Manal Keen is a passionate entrepreneur who, along with her husband, Fahad, is bringing Voodoo Brewing Co. to Castle Hills, Texas. After years in the corporate world, the couple decided to embrace a new chapter, one that would allow them to blend their love for hospitality, community and creativity. In this article, Manal shares the journey that she and Fahad took into franchising and explains why Voodoo Brewing Co. was the perfect fit for their vision.
For years, my husband, Fahad, and I lived our lives within the corporate world, where structure, strategy and problem-solving were the foundation of our careers. We had built stable, successful professional lives, but as our children grew and prepared to leave for college, we found ourselves asking an unexpected question: What’s next?
That question became a turning point. We weren’t just looking for a career shift — we were seeking reinvention. We wanted something that would bring purpose, creativity and community into our daily lives. That search led us to the world of franchising, though I’ll be honest — restaurants, bars and pubs weren’t even on our radar at first.
One day, we stumbled upon Voodoo Franchise Group and something about their message resonated deeply with us. They called themselves the “unfranchise franchise,” and instead of just selling a business model, they were telling a story — one about breaking free from the traditional corporate grind and creating something personal, something different. Their philosophy struck a chord with us, and what started as a casual interest quickly became a serious consideration. We watched videos, read testimonials and eventually took a trip to visit the Voodoo team in Pennsylvania. That visit changed everything.
Stepping into Voodoo’s world, we immediately felt the energy and passion behind the brand. This wasn’t just another pub; it was a concept built on creativity, community and breaking the mold of what people expect from a traditional bar experience. The culture, the people and the way they operated made it clear that this was more than just a business opportunity — it was an opportunity to create something meaningful.
That realization made our decision clear: we were going to take the leap and bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Castle Hills.
Fahad and I each bring something unique to this venture. I’ve always loved entertaining and creating spaces where people feel connected, while Fahad’s entrepreneurial spirit was shaped by childhood memories of his parents running a small grocery store. With our combined backgrounds, we knew we wanted to build more than just a pub — we wanted to create a space where people from all walks of life could gather, enjoy great food and drinks and feel a true sense of belonging.
One of the things that excited us most about Voodoo was the creative freedom it allowed. Unlike other franchises that require rigid adherence to a set menu and design, Voodoo encouraged customization and innovation. We knew we wanted to take advantage of that flexibility and infuse our own cultural background into the experience. That’s why we’re introducing a Mediterranean flair to our menu, offering dishes like hummus, falafel, gyros and shawarma. We’re also incorporating a mocktail menu and even 0% beer options so that everyone, regardless of their preferences, can feel included and enjoy themselves.
The road to opening hasn’t been without challenges. Coming from corporate backgrounds, we had a lot to learn about the logistics of retail, construction and the moving parts that go into opening a business. We quickly realized that there’s always a learning curve when stepping into a new industry but having the support of Voodoo’s franchise system made the process smoother. That’s one of the biggest advantages of franchising — it provides a safety net while still allowing room for entrepreneurial freedom.
As we prepare for our grand opening, the excitement is building. We’re planning an unforgettable event with live music, a DJ, local influencers and a high-energy atmosphere that reflects everything we want our pub to be — welcoming, vibrant and full of life. More than anything, we want our space to feel like a giant family gathering, a place where everyone feels at home.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that taking this leap was about more than just starting a business. It was about embracing change, stepping outside our comfort zone and building something that aligns with our values. Fahad and I have been married for 20 years, and we’ve grown together through every stage of life. Now, as we enter this new chapter, we’re doing it side by side, bringing our vision to life together.
For anyone considering franchising, my biggest advice is this: Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment, because it doesn’t exist. If you have a dream, take the leap. There will be challenges, but the rewards of building something meaningful far outweigh the risks. Franchising has given us the opportunity to create something that reflects who we are, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with our community.
This isn’t just a business for us — it’s a reflection of everything we believe in: inclusivity, creativity and the power of bringing people together. And we can’t wait to welcome everyone into our Voodoo Brewing Co. family.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco.
Voodoo Brewing Co.
