For Fahad and Manal Keen, the decision to leave behind their corporate careers and step into the world of franchising wasn’t just about business — it was about reinvention. As their children prepared to leave for college, the couple found themselves at a crossroads, asking, “What’s next?” The answer came unexpectedly when they discovered Voodoo Franchise Group, a brand that resonated with their passion for hospitality, community and creativity.

“At first, restaurants, bars and pubs weren’t even on our radar,” Manal said. But something about Voodoo’s “unfranchise franchise” approach kept drawing them in. The brand wasn’t just selling a business model — it was sharing a story of breaking away from the corporate grind and building something deeply personal. That journey struck a chord with the Keens, leading them to take the leap and open their first business together.

Manal’s love for entertaining and creating warm, welcoming spaces combined with Fahad’s entrepreneurial mindset — shaped by childhood memories of his parents running a grocery store — made the decision feel right. Their location, featuring a rooftop in a vibrant retail district, is designed to be more than just a pub. They want their Voodoo Brewing Co. location to be a dynamic, inclusive gathering space where people of all backgrounds feel at home.

“We want to break the stereotypes of what a pub is,” Manal said. “It’s not just beer and sports — we’re bringing a Mediterranean flair to the menu, adding a mocktail selection, and creating an atmosphere where everyone, no matter their preferences, can enjoy themselves.”

1851 Franchise spoke to Manal about her franchising journey with her husband and their plans for the future. Here’s what she 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?

Manal Keen: This is our very first business venture and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Both Fahad and I come from strong corporate backgrounds, where we spent decades developing skills in strategy, analytics and problem-solving.

About four years ago, we reached a point where we started reflecting on life and what we wanted for the next chapter. With our son in college and our daughter soon heading off as well, we knew we were approaching a new phase as empty-nesters. That sparked an exciting yet daunting question: “What’s next?” We began exploring different opportunities — franchises, consulting firms and more — searching for something that would allow us to step out of the corporate grind and build something meaningful, fulfilling and uniquely ours.

While exploring options, we stumbled across Voodoo Franchise Group online and it instantly caught our attention. What stood out was their description of being the “unfranchise franchise.” They weren’t just offering a business model; they were sharing their journey of leaving structured corporate roles to create something driven by passion. That narrative resonated deeply with us. Personally, I’ve always loved cooking, entertaining and creating spaces where people feel connected, while Fahad’s childhood memories of his parents running a niche grocery market in a South Asian community gave him a natural appreciation for entrepreneurship.

At first, restaurants, bars and pubs weren’t even on our radar. But something about Voodoo kept drawing us in. One day, a recommendation video from Voodoo popped up, and we decided to learn more. We took a leap and visited their team in Pennsylvania. It was there that everything clicked. We fell in love with their culture, their creative approach to food and beer and their commitment to fostering community and family-like connections. It felt like the universe had orchestrated this moment — it wasn’t just a coincidence.

Ultimately, we decided to take the plunge. This venture is a leap of faith, but it’s also a deeply thought-out decision that aligns with everything we love and value. It will be Fahad’s baby as he transitions full-time into running the business, and I’ll continue to support him while keeping one foot in my corporate career. We couldn’t be more excited to embark on this new journey together.

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?

Manal: The way we thought about it was that this was our first time entering an industry where we didn’t have much experience. If we were opening a business in a field aligned with our existing skill set and experience, franchising might not have made sense. But we viewed it as a hybrid model — our first time in this industry — with the backing of a franchise that’s an expert in the field, offering branding, support and structure. At the same time, it allowed us to pursue the entrepreneurial freedom we were looking for.

For us, franchising provided a balance between structure and support on one side and the entrepreneurship we wanted on the other.

1851: Are there any specific plans for the grand opening that you’d like to share with the community?

Manal: Absolutely! We couldn’t be more excited about our grand opening — it’s going to be a celebration like no other. Our location is truly special, with a rooftop in the heart of a vibrant mixed-use retail area surrounded by homes, businesses and entertainment venues. It’s the perfect spot to create a welcoming space for the community.

For the big day, we’re pulling out all the stops. Picture a high-energy atmosphere with live music, a DJ to keep the vibe upbeat and plenty of excitement as we welcome everyone. We’ve invited local news outlets and influencers to help spread the word, but more than anything, we’re aiming to create an event that feels like a giant family barbecue — the kind of celebration you look forward to all year.

