James Rouse of Voodoo Brewing on Craft Beer and Community (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 871)
In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes James Rouse, co-owner of Voodoo Brewing Company in Roswell. James shares his remarkable journey from a career in corporate sales and brand licensing to launching a thriving brewpub built around craft beer, creative food, and strong community engagement.
He opens up about what inspired the leap, how military life shaped his resilience, and why he believes success in hospitality is about people first. James also discusses what makes Voodoo Brewing unique—from doors on the ceiling to beer-infused menu items—and how his team’s attention to service and comfort has earned them a loyal following and glowing reviews.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, craft beer lover, or business owner seeking inspiration, this conversation is filled with practical lessons and heart.
John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.
James Rouse, Voodoo Brewing Co, Roswell, GA
James Rouse, along with his wife Betsy, owns Voodoo Brewing Co. in Roswell, GA.
Voodoo Brewing Co. is a vibrant brewpub located at 1010 Mansell Road, marking the brand’s first entry into the Georgia market and its 24th location nationwide. Open daily starting at 11 am, the Roswell outpost offers a dynamic experience that blends award-winning craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, and elevated pub fare in an eclectic, welcoming atmosphere.
The brewpub features 24 craft beers on tap, including Voodoo’s renowned artisan brews, as well as a menu of beer-infused dishes and classic pub favorites. Guests can also enjoy various craft cocktails and a full menu, with options for takeout or delivery. The space is designed to foster community, hosting regular events such as live music, trivia nights, and other gatherings that encourage local connection.
Voodoo Brewing Co. is independently and locally owned and operated in Roswell, reflecting the brand’s commitment to immersing each location in its local community with custom logos, locally inspired menus, and consistent local events. The Roswell location is pet- and child-friendly, offers outdoor seating, and accepts a wide range of payment options, including contactless methods.
Founded in 2005 in Meadville, PA, Voodoo Brewing Co. has grown into a globally recognized, employee-owned brand known for its quirky personality, passionate beer culture, and dedication to quality and community engagement. The Roswell brewpub continues this tradition, aiming to be a go-to destination for both craft beer enthusiasts and the broader Roswell community.
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Beer | Food
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:50 Meet James Rouse of Voodoo Brewing
02:10 James Rouse’s Background and Journey
05:44 The Birth of Voodoo Brewing
09:11 The Voodoo Brewing Experience
13:18 Challenges and Triumphs of Running a Brew Pub
17:35 Crafting the Perfect Menu
21:39 Unexpectedly Amazing Fish and Chips
22:19 Craft Beer Infusions in Menu Items
23:17 Signature Burgers and Unique Menu Items
24:27 Pizza and Pub Pretzels: Unusual Brew Pub Offerings
26:05 Diverse Beer Selection and Barrel-Aged Flights
31:12 Craft Cocktails and Community Engagement
35:29 Future Plans and Upcoming Events
38:11 Location, Reviews, and Final Thoughts
About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray
With over 860 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!
The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.
John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, and it is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.
The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.
You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.
John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.
John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.
