Voodoo Brewery Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$481,500 - $2,075,000
Total US Locations
27
Business Summary
Voodoo Brewing Co. offers a franchise for a restaurant and bar. The restaurant features Voodoo Brewing Co. beers and/or similar beverages, along with pub food, other beverages, and retail items. These businesses provide on-premises dining, carryout, and catering services.
Corporate History
Voodoo Licensing LLC, the franchisor for Voodoo Brewing Co., was established as a Pennsylvania limited liability company on March 9, 2018. The company began offering franchises in April 2019. Voodoo Licensing LLC also has an affiliate, Voodoo Brewing Co., Inc., which was established in December 2005 and operates similar businesses. This affiliate is the owner of the Licensed Marks. Another affiliate, Voodoo Licensing Southern LLC, was established in June 2023 and began offering franchises in Alabama, Arizona, Mississippi, and Virginia in November 2023.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$481,500 - $2,075,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$200,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
0.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$251,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$1,070,000
Working Capital
$125,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Voodoo Licensing LLC's financial condition raises questions about its ability to provide services and support to franchisees. The company has a negative net worth, reporting a deficit of ($1,561,648) in 2024, ($1,344,713) in 2023, and ($928,026) in 2022. Voodoo Licensing LLC has also experienced consistent net losses, with ($478,310) in 2024, ($406,687) in 2023, and ($652,003) in 2022. Additionally, the company had negative cash flow from operating activities in 2024.
Financing Details
Voodoo Licensing LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any notes, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
27
Franchised Units
23
Corporate Units
4
Avg Square Footage
4,000
Franchising Since
2019
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
5
Litigation Summary
Voodoo Licensing LLC has disclosed several legal matters. In 2024, Rios Investment Group LLC filed an arbitration against Voodoo Licensing LLC, which was settled and dismissed in March 2025. Shannon M. Shelton also filed an arbitration in October 2024; Voodoo Licensing Southern LLC was dismissed without prejudice, and the matter is proceeding with a hearing scheduled for May 2025. Additionally, NERco, LLC and others filed a lawsuit in December 2024 against Voodoo Licensing Southern LLC and other parties, alleging fraud, misrepresentation, breach of contract, and conspiracy related to an inability to obtain a liquor license; a settlement hearing for this case is scheduled for April 2025. Voodoo Licensing LLC is also currently in mediation with two other franchisees, though specific details of these disputes are not provided.
Bankruptcy History
Voodoo Licensing LLC has no bankruptcy history to report for the franchisor or its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew, Voodoo Brewing Co. franchisees must be in compliance with their Franchise Agreement and all related agreements. They must provide written notice of their intent to renew between 60 and 180 days before the initial term expires. Franchisees are required to sign the franchisor's then-current Franchise Agreement and any other related agreements for the renewal term, which may contain materially different terms. They must also sign a general release in favor of the franchisor, pay a renewal fee, and remodel and upgrade their restaurant to meet current brand standards. Franchisees must also secure the legal right to continue operating at their restaurant location and complete any additional training required by the franchisor. All owners and their spouses must comply with their agreements and personally guarantee the terms of the new renewal Franchise Agreement.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Voodoo Brewing Co. provides pre-opening support by granting the franchise rights and access to its confidential manuals. The franchisor assists with site review and approval and provides lists of approved suppliers, signage, equipment, furniture, and fixtures. Voodoo Brewing Co. also identifies the franchisee's restaurant on its website and offers initial training for the franchisee's managing owner, one designated manager, and up to two additional individuals at no extra cost. Post-opening, the franchisor may require or offer supplemental on-site training (for a fee), communicate operating and marketing standards, provide approved vendor lists, coordinate an annual system conference (with an attendance fee), and administer marketing funds. The franchisor also reserves the right to designate pricing and promotions.
Initial Training Hours
69
Training Location
At the grand opening of another franchise location, Pittsburgh, PA, Houston (West Pike), PA, or Franchisee's Restaurant Location
Ongoing Support
After opening, Voodoo Brewing Co. may require franchisees and their operating managers to participate in supplemental on-site training for a fee, which is currently $500 per trainer per day plus incurred expenses. The franchisor also establishes and communicates updated operating, marketing, and brand standards, provides lists of approved vendors, and administers system-wide marketing funds. Franchisees are required to attend an annual system conference (with an attendance fee). The franchisor reserves the right to designate maximum, minimum, and promotional pricing and promotions.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Voodoo Brewing Co. is seeking individuals who are committed to active, continuing, and substantial personal involvement and hands-on supervision in the management and operations of their Voodoo Brewing Co. restaurant. If the franchisee is a corporate entity, the designated managing owner must be personally responsible for these aspects. Franchisees may hire an operating manager, but the managing owner retains overall supervision. The franchisor recommends that the managing owner participate in day-to-day operations.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Voodoo Brewing Co. designates an area around the approved restaurant site as the designated territory. Generally, this territory will be a two-mile radius from the restaurant location in all directions traversable by road. However, the size and scope may be smaller based on factors such as population density, demographics, and geographical boundaries. If a restaurant is in a non-traditional location or a captive market facility like a shopping mall or airport, the designated territory may be limited to the physical boundaries of that specific location or facility.