After years in medical device and surgical sales — and decades of experience in the restaurant industry — David Rivotto is preparing to open Indiana’s first Voodoo Brewing Co. brewpub in Fishers. He and his wife, Shayre, have deep roots in the community — he moved there from the Chicagoland area in 1985, while she’s lived in Indiana her entire life — and they saw the fun, untraditional franchise as a way to return to their entrepreneurial roots.
“We’re excited to bring this business to Fishers, Indiana,” Rivotto said. “We want people to come here for celebrations, gatherings, fun — just for community.” With an emphasis on atmosphere, he said the new brewpub will feature a thoughtfully designed outdoor space aimed at creating a memorable guest experience. “Of course, we want them to stay for the food and the drinks, but it’s just as important that they feel good in the environment.”
From the beginning, Rivotto said, he was drawn to the culture behind Voodoo Brewing Co. After visiting the team in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and learning the backstory of former CEO Matteo Rachocki, he knew he’d found the right fit. “So, for me, it was the culture, the food, the drinks and the business model. I liked everything about it — and I liked the people behind it.”
1851 Franchise caught up with Rivotto to hear how his passion for creating welcoming spaces and bringing people together led him to open Indiana’s first Voodoo Brewing Co. brewpub. Here’s what he had to say:
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?
David Rivotto: I’m married — my wife Shayre and I have been together for 31 years and will be celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary this August — long engagement — and we have two great boys. One is 16, going to be a junior in high school, and the other is 20. He just finished his first year at the University of Cincinnati and is looking at the pre-med route. We’ll see how that plays out; it’s still early.
We’ve also got a 9-year-old German shepherd named Max. Between Max and the kids, we stay pretty busy — mainly soccer practice and games with the youngest. My wife and I enjoy working out and spending time together when we get the chance.
We’ve both been in the restaurant business for a long time, ever since college. It got us through school, and we really enjoyed it. We also owned a high-end dog and cat boutique years ago — holistic food, clothing, pet jewelry, grooming. We did that for about three years. She was pregnant with our second son at the time. So I think we’re both entrepreneurial at heart.
The restaurant industry, though, has always been the most exciting endeavor. It’s tough — no question about it — but we like bringing people together, hosting gatherings, and serving others. That’s who we are.
1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Rivotto: I’ve been in medical sales — device and surgical — for many, many years. But even through college, I was in the service industry. I started as a dishwasher when I was 15 at a high-volume restaurant in Fishers. From there, I moved into prep cooking, then catering and eventually bartending once I was of age. That was where the cash was, and I was a starving college student looking for the easiest way to make money.
When my wife and I started thinking about getting back into business ownership, we looked at different franchises. I knew I had the passion, but I didn’t want to start from scratch at this stage in life. I wanted something with a track record — a good business model behind it. And something fun and different. Not just another house-cleaning or window-washing business. That’s how we stumbled upon Voodoo. I showed it to my wife and she said, “It looks kind of cool.” We liked the whole “uncorporate” vibe they promote.
Once I visited for Discovery Day in Meadville and saw the facilities, tried the food and beer, and met the team, it just felt right. I can’t explain it better than that. It felt like the right thing to do.
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?
Rivotto: Whenever you go into something new, there’s anxiety because you don’t know what to expect. But one of the reasons I liked the franchise model is that it’s not reinventing the wheel. Somebody has already had success with it. They’ve found the formula.
So it’s really just about diving in, being passionate, working hard and seeing it through. The experience with Voodoo has been good. The group is supportive and knowledgeable. That’s been my experience so far.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Rivotto: Honestly, it’s the culture. When I first learned about Voodoo, I read about Matteo Rachocki’s story — how he got into the brewing business after finishing his MBA and teamed up with a buddy just out of the military. They found this little brewery making great beer and helped grow it into what it is today.
There are a lot of craft beer brands out there, but this one is different. It’s the mix of beer, cocktails, craft sodas — and especially the food. They call it “elevated pub cuisine,” and I think that’s important. It’s not just hush puppies and fries. They’ve got unique dishes that people really enjoy.
So, for me, it was the culture, the food, the drinks and the business model. I liked everything about it — and I liked the people behind it.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Rivotto: The goal from the beginning was to start with one and expand to three — each about 20 minutes apart so they’re close but not overlapping. The main thing is to do this first one really well. If we can build a loyal following, we’ll go from there. Hopefully we’ll be blessed with success and be able to keep growing beyond that.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Rivotto: We’re excited to bring this business to Fishers, Indiana. We want people to come here for celebrations, gatherings, fun — just for community. We’re putting a lot into making the outdoor space feel different and inviting, a place where people want to be. The ambiance alone should draw them in. Of course, we want them to stay for the food and the drinks, but it’s just as important that they feel good in the environment. We’re really trying to hit it out of the park with the décor and outdoor space.
1851 Franchise: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Rivotto: Everyone says, “Do your research,” and that sounds simplistic, but it’s true. Read the fine print. Talk to people — some who are currently in the system and some who have left. Not everyone has the same experience.
Figure out what you’re passionate about. Make sure the franchise is a fit for you and your family. Know exactly what you’re getting for your money — what support the franchisor provides, what the royalties go toward and whether that aligns with your expectations. If it doesn’t, then at least you’re making the decision with eyes wide open.
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/.
Voodoo Brewing Co.
