Voodoo Brewing Co.: Crafting Community Through Exceptional Beer

Founded in 2005 in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Voodoo Brewing Co. has grown from a small craft brewery into a nationally recognized brand. The company is now headquartered in Union City, PA and began franchising in 2018.

Voodoo Brewing Co. specializes in a wide variety of award-winning craft beers. All beer is brewed at its central production facility and distributed to each franchise location, ensuring product consistency and quality. Each brewpub also serves a curated menu of American pub favorites designed to complement the beer lineup.

What sets Voodoo Brewing Co. apart is its distinctive "anti-franchise" philosophy. Each location is tailored to reflect the local community and the franchise owner's personality, rather than following a rigid template. This flexible, locally-driven approach builds stronger community connections and a loyal customer base.

Training

The Voodoo Brewing Co. franchise provides a comprehensive training program designed to prepare franchisees for successfully operating a Voodoo brewpub. The franchise offers both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Below is a breakdown of the training programs:

1. Initial Training Program: This consists of approximately one week of classroom instruction held at the company’s headquarters or a designated location. It covers critical topics such as operations, marketing, customer service, inventory management, and compliance with Voodoo Brewing Co.’s standards.
2. On-the-Job Training: Franchisees participate in one to two weeks of hands-on training at a certified Voodoo Brewing Co. location. This practical experience involves real-time instruction in daily operations, food and beverage service, staff management, and point-of-sale systems.
3. Pre-Opening Support: The franchisor sends representatives to assist the franchisee on-site during the initial opening period, typically for several days. This includes guidance on soft opening procedures, staff training refreshers, and ensuring operational readiness.
4. Ongoing Training: Voodoo Brewing Co. offers continuing education opportunities and periodic refresher courses, which may include virtual or in-person sessions. These are aimed at keeping franchisees updated on new products, menu innovations, and system improvements.

Territory Protection

Voodoo Brewing Co. offers territory protection to its franchisees as part of its franchise agreement. Franchisees are typically granted a designated territory in which the franchisor agrees not to open another franchised or company-owned location.

This protected area helps reduce direct competition between franchisees and supports each location’s ability to grow its customer base. The size and exact boundaries of the protected territory are defined in the Franchise Agreement and may vary depending on market conditions and population density.

Voodoo Brewing Co. does reserve the right to make decisions about territory based on what it deems reasonable for brand growth. However, within the agreed-upon area, franchisees are assured a degree of exclusivity from internal competition.