Voodoo Brewing Franchisee Transitions From Military to Brew Pub

When Marine Corps veteran David Goldblatt retired after 21 years of service, he decided to take on a new mission of entrepreneurship. With limited prior business experience, he saw franchising as the perfect avenue. In his search for the right brand, he came across Voodoo Brewing Co., the high-energy, less-than-traditional brewpub franchise. After trying it for himself, he was hooked.

For Goldblatt, his decision to franchise with Voodoo Brewing Co. wasn't just about the business; it was about the experience, the product and the service. Now, he’s in the process of opening his very own location in Fort Worth, Texas. As a franchisee, Goldblatt's not just serving food and beer; he's crafting experiences.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Goldblatt: I joined the Marine Corps in 2001 and had 21 years of active service. I retired and I was looking into owning my own business. I looked into a few different franchises because that's the way I wanted to go since I don't have a lot of prior experience. So I ended up going to Voodoo to see what they had to offer and to try the product, the food, and see the atmosphere. I went out to Pittsburgh to see their stores and I was hooked.

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?

Goldblatt: My perception of franchising was just getting into business and having almost like a silent partner just trying to help you out along the way and get you going in the right direction.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Goldblatt: I picked this brand because I really enjoyed the beer and the food when I went out there, as well as the atmosphere. As for the company, I love the fact that each restaurant has their own logo. It gives it a little bit of individuality as well, while being part of a bigger brand.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Goldblatt: What I hope to achieve with the business is financial independence. As for my future goals, I'd like to be the top store for the Voodoo franchise and maybe have another one if everything goes well.

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 18 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.