchising, it became more about the restaurants and the food and creating a whole new experience centered around that.”<h2>A Commitment to Making Everything In-House</h2>One of the biggest differentiators across Voodoo locations is the amount of food prepared from scratch each day.“Everything from beer cheese down to salad dressings and mustard and anything that can be made within the kitchen, we make,” Volanski said. “Nothing is coming frozen out of a bag. We’re hand-cutting the French fries and putting them through a double fry process to make sure they’re the best quality we could possibly get.”Voodoo has team members in its kitchens well before the restaurant opens each day, preparing ingredients and getting everything ready for service. Consumers are paying closer attention to where food comes from, making transparency more important than ever. Guests can see what goes into their food, and nearly everything is made in-house on a daily basis.<h2>Using Natural Ingredients and Avoiding Shortcuts</h2>Voodoo’s ingredient philosophy centers on simplicity and transparency. The brand uses beef tallow in its fryers and avoids high-fructose corn syrup whenever possible. Artificial ingredients and heavy processing aren’t part of the plan.“Using basic, whole ingredients that are natural is better for us as humans,” Volanski said. “When you’re eating good food, you’re going to feel better about it. It becomes a lot easier when you can have an ingredient list that is two lines instead of a novel with a bunch of words that we can’t pronounce.”Those choices connect back to Voodoo’s broader mission. The brand has always aimed to be a place of community, and being part of a community means caring for it. That care extends to being thoughtful about what guests are putting into their bodies and serving food that supports the well-being of the people they serve.<h2>A Core Menu With Room for Local Creativity</h2>While guests will find a consistent core menu at every Voodoo location, franchisees are also encouraged to incorporate a local touch based on regional tastes and chef-driven ideas.“We’re a company based out of Western Pennsylvania, and we’re not naive enough to think we know what people in South Carolina love or what people in Idaho really care about,” Volanski said. “They carry the core menu, but they also have the freedom to showcase what is important to them and their community.”That flexibility allows chefs to express creativity and highlight what they are most passionate about.“At the end of the day, chefs really are artists,” Volanski said. “We want to empower everyone from top to bottom to be able to showcase their art and their craft.”<h2>Familiar Comfort Food With a Twist</h2>Voodoo’s menus are built around approachable comfort food with unexpected touches. “I would call it bar food with a little twist,” Volanski said.&nbsp;Menus feature classic options such as burgers and wings, while also offering familiar favorites that are elevated with creative, unexpected touches. One example is the Voodoo Dill Pickle Pizza, which has become the brand’s top-selling pizza systemwide.“When we introduced it, people were skeptical,” Volanski said. “Why would you put pickles on a pizza? And now it’s our number one selling pizza across the board.”Voodoo also encourages collaboration among its chefs nationwide, creating space for idea-sharing and inspiration. “We take those ideas and turn them into potential chainwide dishes,” Volanski said.&nbsp;In 2026, guests can expect to see more limited-time offerings inspired by chefs within the system.<h2>Food as a Way to Bring People Together</h2>Community remains at the heart of the Voodoo experience, and food plays a major role in that connection.“Where do people gather? It’s around food,” Volanski said. “It becomes a focal point of bringing everyone together around one table.”Many locations feature long, community-style tables where guests can eat, drink, and connect with others.“No matter who you are, where you come from, or who you love, you are a part of the community and this is a place for you,” Volanski said.<h2>More Than a Brewery</h2>While beer remains part of Voodoo’s identity, the brand has become something much broader.“Voodoo Brewing Co. is the name, but it’s way more than beer,” he said. “It’s a restaurant. We have full menus for every palate.”That restaurant-first mindset, combined with scratch-made food and thoughtful ingredients, is shaping how the brand connects with guests and communities across the country. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco">https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco</a>.&nbsp;

image of voodoo brewing scratch made food

As the franchise continues to grow, Voodoo Brewing Co. is leaning into a restaurant-first experience built on in-house preparation, natural ingredients, and menus designed to bring people together.

