Today we’d like to introduce you to James Rouse
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
James and Betsy’s journey together is one of fate, shared values, and a commitment to both their careers and their community. As military brats, both were born in Okinawa, Japan—eight years apart. Their childhoods were spent moving across the globe, shaped by discipline, resilience, and a deep appreciation for service. It wasn’t until 2007, in Raleigh, NC, that their paths truly converged, thanks to the unexpected friendship of their two-year-old daughters.
Their shared military upbringing instilled in them a strong work ethic and a dedication to excellence, traits that became evident in their professional lives. Both excelled in sports and carried that competitive drive into their careers. Their mutual respect and aligned values naturally evolved into love, leading to their marriage in 2014.
Betsy pursued a degree in chemistry from Western Michigan University and built a successful 20-year career at John Deere. Eventually, she “retired” from her first career and embraced the dynamic world of software. Meanwhile, James worked his way up through a company supplying wood products to The Home Depot, ultimately becoming an regional manager. As Betsy thrived in her new industry, she saw an opportunity to bring James into the fold. His expertise in process and production proved invaluable, leading to his promotion as Director of Production at their growing software company, which specialized in brand security devices and labels for branded products.
In 2023, James faced a profound personal loss when his mother passed away due to complications from dementia. This event prompted deep reflection, leading him to reevaluate his path and aspirations. His soul-searching journey ultimately led to Voodoo Brewing Company. Drawn to the brand’s ethos and the opportunity to create a community-centered space, James and Betsy signed a franchise agreement. Just a year later, they proudly opened their doors.
At Voodoo Brewing Company, they embrace the philosophy: “Craft Beer without Community is just beer.” Their mission is to cultivate a welcoming space where the Roswell community can gather, celebrate, and connect. With 24 craft beers on tap, a scratch kitchen, and a talented chef, they are committed to delivering an exceptional experience that goes beyond beer—it’s about bringing people together.
James and Betsy’s journey is a testament to the power of shared values, hard work, and the belief that life’s next great adventure is always just around the corner.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part was finding the right location. We spent months searching with our commercial realtor, touring nearly 50 spaces—each one falling short in some way, whether too small, too expensive, or simply not the right fit for our vision. Then, almost by luck, the perfect spot found us. Conveniently located just a mile off GA-400 at Exit 8, our space offers easy access, ample parking, and a stunning lakeside patio.
Working with Spear Management and our contractor was a game-changer. They guided us through the many challenges of transforming the space, which required a complete gut and rebuild. It was a massive undertaking, but seeing it come to life made every hurdle worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Already covered James and Betsy’s background. What set’s us apart…
Our pub isn’t just about serving drinks—it’s about creating an experience. We’ve worked hard to build a space where people feel welcome, whether they’re here for a casual pint, a night out with friends, or a special event. We specialize in craft beer, cocktails, and artisan pub food! We take pride in our carefully curated selection and an inviting atmosphere.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and community. From the start, we wanted this to be more than just a brew pub—we wanted it to be a gathering place where people connect. We host live music, trivia nights, and special events to bring people together and keep things exciting. Before we opened, we reached out to local artists and invited them to be part of the new location by painting a wood door. The response we had was overwhelming and the time and effort shared with us by these artists was a great start on this journey! Those doors hang from the ceilings and walls in the pub.
We’re most proud of the way we’ve transformed our space from the ground up. Seeing the vision come to life—after months of searching for the perfect location and tackling a complete rebuild—has been incredibly rewarding. Every detail, from the design to the drink menu, reflects our passion for what we do. And the best part? Seeing our guests enjoy it just as much as we do.”
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk is an inevitable part of starting something new, but sometimes, life pushes you toward a leap you never expected to take. For us, that moment came after James lost his mom. Her passing was a profound reminder that life is too short to sit on the sidelines, waiting for the ‘right time’ to chase a dream. Also, Betsy turned 50 this year and realized there are more days behind her than ahead. One of her life mottos is – When I find something I’m afraid of, I know what to do next. She’s always found success and growth in facing her fears!
Opening the pub was one of the biggest risks we’ve ever taken.
To us, risk-taking isn’t about recklessness—it’s about making informed decisions, trusting your instincts, and stepping forward even when the outcome is uncertain. If James’ mom taught us anything, it’s that tomorrow isn’t promised. That realization gave us the courage to go all in, and now, seeing our dream come to life, we know it was worth every challenge along the way
Pricing:
- all prices are on our menu on the website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roswell.voodoobrewery.com
- Instagram: @voodooroswell
- Facebook: Voodoo Brewing Co – Roswell
