Kevin Rekiel and his family didn’t get into franchising to chase trends or cash in on a quick concept — they got into it to build something real. After more than 20 years of homebrewing and dreaming about opening a community-focused brewpub, Kevin, his wife Donna and their son Joey found the perfect match in Voodoo Brewing Co. The brand’s flexibility, focus on local engagement and creative freedom aligned perfectly with the family’s values.
With roots in Chapin, South Carolina, and a genuine desire to serve others, the Rekiels are bringing something special to the nearby city of Newberry. Donna, who has spent years volunteering and supporting her family, was drawn to Voodoo’s commitment to community — from fundraisers to partnerships with local organizations. Joey, who manages the day-to-day development of their Newberry location, sees the venture as more than just a business; it’s a space to bring people together. And while the family once planned to start their own concept from scratch, they found in Voodoo a brand that lets them be themselves — bold, hands-on and heart-forward.
1851 Franchise sat down with Kevin, Donna and Joey to talk about their journey into franchising, why Voodoo felt like the right fit and how they’re building a business rooted in community and authenticity. Here’s what they had to say:
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?
Kevin Rekiel: As a family, we've been brewing beer for over 20 years. When we first started, Joey was a little too young to participate, but over the years he got involved, and it became something we enjoyed doing together. We had always planned to open a microbrewery and a small restaurant, and we spent years trying to make that happen before discovering the Voodoo franchise. Once we saw everything it takes to build a brand from scratch, we realized Voodoo already had a lot of what we were trying to create — plus a proven track record. It just made sense.
Donna Rekiel: We’ve always wanted to give back to the community. That’s very important to us. One of the things that drew me to Voodoo was how much they focus on that. Their events, their fundraisers, their community involvement — it checked a lot of boxes for us.
1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Kevin: I was in the corporate world for 32 years. I’m a mechanical engineer by trade and spent 25 of those years with General Electric. For the last seven years I worked for a company that GE sold. My last role was a Senior Director of Procurement for North America in the water processing business — installing systems for every industry from beverages to nuclear power, microchip manufacturing and even local water municipalities. We signed on with Voodoo in July 2023 while I was still employed. I later decided to step away from my corporate career at the end of 2024 and go full-time with this.
Donna: I’ve worked a variety of administrative jobs over the years. I was with Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania where I managed the food service for the school. I worked in legal services for a while before moving to something that I felt would be more rewarding. One of the best roles I had was being a property manager for the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency. I managed 5 housing locations with over 100 units where all of my residents were physically disabled. It was there that I realized my true passion for helping people. We both have been deeply involved in the community — schools, church, scouting.
Joey Rekiel: After college, I worked in technical trades, but I really found my place working in restaurants. I’ve held several leadership roles, most recently as a restaurant manager in Chapin. Since starting with Voodoo, I’ve taken on the role of developing our physical location by managing subcontractors, negotiating with suppliers, handling timelines and overseeing everything from growing our social media presence to physically building the bars.
Kevin: We bought our building in Newberry about 2 years ago and Joey has been the liaison making sure everything gets done. He’s been the cat herder, really.
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?
Kevin: I always thought of franchising as a business in a box. You invest, get a handbook, a product or service, and follow the checklist. I figured you just needed the capital and some basic business knowledge, and the franchisor would guide the rest.
I’ve come to realize that with an emerging brand like Voodoo, franchising isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience — and that’s not a bad thing. As franchise number 31, we’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the brand, helping shape its direction and structure as it evolves. While we’ve received solid guidance, we’ve also been able to put our own fingerprint on the business. It takes commitment and a hands-on approach, but that’s part of what makes the journey rewarding.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Kevin: It was the freedom and the vibe. If you're sitting in our Voodoo in Newberry and then you go to the one in Las Vegas, you're still in a Voodoo — but they’re completely different. The core product and brand are the same, but each one is customized to its community. That kind of flexibility and creativity really excited us.
Donna: It’s also that community focus again. Voodoo encourages local events, fundraisers, and partnerships. That meant a lot to us.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Kevin: Newberry reminds me of where I grew up in Pennsylvania. It feels like home. I’ve traveled the world and lived all over, and this just feels right. I want to give back, stay connected to the community, and build something lasting. I want Joey to take it over one day and continue on his own journey.
Joey: Right now, I’m focused on what we’re building here. Who knows what comes next? Maybe more Voodoo locations, maybe our own brewery, maybe something else entirely. But I want it to be something that brings people together and benefits our community.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Kevin: What’s important is that people know we’re genuine. We want to do something meaningful, build a community space, and enjoy the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Come on in and have a good time.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Kevin: My advice is: don’t expect it to go the way you think it will. You’ll go in with a plan, and then things will come at you from every direction. But if you’re willing to work hard, stay passionate, and show up every day, you’ll be fine.
Also, embrace the surprises. If you’re not comfortable with risk, you probably shouldn’t go into business — even with a franchise.
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 30 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/.
Voodoo Brewing Co.
SPONSORED
After years of homebrewing and community involvement, Kevin, Donna and Joey Rekiel found the perfect match in a brewpub franchise that values authenticity, flexibility and local impact.
