Celebrating Veteran-Owned Businesses (Voodoo Brewing)

(Photo provided)

Where the ocean breeze meets the hum of tourist crowds, a new chapter of reinvention unfolded at Voodoo Brewery. It’s a place where crisp craft beers flow alongside inventive cocktails and elevated pub fare. But this isn’t just another spot on the strip. It’s the brainchild of Todd Pinkler, a 22-year reconnaissance Marine veteran who shows that the discipline of military service can brew up something extraordinary in the unpredictable world of hospitality.

Pinkler’s story begins not with a grand business plan, but with a simple itch for independence and being his own boss. After two decades of deployments, drills, and following orders, he found himself at a crossroads. “I wanted to be my own boss,” he said. 

Scrolling through franchise opportunities, he stumbled upon Voodoo Brewery. The concept hooked him immediately: a franchise model offering the security of established support while leaving room for his personal touch. “I like to drink beer, but I don’t know how to brew it,” he said. “This sounded like a great fit.” What sealed the deal was the holistic vibe: rotating taps of IPAs and curated cocktails for the non-beer crowd, all complemented by a menu emphasizing fresh, quality ingredients, and thoughtful pairings that elevate a night out or smoothen transitions into the weekend.

The hospitality industry seemed like a natural pivot, but presented some challenges especially early on. “I had leadership training, trades skills, and it was everything built over 22 years,” he said. Yet, stepping into the chaos of a bustling bar felt like “a fish out of water” some days. The seasonal swings of Myrtle Beach with a summer frenzy of vacationers giving way to winter’s eerie and quiet season, caused Pinkler to adjust and find a new rhythm. Pinkler’s military-honed instincts kicked in with checklists for consistency, accountability for the team, and a no-nonsense emphasis for punctuality. “People want structure,” he explained. “Without it, it’s just chaos.” These aren’t boot-camp drills, though; they’ve evolved over this brewery’s year-and-a-half run, blending military precision with the creative flow of bar life.

None of this happens in a vacuum. Todd’s secret weapons are his powerhouse business partners: his wife Erica Pinkler, and his longtime friend Christopher Donnelly. The trio’s dynamic is a masterclass in complementary strengths, forged from years of friendship that turned a casual pitch — sent by Pinkler while deployed — into a full-fledged venture. Erica, a recruiting professional with over a decade in the game (spanning tech, hospitality, and the wine-and-beverage world), handles the people's side.

“She asks all the right questions,” Pinkler said of their hiring process, which starts with Erica vetting candidates. Her process has paid off. Of the original six hires, at least four of them remain and anchor the team, which is a rarity in an ever-changing industry. 

Donnelly, the numbers guy by trade, keeps the financial engine humming through bookkeeping, projections, and all the backend math that lets Pinkler focus on the front-of-house grind. With Erica steering marketing and events, and Donnelly crunching the spreadsheets, Pinkler is the daily operator, opening doors and pouring pints. “I’ve learned to trust those who have more experience than me and lean more on the people around me,” Pinkler shared.  It’s a match made in entrepreneurial heaven, turning potential pitfalls into a well-oiled operation.

No startup business skips the hurdles. For Pinkler, every shift can bring a fresh fight whether it’s a busted key, a no-show server, or brainstorming events. The biggest lesson in it is adaptability and working alongside people who are stronger in areas that others need more assistance in. 

Through it all, Voodoo Brewery pulses with what Pinkler boils down to three ideas: good vibes, family-friendly, and fun. His drive runs deeper than profits. As a veteran, giving back is embedded into the Pinkler’s, and the brewery’s, DNA. They’ve hosted blood drives, partnered with the Humane Society for pet adoptions, and run spirit nights funneling sales to local elementary PTOs. A standout: an adults-only spelling bee for the Literacy Foundation, raising funds to boost kids’ reading skills.

For those who served like him, they have collaborations with the Those Who Serve Foundation, offering free fishing charters to build camaraderie among veterans, police, firefighters, and other civil servants. “It’s near and dear to my heart,” he said. 

Looking ahead, Pinkler’s sights are set on two more Voodoo outposts between North Myrtle and Charleston which will expand the brand while staying true to its roots. 

His advice to aspiring hospitality, food and beverage entrepreneurs is this: “Do your research deeply.” Research the market, look at demographics and don’t skimp on the fine print.

This Veterans Day, raise a glass to Todd Pinkler — not just for his service abroad, but for the quiet heroism of starting over at home. At Voodoo Brewery, he’s not just pouring beers; he’s crafting a legacy of structure, support, and starting fresh. Myrtle Beach’s new veteran-owned business, Voodoo Brewery reminds us: The best missions are the ones you lead yourself. Stop by, soak in the good vibes, and toast to the entrepreneur who’s turned orders into opportunities.

Visit Voodoo Brewery at 1318 Celebrity Circle Unit CS8, Myrtle Beach, and check out their website here: https://myrtlebeach.voodoobrewery.com.