Voodoo Brewing Co. Comes to Williamsburg

Michael Davis spent more than three decades in the transportation industry. After running his own company since 2008, he eventually realized that the work no longer brought him the same satisfaction it once did. So, when the time came to sell the business, he didn’t just retire — he started looking for something that would bring joy back into his day-to-day life.

He had always dreamed of owning a pub, a welcoming space where people could gather, talk and enjoy a great beer. That dream started to take shape when he stumbled upon Voodoo Brewing Co. A franchise with bold branding and a commitment to craft brewing, Voodoo checked all the boxes. After a visit to the brand’s orientation in Pennsylvania — and after realizing he actually loved the beer — Davis was all in.

Now, he’s gearing up to open Voodoo’s first location in Williamsburg, Virginia, this July. With roots in York County, Davis is ready to create the kind of community hub he once imagined — where the beer is good, the atmosphere is light and the doors are always open to neighbors and newcomers alike.

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

Michael Davis: I was in the transportation industry for 36 years. I’d owned my own company since 2008, but it turned out not to be fun anymore after so many years, so I sold it last year. I had always wanted a pub — not a bar, but a pub — because I didn’t want the bar scene. I had researched different franchises, and about two years ago, I came across Voodoo. They fit what I was looking for in terms of criteria, so I figured I’d give it a shot.

Davis: I was a little skeptical about franchising. But when I thought about it, I had a lot of experience with logistics, moving freight and working with people. I didn’t have a lot of restaurant experience, so I figured this would be a good way to succeed — by falling under a franchise umbrella and going that route.

Davis: First and foremost, it was the caricatures and the logos. It just seemed like a very fun, enjoyable place to be, and that’s what drew me to them. When I went up to Pennsylvania for the orientation, I tried their beers and actually enjoyed the majority of them. That was definitely a plus.

Davis: I’d love to be super busy and be successful. I’d also like to open at least one more location.

Davis: It’s a tough road — there’s a lot of work involved, and it usually costs more than the initial estimate. But if you can get through that, it’s worth it. I’m good friends with an owner down in Virginia Beach, and now that he’s up and running, it’s been extremely fulfilling for him. I think it’ll be an exciting adventure. It’s something new in my life. I was too young to retire after I sold my company, so I thought, now I’ve got to do something. I enjoy talking to people and drinking beer, so this seemed like a good fit.

Davis: The amount of support and knowledge you get is worth any royalties you’re going to pay to the company. There’s so much I’m learning on a daily basis that I never even considered. Even though I haven’t been in the restaurant business, what I’ve learned so far has given me an edge to succeed.

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 20 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.