Voodoo Doughnut is an iconic doughnut shop that has garnered a cult following for its quirky, out-of-the-box creations and its unique blend of pop culture and pastry artistry. Since its inception, the shop has expanded to multiple locations, but the original Voodoo Doughnut, where it all began, holds a special place in the hearts of doughnut lovers and travelers alike. This article explores the origins of Voodoo Doughnut, the story behind its original location, and how it became a cultural landmark in Portland, Oregon.
The Birth of Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut was founded by Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon in 2003. The duo had a simple yet innovative idea: create a doughnut shop that defied conventional norms. They wanted to offer something more than just the typical glazed or chocolate-frosted doughnuts found in most shops. With this vision, they set out to create doughnuts that were not only delicious but also whimsical, eccentric, and often outrageous.
The founders didn’t have a background in baking or culinary arts, but they had a passion for creativity and a desire to bring something new to Portland. After a period of research, planning, and perfecting their recipes, Pogson and Shannon opened the doors of the first Voodoo Doughnut shop in downtown Portland, Oregon.
Location of the Original Voodoo Doughnut
The original Voodoo Doughnut shop is located at 22 Southwest 3rd Avenue in Portland, Oregon. Situated in the heart of downtown, this small yet vibrant shop quickly became a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. The location was chosen strategically for its proximity to Portland’s bustling nightlife scene, making it an ideal spot for late-night cravings and spontaneous doughnut runs.
The building that houses the original Voodoo Doughnut is as unique as the doughnuts themselves. With its distinctive pink exterior and eye-catching signage, the shop stands out among the surrounding buildings. Inside, the atmosphere is eclectic and slightly edgy, with a mix of colorful artwork, quirky decorations, and the ever-present aroma of freshly made doughnuts.
The Doughnuts That Started It All
The original Voodoo Doughnut location is where many of the shop’s now-famous creations were first introduced to the world. Some of the most iconic doughnuts include:
The Voodoo Doll: A signature doughnut shaped like a voodoo doll, complete with a pretzel stick “pin” and a raspberry filling that oozes like blood when bitten into.
Maple Bacon Bar: A maple-frosted bar topped with crispy strips of bacon, combining sweet and savory flavors in a way that became an instant hit.
Captain My Captain: A doughnut covered in vanilla frosting and sprinkled with Captain Crunch cereal, offering a nostalgic taste of childhood.
Portland Cream: A tribute to the Boston Cream, this doughnut is filled with Bavarian cream and topped with chocolate frosting, featuring two frosting eyes in homage to Portland’s unofficial motto: “Keep Portland Weird.”
These creations, along with many others, helped to establish Voodoo Doughnut as a must-visit destination for anyone in Portland. The doughnuts are not just a treat; they’re an experience, with each one telling a story or evoking a sense of playful irreverence.
The Cultural Impact of Voodoo Doughnut
The original Voodoo Doughnut location quickly became more than just a doughnut shop; it became a cultural phenomenon. Portland, known for its quirky, artsy, and sometimes offbeat vibe, was the perfect home for such a unique concept. Voodoo Doughnut embodied the spirit of the city, and locals embraced it wholeheartedly.
The shop’s popularity spread by word of mouth, social media, and features in various travel and food shows. It wasn’t long before Voodoo Doughnut became a must-see attraction for visitors to Portland. The shop’s iconic pink boxes, often seen carried by tourists around the city, became a symbol of the Voodoo Doughnut experience.
In addition to its doughnuts, Voodoo Doughnut became known for its quirky offerings, such as legal wedding ceremonies performed in the shop, complete with doughnuts in place of traditional wedding cakes. This added to the shop’s allure, making it a destination not just for foodies, but for those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Expansion Beyond Portland
Due to the overwhelming success of the original location, Voodoo Doughnut eventually expanded beyond Portland. Today, there are several locations across the United States, including in cities like Denver, Austin, Los Angeles, and Orlando. Each new location carries the same whimsical charm and offers the same beloved doughnuts as the original shop, but Portland remains the heart and soul of the brand.
Despite the expansion, the original Voodoo Doughnut on Southwest 3rd Avenue holds a special place in the company’s history and in the hearts of its fans. It remains a pilgrimage site for doughnut enthusiasts and continues to attract long lines of customers eager to sample its famous creations.
The Legacy of the Original Voodoo Doughnut
The original Voodoo Doughnut is more than just a doughnut shop; it’s a symbol of creativity, innovation, and the power of thinking outside the box. It represents the idea that with a little imagination and a lot of passion, something as simple as a doughnut can become a cultural icon.
For Kenneth Pogson and Tres Shannon, Voodoo Doughnut was a labor of love, and their dedication to their vision paid off in ways they could never have imagined. The shop’s success story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that taking risks and embracing the unconventional can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Today, the original Voodoo Doughnut continues to thrive, serving up its unique brand of doughnuts to customers from all over the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, stepping into the shop on Southwest 3rd Avenue is like stepping into a world where anything is possible, and every doughnut is a work of art.
see also: Voodoo Doughnut Franchise Costs
Conclusion
The original Voodoo Doughnut location in Portland, Oregon, is more than just the birthplace of a beloved doughnut shop; it’s a cultural landmark that has left an indelible mark on the city’s culinary landscape. From its humble beginnings to its status as a worldwide phenomenon, Voodoo Doughnut’s story is one of creativity, perseverance, and the magic that happens when you dare to be different. Whether you’re drawn in by the outrageous doughnut flavors, the quirky atmosphere, or the chance to experience a piece of Portland’s unique culture, the original Voodoo Doughnut is a destination that should be on every doughnut lover’s bucket list.