How Voodoo Brewing Co. Builds Its Identity Around Scratch-Made Food and Quality Ingredients

voodoo-brewing-co-restaurant-focus

MEADVILLE, Pa.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.voodoobrewery.com/">Voodoo Brewing Co.</a> is raising a glass to National Beer Day on April 7 by spotlighting new beer releases, fan-favorite brews and the elevated food and community experience that sets it apart.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco/info">Voodoo</a> has built its reputation on pushing the boundaries of craft beer while expanding into a full-service restaurant concept, and the brand is using the holiday to highlight both its brewing approach and its focus on quality across the guest experience.“At Voodoo, the beer is still very important to us — it always will be — but as we’ve grown, it’s become more about creating a full experience centered around food, community and quality,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-volanski-bb19b8a4/">Andrew Volanski</a>, senior director of operations. “We wanted to take what is normal bar food and take it up a notch, and everything we do reflects that.”For National Beer Day, Voodoo Brewing is highlighting two key releases: Midnight Silhouette, a brand-new porter, and the return of Crick Crusher, an American wheat beer designed to be light, refreshing and highly drinkable.“We have two new beers coming out. One is a porter called Midnight Silhouette, which is a brand-new beer, and then we’re bringing back Crick Crusher, an American wheat,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-h-3792a283/">Jake Hornick</a>, director of operations and quality manager at Voodoo Brewing Co. “That series is really geared toward light, drinkable, sessionable beers that you would enjoy floating down the creek.”The new brews are part of Voodoo’s well-balanced portfolio, which includes bold options as well as approachable beers that appeal to a wide range of drinkers. Whether it’s a lighter beer at 4% ABV or an 8% hazy IPA, there’s something for everyone.&nbsp;The brand’s portfolio includes standout staples like its famous green-colored Lacto-Kooler, a flavor-packed sour that helped put the brand on the map, and Good Vibes, a balanced IPA that remains a go-to for guests.Beyond brewing, Voodoo continues to differentiate itself through its food-first approach and commitment to quality ingredients. House-made sauces and dressings, hand-cut fries and the use of beef tallow instead of seed oils are a few ways that the brand emphasizes transparency and scratch-made preparation across its kitchens.“Nothing is coming frozen out of a bag,” Volanski said. “There are people in our kitchens preparing everything before we open each day, and we’re very transparent about what goes into our food.”As a growing franchise system, Voodoo Brewing blends consistency with local creativity by offering a core menu alongside location-specific “local flair” items.“We’re not naive enough to think we know what every market wants,” Volanski said. “We give our franchise owners the ability to showcase what’s important to their community and let their chefs be creative.”On National Beer Day, several individual locations are expected to introduce their own specials or pairings that reflect local flavors while celebrating the holiday.Whether guests are trying a new seasonal release, enjoying a fan-favorite brew or gathering with friends over scratch-made food, Voodoo Brewing Co. is inviting guests across the country to celebrate National Beer Day together, with great beer, scratch-made food and community at the center.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 over 20 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/.">https://voodoofranchising.com/.</a>&nbsp;

image of voodoo brewing national beer day promotion april 7th

Voodoo Brewing Co. will celebrate National Beer Day on April 7 by rolling out new seasonal beers, spotlighting fan favorites and leaning into the community experience that defines the brand.

celebrate-national-beer-day-at-voodoo-brewing-co-with-new-releases-and-old-favorites

As&nbsp;<a href="https://www.voodoobrewery.com/about">Voodoo Franchise Group</a> accelerates its national expansion, the brewpub franchise is giving its owners new tools to deepen relationships with guests who already know the brand and its beer best.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco/info">Voodoo</a> recently launched a new loyalty program designed to drive repeat visits and local engagement across its network of franchised restaurants. The program uses Toast to power in-store rewards and Popmenu to support loyalty in terms of online pickup and delivery (along with built-in text and email marketing capabilities). The new initiative fills a long-standing gap in terms of how the brand connects with its most engaged customers.“I think it’s a direct line to giving back to people who are loyal to our brand” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-ivey-ph-d-371a0618/">Erik Ivey</a>, chief operating officer. “We haven’t done this in the past. But it’s probably the most important thing we can do right now to really engage the guests we know are loyal members.”<h2>Empowering Franchisees to Market Locally</h2>Voodoo’s franchise model has always leaned into flexibility and local ownership. Each location follows core brand standards but features menus, events and programming shaped by its community, empowering owners looking to build deeper connections at the local level. Until now, however, franchisees lacked a simple way to communicate those local experiences directly to the guests who visit most.But the new loyalty program changes that. It gives Voodoo Franchise Group operators a direct line to their customers, equipping them with the ability to promote everything from new menu items to live music and other weekly events.“We like to call ourselves an ‘anti-franchise’ company because we give freedom to franchise owners,” Ivey said. “We have a core menu, plus local flair menus created by chefs in each community. So, every Voodoo franchise is unique to its market because we’re a unique brand.”<h2>Turning Loyalty Data Into Smarter Decisions</h2>While the new loyalty program operates across both Toast and Popmenu, ease of use has led Voodoo more heavily toward the latter as local franchisees get comfortable with the new marketing efforts (particularly those without dedicated marketing teams).Beyond communication though, the loyalty program is also beginning to generate data that franchise owners can use to make better, smarter marketing decisions. Tracking loyalty member growth and engagement now for several months, Voodoo plans to share the insights gleaned systemwide.“If you’re going to spend money on marketing, would you rather market directly to people already engaged with your business — or send it to the general population with a return rate of less than 1%?” Ivey said. “I’d rather have a higher return by going directly to loyalty members.”<h2>A Franchisee-Driven Approach to Innovation</h2>Early feedback from franchise owners has been positive (especially as they experience clearer engagement and are able to exert more control over how each local community is reached). At a broader level, the loyalty program reflects Voodoo’s franchisee-first approach to innovation. After spending the past year visiting every location and gathering feedback directly from local operators, Voodoo corporate identified guest engagement as a priority.“This didn’t come from a magical idea,” Ivey said. “Franchise owners were asking, ‘How do we better engage our communities? How do we get more people through our doors?’ That led us here.”&nbsp;<h2>The Value of Loyalty</h2>Looking ahead, Ivey said the real value of the loyalty program lies in its ability to turn strong in-store experiences into sustained growth across the greater Voodoo franchise system.“If you bring loyalty members back and they have a great experience, they’ll transfer that experience to people who aren’t members yet,” Ivey said. “That creates upward momentum and more loyalty members over time.”For Voodoo and its franchise owners, that momentum is built not through cookie-cutter marketing, but by giving local operators the tools to keep their communities elevated, engaged and coming back.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco">https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco</a>.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 over 20 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/">https://voodoofranchising.com/</a>.

