Bryan Ronning has spent his entire career in the culinary and hospitality industry, from making pizzas at 14 to becoming an executive chef at a large catering company. Now, he’s taking the leap into ownership by bringing Voodoo Brewing Co. to Delafield, Wisconsin. For Ronning, this isn’t just about opening a brewpub — it’s about creating a destination that combines his love for food, community and craft beer.

Wisconsin’s reputation as the beer capital of the U.S. provides the perfect backdrop for Voodoo Brewing Co., which offers not just world-class beer but also a unique, communal dining experience. Ronning’s passion for hospitality shines through in his plans to craft a space where neighbors, families and friends can gather. With an untapped market in the area, this new venture is sure to make a lasting impact on Delafield. 

1851 Franchise spoke to Ronning about his franchise journey and plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Bryan Ronning: I've been in the culinary and hospitality industry for basically my entire working career. I've never had a job that wasn't in the hospitality business. I started out making pizzas at around 14 years old. And then from there, I did everything from dishwashing to barbacking to serving to cooking — pretty much everything. After culinary school, I became the executive chef at a large catering company. So I've seen everything in the business. I've done everything in the business. I've never owned my own and I thought now was the time to do it.

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?

Ronning: The thing that scared me about franchising was how cookie cutter everything normally is in the franchise world. As somebody with a huge culinary background, I want to be able to express myself. That's why we settled on Voodoo. They do let a lot of independence shine through in the design of your pub, in the design of your menu and things like that.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Ronning: What I just mentioned about independence is a huge reason we really like them. Of course, they also have good beer. We really enjoyed their beer when we tried it on our Acceptance Day. It was fantastic. Coming into Wisconsin, we are the beer capital of the U.S. We have tons of different micro brews, and even the national brands — they're all brewing here. 

It's an untapped market in the area that’s looking for a craft beer destination. There’s really nothing else like it around where we’re going. The sense of community at Voodoo is something we really loved. It’s not just about beer; it’s about creating a communal experience. We have bigger tables and more community-style seating. You’re not going to be greeted by a hostess and directed to a table. Instead, you’ll find an open seat and go for it. 

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Ronning: Plans for growth are definitely to open up another one, at least in Wisconsin. I think the market here can handle it. If this is successful, then we're definitely going to move forward with getting another one opened. Also, I want to keep growing my restaurant portfolio, using this as my starting point and then hopefully going on to open up other different kinds of restaurants.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Ronning: Just my passion for making people happy. People say that I'm intimidating. You know, I'm six foot two, bald and have a giant beard. So especially coming into any of my kitchens that you've ever worked in, seeing me standing there in charge of everybody is intimidating. But I'd still like to make people happy through hospitality and food. My food is my passion, and I know it makes people happy. 

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Ronning: Really do your research on them. Talk to other owners of the franchises, meet with their core staff and really find what works best for you. 

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 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 https://voodoofranchising.com/.