Voodoo Brewing Company Comes to Lexington
In a significant development for Lexington’s craft beer lovers, Voodoo Brewing Company has marked its presence downtown. This move forms part of entrepreneurial efforts by the new owner of a key property along Lexington’s Main Street to spice up the cheerful downtown vibes with a national franchise.
A Franchise with a Difference
The helm of this game-changing venture is taken by none other than Dawu Bowman, a seasoned owner and operator. The new location is going into an 8,720-square-foot space formerly intended for a beer garden that didn’t see the light of day. Once launched, this location will be the third of its kind in the state, the other two being in Fountain Inn (upstate) and near Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet.
Dwelling on his entrepreneurial venture, Bowman sounded upbeat. He shares, “The reason why it stuck out to me was the culture and the climate of the organization. It’s like an anti-corporate establishment, sort of come as you are, you know. Inclusiveness.”
Quality Service on the Anvil
The Voodoo franchise in Lexington wouldn’t involve local brewing but focus on selling product pouring out of the company’s headquarters in Meadville, Pennsylvania. “We’re mostly going to focus on providing quality service, elevating pub-style food, and offering a great quality craft beer,” Bowman said crisply.
Building Connection with the Local Community
The franchise aims to create a bond with the local community with its offerings rooted in locally sourced ingredients and decor. Typical features at Voodoo’s outlets include pub pretzels, gouda steak fries, smoked wings, pizzas, burgers, and more, coupled with the brand’s hallmark brews. No timeline is available for the launch yet, but the plan is to roll out the Lexington location later this year.
Lexington Chosen for its Growth-focused Community
What made Lexington an obvious choice for Bowman was its initiative to develop a burgeoning community and an array of activities happening downtown. The new franchise will join wine bar Molto Vino and TakoSushi as the new tenants at the 102 W. Main St. property, each occupying one of the site’s three buildings. Though the Voodoo franchise is new to the game, it aims to develop a synergy with neighboring businesses and bring a much-desired variety to the downtown scene.
Interestingly, the site was initially earmarked for the Navy Yard on Main beer garden announced in 2021. Despite clearing a legal challenge over its beer and wine license by the neighboring St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, the beer garden plan was finally shelved in 2022. Bowman has taken a conciliatory stand towards the church authorities, affirming persistent communication with them throughout the rollout process. The church, however, hasn’t commented on this development.
Bowman concludes on a hearty note, “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Voodoo Brewing Company and bringing this product to Lexington, South Carolina. The Midlands is just a great area to live, to raise your family, and to open a business.”
