Matteo Rachocki, had a much bigger plan when he created the local pub of Voodoo Brewing Co.

His brother, Curt Rachocki, came into the business as the brewer of the company in late 2010 but Kurt noticed there were hardships the company would have to endure and Voodoo would have its downfalls.

“I was able to get involved with my brother and have this interesting redemption type story from a company like this and helping it get built back from despair,” Matteo said.

Matteo wants the Voodoo brand to be well known in its respective locations of Meadville and Homestead Pennsylvania.  He wants the company to be remembered for staying true to the locals and using resources from the area to help build his company.

“When you make that decision to work with local vendors and local businesses, it definitely transitions into your final product because you receive a great influence from what you have here locally,” Matteo said.

Voodoo uses ingredients that are inspired by what the community and local farmers have to offer. The executive chef, Tony Glasgow, gets a majority of his products from a 25 to 30 mile radius for the menu.

“My favorite part about buying it local and getting it from my farmers is that I actually get to look at the product before I get it,” said Glasgow. “I don’t get it shipped to me and have to deal with a lesser product.”

Matteo ensures his company tries to stay as organic and natural as possible so that he can yield a better product to his customers.

“We are very blessed to have these dedicated farmers that grow their foods like we brew our beer,” Matteo said. “You know, we don’t use pesticides, and we try to do everything organic as possible.”

Voodoo also implements a relationship between the brewery and the community by hosting local events in their restaurant.

“We love to give back to the community, and that’s what we do here. We want to embrace it and support it,” Matteo said. “Every time we are solicited for something that is more community or nonprofit driven we always donate our space and whatever resources we can give them to help their event. We got a lot of local and nonprofit organizations who like to meet here, and we are flattered that they enjoy using our space. And that’s really what it’s all about.”

Adam Hoke, head bartender at Voodoo, said that the feel when you walk into Voodoo sets it apart from other pubs and breweries.

“When people walk in they often say that they don’t feel like they are in Meadville,” Adam said. “We want to have a place that people can appreciate, and we try to be as accommodating to our customers as possible. We appreciate their business and we are willing to give back to them because if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be here.”

Since the opening of Voodoo Brewing Co. Matteo has opened a location in Homestead, a suburb of Pittsburgh, and also launched a food truck called Foodoo. They will also be opening a second food truck in the Meadville area on April 30, 2016. The company plans to keep the same local food and brews a part of their diverse menu.