SPONSORED
Drawn to the brand’s “uncorporate” culture and elevated pub experience, Rivotto hopes to create a local destination for community, celebration and connection in Fishers, Indiana.
After years in medical device and surgical sales — and decades of experience in the restaurant industry — David Rivotto is preparing to open Indiana’s first Voodoo Brewing Co. brewpub in Fishers. He and his wife, Shayre, have deep roots in the community — he moved there from the Chicagoland area in 1985, while she’s lived in Indiana her entire life — and they saw the fun, untraditional franchise as a way to return to their entrepreneurial roots.
“We’re excited to bring this business to Fishers, Indiana,” Rivotto said. “We want people to come here for celebrations, gatherings, fun — just for community.” With an emphasis on atmosphere, he said the new brewpub will feature a thoughtfully designed outdoor space aimed at creating a memorable guest experience. “Of course, we want them to stay for the food and the drinks, but it’s just as important that they feel good in the environment.”
From the beginning, Rivotto said, he was drawn to the culture behind Voodoo Brewing Co. After visiting the team in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and learning the backstory of former CEO Matteo Rachocki, he knew he’d found the right fit. “So, for me, it was the culture, the food, the drinks and the business model. I liked everything about it — and I liked the people behind it.”
1851 Franchise caught up with Rivotto to hear how his passion for creating welcoming spaces and bringing people together led him to open Indiana’s first Voodoo Brewing Co. brewpub. Here’s what he had to say:
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?
David Rivotto: I’m married — my wife Shayre and I have been together for 31 years and will be celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary this August — long engagement — and we have two great boys. One is 16, going to be a junior in high school, and the other is 20. He just finished his first year at the University of Cincinnati and is looking at the pre-med route. We’ll see how that plays out; it’s still early.
We’ve also got a 9-year-old German shepherd named Max. Between Max and the kids, we stay pretty busy — mainly soccer practice and games with the youngest. My wife and I enjoy working out and spending time together when we get the chance.
We’ve both been in the restaurant business for a long time, ever since college. It got us through school, and we really enjoyed it. We also owned a high-end dog and cat boutique years ago — holistic food, clothing, pet jewelry, grooming. We did that for about three years. She was pregnant with our second son at the time. So I think we’re both entrepreneurial at heart.
The restaurant industry, though, has always been the most exciting endeavor. It’s tough — no question about it — but we like bringing people together, hosting gatherings, and serving others. That’s who we are.
1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Rivotto: I’ve been in medical sales — device and surgical — for many, many years. But even through college, I was in the service industry. I started as a dishwasher when I was 15 at a high-volume restaurant in Fishers. From there, I moved into prep cooking, then catering and eventually bartending once I was of age. That was where the cash was, and I was a starving college student looking for the easiest way to make money.
When my wife and I started thinking about getting back into business ownership, we looked at different franchises. I knew I had the passion, but I didn’t want to start from scratch at this stage in life. I wanted something with a track record — a good business model behind it. And something fun and different. Not just another house-cleaning or window-washing business. That’s how we stumbled upon Voodoo. I showed it to my wife and she said, “It looks kind of cool.” We liked the whole “uncorporate” vibe they promote.
Once I visited for Discovery Day in Meadville and saw the facilities, tried the food and beer, and met the team, it just felt right. I can’t explain it better than that. It felt like the right thing to do.
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?
Rivotto: Whenever you go into something new, there’s anxiety because you don’t know what to expect. But one of the reasons I liked the franchise model is that it’s not reinventing the wheel. Somebody has already had success with it. They’ve found the formula.
So it’s really just about diving in, being passionate, working hard and seeing it through. The experience with Voodoo has been good. The group is supportive and knowledgeable. That’s been my experience so far.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Rivotto: Honestly, it’s the culture. When I first learned about Voodoo, I read about Matteo Rachocki’s story — how he got into the brewing business after finishing his MBA and teamed up with a buddy just out of the military. They found this little brewery making great beer and helped grow it into what it is today.
There are a lot of craft beer brands out there, but this one is different. It’s the mix of beer, cocktails, craft sodas — and especially the food. They call it “elevated pub cuisine,” and I think that’s important. It’s not just hush puppies and fries. They’ve got unique dishes that people really enjoy.
So, for me, it was the culture, the food, the drinks and the business model. I liked everything about it — and I liked the people behind it.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Rivotto: The goal from the beginning was to start with one and expand to three — each about 20 minutes apart so they’re close but not overlapping. The main thing is to do this first one really well. If we can build a loyal following, we’ll go from there. Hopefully we’ll be blessed with success and be able to keep growing beyond that.
1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?
Rivotto: We’re excited to bring this business to Fishers, Indiana. We want people to come here for celebrations, gatherings, fun — just for community. We’re putting a lot into making the outdoor space feel different and inviting, a place where people want to be. The ambiance alone should draw them in. Of course, we want them to stay for the food and the drinks, but it’s just as important that they feel good in the environment. We’re really trying to hit it out of the park with the décor and outdoor space.
1851 Franchise: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?
Rivotto: Everyone says, “Do your research,” and that sounds simplistic, but it’s true. Read the fine print. Talk to people — some who are currently in the system and some who have left. Not everyone has the same experience.
Figure out what you’re passionate about. Make sure the franchise is a fit for you and your family. Know exactly what you’re getting for your money — what support the franchisor provides, what the royalties go toward and whether that aligns with your expectations. If it doesn’t, then at least you’re making the decision with eyes wide open.
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/.
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