This isn’t just about launching a business; it’s about creating a space where the community comes together, connects and has an incredible time. Whether you’re here for the food, the drinks, the entertainment or just the vibe, we want the grand opening to set the tone for everything our brewpub will represent: fun, inclusivity and a sense of belonging. It’s going to be unforgettable!

When I think about my friends — who are very diverse — some eat meat, some don’t, some avoid pork, some drink and some don’t. I don’t want anyone to feel awkward or left out. That’s why we’ll have a mocktail menu alongside the cocktail menu — so everyone can have a fun drink in their hands. Even options like 0% beer will be available, so someone can enjoy the feel of a beer without alcohol.

I also want it to be a safe haven for musicians and artists. We’ve thought about having a musician or artist corner where they can display their work, sell their music or whatnot. That’s something we’d like to bring in later. So, overall, it’s about making it a true community space.

We’re also going to make it dog-friendly and have sports, music, games and entertainment. Our goal is to make it multifaceted — a place for multiple generations and people from all walks of life.

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

Manal: Fahad and I have been married for 20 years and we’re still young at heart — that says a lot! We got married young and over the years, we’ve grown and evolved together in ways that have deepened our connection. We’re each other’s ride-or-die, and that bond drives everything we do.

What sets us apart — and what I think is at the heart of our success, both personally and professionally — is our commitment to values. We believe deeply in humanity, treating people with respect, breaking outdated norms and leading with empathy. These principles aren’t just things we talk about; they guide how we live our lives. And let’s be honest, in today’s fast-paced world, values like empathy and kindness often get left behind. We’re determined to change that.

We’re bringing these values into our business and they’re going to be the foundation of everything we build. Fahad, who will be running the pub full-time, has a warmth and genuineness that makes people want to stick around. I’m not just saying that because he’s my husband — it’s true. He has this incredible ability to make people feel valued and welcome. We want our employees to feel like family and we want our customers to sense that same spirit of belonging. It’s the kind of energy you can feel the moment you walk into a space — when it’s alive, welcoming and full of heart. That’s the experience we want to create.

We truly believe that if your intentions are pure — if you lead with heart and do the right things for the right reasons — good will always find its way back to you. That’s our mantra and it’s the driving force behind everything we’re building. This isn’t just a business for us — it’s a reflection of who we are and what we believe in. We’re so excited to share that with our community.

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

Manal: We do have plans to continuously have fun with the menu and expand optionality and customization — you know, have fun with sort of viral, trending dishes every month — and customize them to "Voodoo-ize" them. So, we want to do that fun piece.

I think the other piece would be continuously evolving because when people think about a pub, there’s this unconscious bias that kicks in. They think of a pub as just guys, beer, and sports, right? But Voodoo is so far from that. We have a full bar, cocktails and a menu that’s not just elevated bar food. We’re adding a Mediterranean flair to our location. Think hummus, falafel, gyros, shawarma and bowls. We’re really trying to make it a little more eclectic and a place where everyone can find something.

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

Manal: My biggest piece of advice is simple: Stop waiting for the “perfect” time because it doesn’t exist. Overplanning, overthinking and second-guessing yourself can paralyze you. That’s something I wish I had understood 15 years ago. If you have the desire and the vision, just go for it! Taking the leap is the hardest part, but there’s no harm in trying. Every great journey begins with that first step.

Another important tip is to be prepared for the learning curve, especially if you’re stepping into an industry that’s new to you. Retail, construction or any business that involves building and logistics can have a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to get tripped up if you’re not familiar with the process. We learned this firsthand. For example, we experienced delays because we didn’t realize certain things could have been done simultaneously while waiting for inspections. If you’re new to the game, seek guidance from a mentor or consultant who knows the ropes — it can save you time and frustration and help you stay ahead.

Finally, let’s talk about the financial side. Many people assume franchising is prohibitively expensive, but it’s much more accessible than most realize. Yes, there’s a franchise fee but financing options like SBA loans make it achievable. Think about it this way: we take out loans for houses or cars that don’t generate income. This is different — it’s an investment that can actually pay you back. In some cases, your loan payments might even be less than your monthly mortgage! The key is breaking down those mental barriers. Once you understand how the financials work, you realize the leap isn’t as scary as it seems.

Franchising is about stepping outside your comfort zone, but the rewards are worth it. You’re not just building a business; you’re building a future. Trust in your ability to figure it out, take the plunge, and let the journey surprise you in the best possible way!

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/.