SPONSORED
Voodoo Brewing Co. Franchisee Manal Keen discusses her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the appeal of Voodoo’s unique model and her vision for a welcoming pub.
Manal Keen is a passionate entrepreneur who, along with her husband, Fahad, is bringing Voodoo Brewing Co. to Castle Hills, Texas. After years in the corporate world, the couple decided to embrace a new chapter, one that would allow them to blend their love for hospitality, community and creativity. In this article, Manal shares the journey that she and Fahad took into franchising and explains why Voodoo Brewing Co. was the perfect fit for their vision.
For years, my husband, Fahad, and I lived our lives within the corporate world, where structure, strategy and problem-solving were the foundation of our careers. We had built stable, successful professional lives, but as our children grew and prepared to leave for college, we found ourselves asking an unexpected question: What’s next?
That question became a turning point. We weren’t just looking for a career shift — we were seeking reinvention. We wanted something that would bring purpose, creativity and community into our daily lives. That search led us to the world of franchising, though I’ll be honest — restaurants, bars and pubs weren’t even on our radar at first.
One day, we stumbled upon Voodoo Franchise Group and something about their message resonated deeply with us. They called themselves the “unfranchise franchise,” and instead of just selling a business model, they were telling a story — one about breaking free from the traditional corporate grind and creating something personal, something different. Their philosophy struck a chord with us, and what started as a casual interest quickly became a serious consideration. We watched videos, read testimonials and eventually took a trip to visit the Voodoo team in Pennsylvania. That visit changed everything.
Stepping into Voodoo’s world, we immediately felt the energy and passion behind the brand. This wasn’t just another pub; it was a concept built on creativity, community and breaking the mold of what people expect from a traditional bar experience. The culture, the people and the way they operated made it clear that this was more than just a business opportunity — it was an opportunity to create something meaningful.
That realization made our decision clear: we were going to take the leap and bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Castle Hills.
Fahad and I each bring something unique to this venture. I’ve always loved entertaining and creating spaces where people feel connected, while Fahad’s entrepreneurial spirit was shaped by childhood memories of his parents running a small grocery store. With our combined backgrounds, we knew we wanted to build more than just a pub — we wanted to create a space where people from all walks of life could gather, enjoy great food and drinks and feel a true sense of belonging.
One of the things that excited us most about Voodoo was the creative freedom it allowed. Unlike other franchises that require rigid adherence to a set menu and design, Voodoo encouraged customization and innovation. We knew we wanted to take advantage of that flexibility and infuse our own cultural background into the experience. That’s why we’re introducing a Mediterranean flair to our menu, offering dishes like hummus, falafel, gyros and shawarma. We’re also incorporating a mocktail menu and even 0% beer options so that everyone, regardless of their preferences, can feel included and enjoy themselves.
The road to opening hasn’t been without challenges. Coming from corporate backgrounds, we had a lot to learn about the logistics of retail, construction and the moving parts that go into opening a business. We quickly realized that there’s always a learning curve when stepping into a new industry but having the support of Voodoo’s franchise system made the process smoother. That’s one of the biggest advantages of franchising — it provides a safety net while still allowing room for entrepreneurial freedom.
As we prepare for our grand opening, the excitement is building. We’re planning an unforgettable event with live music, a DJ, local influencers and a high-energy atmosphere that reflects everything we want our pub to be — welcoming, vibrant and full of life. More than anything, we want our space to feel like a giant family gathering, a place where everyone feels at home.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that taking this leap was about more than just starting a business. It was about embracing change, stepping outside our comfort zone and building something that aligns with our values. Fahad and I have been married for 20 years, and we’ve grown together through every stage of life. Now, as we enter this new chapter, we’re doing it side by side, bringing our vision to life together.
For anyone considering franchising, my biggest advice is this: Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment, because it doesn’t exist. If you have a dream, take the leap. There will be challenges, but the rewards of building something meaningful far outweigh the risks. Franchising has given us the opportunity to create something that reflects who we are, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with our community.
This isn’t just a business for us — it’s a reflection of everything we believe in: inclusivity, creativity and the power of bringing people together. And we can’t wait to welcome everyone into our Voodoo Brewing Co. family.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/voodoobrewingco.
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