Voodoo Brewing Company, Voodoo Franchise Group, Voodoo franchise

The fast-growing craft brewery franchise rolls out a dual-platform loyalty program using Toast and Popmenu to help franchise owners increase repeat visits and strengthen local marketing.

voodoo-brewing-co-loyalty-program-launch-franchisee-support

tailgating-challenge

MEADVILLE, Pa.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.voodoobrewery.com/">Voodoo Brewing Co.</a> is wrapping up a momentous year marked by substantial expansion, operational improvements and deeper engagement. The craft beer brand ended 2025 with 27 locations nationwide, up from 21 at the start of the year. Reflecting on the growth, Chief Operating Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-ivey-ph-d-371a0618/">Erik Ivey</a> said the company approached 2025 with a clear plan to strengthen both relationships and operational foundations.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We came up with a game plan at the beginning of the year to embed ourselves in building relationships, first and foremost with our franchise owners, listening to them, understanding what was going well, what wasn’t and what we needed to do differently,” Ivey said. “We also wanted to listen to our communities and understand how we could improve for them. By the end of 2025, we’d built relationships, redesigned our model, opened quite a few locations, rewarded loyalty and moved in the right direction.”In 2025,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco/info">Voodoo</a> launched a loyalty program designed to deepen guest engagement while supporting franchisees in marketing directly to their communities.“It allows us to tell our story to loyalty members, provide offers and engage guests more meaningfully,” Ivey said. “It also attracts more loyalty members.”This year, the company supported franchise owners with training and marketing tools through Popmenu, a platform that streamlines communication with loyalty members and provides actionable data and insights.Voodoo also focused on optimizing its economic model. Underperforming locations were evaluated and supported, resulting in a substantial increase in average unit volume. New openings across smaller communities — including Sneads Ferry, North Carolina; Delafield, Wisconsin; Toledo, Ohio; and Lexington, South Carolina — exceeded expectations, attracting elevated local engagement from the start.Looking ahead to 2026, Voodoo plans to further expand its focus on hospitality and support for Voodoo franchisees. The company will further elevate the guest experience both in-house and through community engagement while providing franchise owners with more tools, resources and continuous support.&nbsp;“We’re emphasizing hospitality in three areas: back-of-house execution, front-of-house guest experience and community engagement outside the four walls,” Ivey said. “We’re focused on making it easier for Voodoo franchisees and guests alike.”&nbsp;By listening to franchise owners and engaging directly at the local level, Voodoo has positioned itself for continued growth (while maintaining the uniquely elevated, community-oriented identity that differentiates the brand in the competitive craft beer and restaurant industry).As 2026 approaches, Voodoo Franchise Group is prepared to continue its expansion trajectory. The new year will also see a focus on innovation and operational excellence. Voodoo will build on last year’s momentum with a focus on improving the guest experience and community connection driven by great beer at each local establishment.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco">https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco</a>.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 over 20 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/">https://voodoofranchising.com/</a>.

The craft beer franchise concludes 2025 with successful expansions, improved unit performance and a new loyalty program, positioning Voodoo for growth, innovation and increased franchisee support.

Craft Beer Enthusiast and Design Engineer Enters World of Franchising with Voodoo Brewing

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS