Bob Skepnek spent more than 35 years brewing beer at home. He always enjoyed the process and sometimes thought about opening his own brewery. After leaving his job in corporate engineering, he decided it was time to look at business ownership.
At first, Skepnek explored different franchises, including a doggy day care. But when he learned about Voodoo Brewing Co., the idea stood out. “They sold themselves as the ‘un-franchise’ franchise,” he said. “You’d have a lot of independent input into the look and operation of the pub while still getting the backing of a bigger organization.”
For Skepnek, it was the right mix of independence and support, and it also let him stay close to his passion for beer. “As fun as brewing beer is, it's also a lot of work,” he said. “I was attracted to Voodoo because it had credibility in the craft beer industry and it takes some of that heavy lifting off my plate since they brew the beer, I could focus on running the business and other aspects of it.”
Skepnek’s background as a design engineer has shaped the way he runs his location. He takes on many roles, from marketing and design to making the occasional repair. “Before I call somebody to fix a problem, I feel like I’m going to take a shot at fixing it,” he said. “My first instinct is to solve the problem myself.”
This approach helps him manage costs and keeps him connected to every part of the operation.
Before the pub even opened, he joined the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. That decision gave him valuable connections and strong community support. “St. Pete is a very tight community that supports local businesses,” he said. “The connections I made through the chamber really embraced the business and supported it.”
That early involvement made a big difference once the doors opened. People already knew his name and what he was working to build. It created word-of-mouth momentum and helped turn first-time visitors into repeat customers.
Customers expect good craft beer when they come to Voodoo Brewing Co., but Skepnek wanted to make sure the experience offered more. His location includes a food menu and a full liquor bar, along with an inviting family space with ping pong tables and board games. “It’s a welcoming atmosphere that offers a lot,” he said. “Parents can enjoy a beer while their kids play, and everyone feels comfortable.”
For Skepnek, the strength of the Voodoo model is the balance it gives owners. “I still like the combination of support when I need it and independence for me to make my own decisions,” he said. This setup allows him to manage his pub in a way that reflects his style while still having help when needed.
From brewing beer at home to running a pub in St. Pete, Skepnek has turned his hobby into a business. His location shows how a mix of personal passion and professional problem-solving can come together to create a place that feels both local and lasting.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco.
Voodoo Brewing Co.
SPONSORED
Blending creative freedom with an engineer's mindset, Bob Skepnek shares how he launched a standout Voodoo Brewing Co. location in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Bob Skepnek spent more than 35 years brewing beer at home. He always enjoyed the process and sometimes thought about opening his own brewery. After leaving his job in corporate engineering, he decided it was time to look at business ownership.
At first, Skepnek explored different franchises, including a doggy day care. But when he learned about Voodoo Brewing Co., the idea stood out. “They sold themselves as the ‘un-franchise’ franchise,” he said. “You’d have a lot of independent input into the look and operation of the pub while still getting the backing of a bigger organization.”
For Skepnek, it was the right mix of independence and support, and it also let him stay close to his passion for beer. “As fun as brewing beer is, it's also a lot of work,” he said. “I was attracted to Voodoo because it had credibility in the craft beer industry and it takes some of that heavy lifting off my plate since they brew the beer, I could focus on running the business and other aspects of it.”
Skepnek’s background as a design engineer has shaped the way he runs his location. He takes on many roles, from marketing and design to making the occasional repair. “Before I call somebody to fix a problem, I feel like I’m going to take a shot at fixing it,” he said. “My first instinct is to solve the problem myself.”
This approach helps him manage costs and keeps him connected to every part of the operation.
Before the pub even opened, he joined the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. That decision gave him valuable connections and strong community support. “St. Pete is a very tight community that supports local businesses,” he said. “The connections I made through the chamber really embraced the business and supported it.”
That early involvement made a big difference once the doors opened. People already knew his name and what he was working to build. It created word-of-mouth momentum and helped turn first-time visitors into repeat customers.
Customers expect good craft beer when they come to Voodoo Brewing Co., but Skepnek wanted to make sure the experience offered more. His location includes a food menu and a full liquor bar, along with an inviting family space with ping pong tables and board games. “It’s a welcoming atmosphere that offers a lot,” he said. “Parents can enjoy a beer while their kids play, and everyone feels comfortable.”
For Skepnek, the strength of the Voodoo model is the balance it gives owners. “I still like the combination of support when I need it and independence for me to make my own decisions,” he said. This setup allows him to manage his pub in a way that reflects his style while still having help when needed.
From brewing beer at home to running a pub in St. Pete, Skepnek has turned his hobby into a business. His location shows how a mix of personal passion and professional problem-solving can come together to create a place that feels both local and lasting.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco.
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