Kevin Rekiel and his family didn’t get into franchising to chase trends or cash in on a quick concept — they got into it to build something real. After more than 20 years of homebrewing and dreaming about opening a community-focused brewpub, Kevin, his wife Donna and their son Joey found the perfect match in Voodoo Brewing Co. The brand’s flexibility, focus on local engagement and creative freedom aligned perfectly with the family’s values.
With roots in Chapin, South Carolina, and a genuine desire to serve others, the Rekiels are bringing something special to the nearby city of Newberry. Donna, who has spent years volunteering and supporting her family, was drawn to Voodoo’s commitment to community — from fundraisers to partnerships with local organizations. Joey, who manages the day-to-day development of their Newberry location, sees the venture as more than just a business; it’s a space to bring people together. And while the family once planned to start their own concept from scratch, they found in Voodoo a brand that lets them be themselves — bold, hands-on and heart-forward.
1851 Franchise sat down with Kevin, Donna and Joey to talk about their journey into franchising, why Voodoo felt like the right fit and how they’re building a business rooted in community and authenticity. Here’s what they had to say:
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?
Kevin Rekiel: As a family, we've been brewing beer for over 20 years. When we first started, Joey was a little too young to participate, but over the years he got involved, and it became something we enjoyed doing together. We had always planned to open a microbrewery and a small restaurant, and we spent years trying to make that happen before discovering the Voodoo franchise. Once we saw everything it takes to build a brand from scratch, we realized Voodoo already had a lot of what we were trying to create — plus a proven track record. It just made sense.
Donna Rekiel: We’ve always wanted to give back to the community. That’s very important to us. One of the things that drew me to Voodoo was how much they focus on that. Their events, their fundraisers, their community involvement — it checked a lot of boxes for us.
1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Kevin: I was in the corporate world for 32 years. I’m a mechanical engineer by trade and spent 25 of those years with General Electric. For the last seven years I worked for a company that GE sold. My last role was a Senior Director of Procurement for North America in the water processing business — installing systems for every industry from beverages to nuclear power, microchip manufacturing and even local water municipalities. We signed on with Voodoo in July 2023 while I was still employed. I later decided to step away from my corporate career at the end of 2024 and go full-time with this.
Donna: I’ve worked a variety of administrative jobs over the years. I was with Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania where I managed the food service for the school. I worked in legal services for a while before moving to something that I felt would be more rewarding. One of the best roles I had was being a property manager for the Pennsylvania Housing and Finance Agency. I managed 5 housing locations with over 100 units where all of my residents were physically disabled. It was there that I realized my true passion for helping people. We both have been deeply involved in the community — schools, church, scouting.
Joey Rekiel: After college, I worked in technical trades, but I really found my place working in restaurants. I’ve held several leadership roles, most recently as a restaurant manager in Chapin. Since starting with Voodoo, I’ve taken on the role of developing our physical location by managing subcontractors, negotiating with suppliers, handling timelines and overseeing everything from growing our social media presence to physically building the bars.
Kevin: We bought our building in Newberry about 2 years ago and Joey has been the liaison making sure everything gets done. He’s been the cat herder, really.
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?
Kevin: I always thought of franchising as a business in a box. You invest, get a handbook, a product or service, and follow the checklist. I figured you just needed the capital and some basic business knowledge, and the franchisor would guide the rest.
I’ve come to realize that with an emerging brand like Voodoo, franchising isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience — and that’s not a bad thing. As franchise number 31, we’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the brand, helping shape its direction and structure as it evolves. While we’ve received solid guidance, we’ve also been able to put our own fingerprint on the business. It takes commitment and a hands-on approach, but that’s part of what makes the journey rewarding.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Kevin: It was the freedom and the vibe. If you're sitting in our Voodoo in Newberry and then you go to the one in Las Vegas, you're still in a Voodoo — but they’re completely different. The core product and brand are the same, but each one is customized to its community. That kind of flexibility and creativity really excited us.
Donna: It’s also that community focus again. Voodoo encourages local events, fundraisers, and partnerships. That meant a lot to us.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Kevin: Newberry reminds me of where I grew up in Pennsylvania. It feels like home. I’ve traveled the world and lived all over, and this just feels right. I want to give back, stay connected to the community, and build something lasting. I want Joey to take it over one day and continue on his own journey.
Joey: Right now, I’m focused on what we’re building here. Who knows what comes next? Maybe more Voodoo locations, maybe our own brewery, maybe something else entirely. But I want it to be something that brings people together and benefits our community.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Kevin: What’s important is that people know we’re genuine. We want to do something meaningful, build a community space, and enjoy the people we choose to surround ourselves with. Come on in and have a good time.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Kevin: My advice is: don’t expect it to go the way you think it will. You’ll go in with a plan, and then things will come at you from every direction. But if you’re willing to work hard, stay passionate, and show up every day, you’ll be fine.
Also, embrace the surprises. If you’re not comfortable with risk, you probably shouldn’t go into business — even with a franchise.
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 30 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/.
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