For anyone exploring franchise ownership with Voodoo Brewing Co., the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is an essential resource for understanding the brand and its business model. While the FDD includes 23 sections, this article focuses on the most important items — from startup costs to leadership background — that provide key insights into the opportunity. The 2025 FDD gives prospective Voodoo Brewing Co. franchisees a clear, transparent look at what it takes to join this fast-growing, craft-beer-powered pub concept.
Item 1: The Franchisor, Its Affiliates and Business Model
This section introduces Voodoo Licensing LLC, the franchisor of the Voodoo Brewing Co. brand. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Union City, Pennsylvania, Voodoo Licensing LLC offers both single-unit and multi-unit franchise opportunities for restaurant and bar locations featuring Voodoo’s proprietary craft beers and pub-style food.
The franchised business must follow the brand’s operational system, which includes proprietary recipes, ingredients, marketing materials and design standards, all laid out in the confidential operations manual. Franchisees operate under the "Voodoo Brewing Co." or "Voodoo Brewery" brand, using approved ingredients, products and supplies designated by the franchisor.
Item 2: Business Experience
Item 2 highlights the backgrounds of Voodoo Brewing Co.’s executive team. This leadership group brings deep industry experience in franchising, operations, marketing and food service.
Key team members include:
- Mike Edwards, Board Member: Over 25 years in franchising and co-founder of Raintree Franchise Growth.
- Brent Dowling, Board Member: Franchise development veteran and co-founder of Raintree.
- Andrew Volanski, Senior Director of Operations: Has held nearly every pub operations role at Voodoo since 2015.
- Dr. Erik Ivey, Chief Operating Officer: Brings leadership experience from Noodles & Co., Pancheros and REEF Kitchens.
Item 5: Initial Fees
This item outlines the franchise fees required to get started. Voodoo Brewing Co. offers several options:
- Single-Unit Franchise: $75,000
- 1-2 Multi-Franchise Addendum: $125,000 (for up to two locations)
- 1–3 Multi-Franchise Addendum: $150,000 (for up to three locations)
- 1–5 Multi-Franchise Addendum: $200,000 (for up to five locations)
Franchisees must also pay a $10,000 Launch Fee for the first location, which helps cover site selection and pre-opening support. No launch fee is required for additional units.
For those choosing a Multi-Unit Development Agreement, there is an additional $50,000 Development Area Fee for each location beyond the first (minimum four, maximum 10). Veterans are eligible for a 20% discount on their first Initial Franchise Fee.
Item 6: Other Fees
Beyond the initial franchise fee and upfront investment, Voodoo Brewing Co. franchisees are responsible for several ongoing and situational costs that are detailed in this section. For example:
- Royalty Fee: 6% of Gross Sales, automatically debited weekly.
- Brand Development Fund: Up to 3% of Gross Sales, currently set at 0.5%.
- Local Marketing Spend: Franchisees must spend 1% of Gross Sales on approved marketing within their territory.
Item 7: Estimated Initial Investment
One of the most critical FDD sections, Item 7 provides a detailed breakdown of the costs to open a Voodoo Brewing Co. franchise. According to the 2025 FDD, the estimated total investment ranges from $481,500 to $1,625,000 for a single unit. A few of these costs include:
- Franchise Fee: $75,000
- Launch Fee: $10,000
- Construction and Leasehold Improvements: $151,000 - $800,000
- Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment: $65,000 - $200,000
- Signage, Technology, Inventory: Combined $37,500 - $75,000
These ranges reflect the variability in site buildout, market size and location-specific requirements like liquor licensing. Franchisees are expected to cover all costs related to design, training travel and legal setup.
Item 9: Franchisee Obligations
Item 9 summarizes key responsibilities, including site selection, training, marketing, fee payments, compliance and operational standards. Franchisees must actively manage their business, follow brand policies and submit required reports on time.
Item 11: Franchisor’s Assistance, Advertising, Systems and Training
Voodoo provides support before opening, including site review, territory designation, access to the operations manual, approved supplier lists and initial training. Training lasts about one week and includes up to four team members. Franchisees also receive a website listing and brand guidelines for marketing and media use. Site selection is franchisee-led but must be approved by the franchisor.
Item 12: Territory
Franchisees are granted a territory, typically a 2-mile radius, once a site is approved. Territories are not exclusive — Voodoo may operate or license others nearby, especially in non-traditional venues. Additional units require a separate agreement. Franchisees must focus sales and marketing within their own territory, but Voodoo can sell in any area through other channels.
Item 13: Trademarks
Franchisees can use the “Voodoo Brewing Co.” and “Voodoo Brewery” trademarks as licensed by Voodoo Brewing Co., Inc. Use is restricted to brand guidelines and may not be part of the legal business name without approval. Rights remain valid under the Franchise Agreement even if the master license ends.
Item 14: Patents, Copyrights and Proprietary Information
Voodoo does not own any patents or registered copyrights but may copyright its manuals and marketing materials. Franchisees must keep all manuals and proprietary information confidential, limit access to trained management staff, and report any unauthorized use immediately.
Item 15: Obligation to Participate in the Business
Franchisees must oversee operations directly or appoint a trained and approved Operating Manager. The business must always be supervised on-site. All owners and their spouses must personally guarantee the franchise obligations and agree to non-compete terms for up to 24 months after leaving the system.
Item 16: Restrictions on What the Franchisee May Sell
Franchisees may only sell approved products and services listed in the manual or otherwise authorized in writing. While beer offerings can vary by location, all other items must meet brand standards. Sales must occur exclusively from the restaurant location.
Item 17: Renewal, Termination, Transfer and Dispute Resolution
This section includes the length of the franchise term, conditions for renewal, how and when the agreement can be terminated, rules for transferring ownership, and how disputes are resolved.
For example, Voodoo Brewing Co. offers a 10-year initial term with the option to renew for two additional five-year terms. To renew, franchisees must be in good standing, give proper notice, sign the then-current agreement, pay a renewal fee, and update their location to current brand standards. Franchisees may terminate only if Voodoo materially breaches the agreement and fails to correct it.
Item 19: Financial Performance Representations
This section includes any data the franchisor chooses to share about how existing locations perform financially. Voodoo Brewing Co. includes financial performance information in Item 19, as allowed by the FTC, but only under certain conditions and with a reasonable basis. Additional performance details may be available when buying an existing location or in specific cases.
Item 20: Outlets and Franchisee Information
This section lists the number of franchised and company-owned locations, including those operated under Voodoo Licensing Southern LLC in select states. Voodoo reports system-wide outlet counts across all affiliated franchisors, covering franchisees in Alabama, Arizona, Mississippi and Virginia.
Item 21: Financial Statements
Item 21 provides audited financial statements to help candidates assess the franchisor’s financial health. Voodoo Brewing Co. includes audited statements for FY 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Item 22: Contracts
This section includes sample versions of the legal agreements a franchisee will sign. Voodoo attaches its Franchise Agreement, Multi-Franchise Addendums, Multi-Unit Development Agreement, confidentiality documents, ACH forms, lease riders and state-specific addenda.
Item 23: Receipt
This final item confirms that the franchisee received the FDD. Voodoo provides two detachable receipt copies — one to sign and return, and one for the candidate’s records.
Reviewing the 2025 FDD is a critical step for any prospective Voodoo Brewing Co. franchisee, offering a clear view into the brand’s operations, expectations and long-term potential.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco.