Voodoo Doughnut, a beloved doughnut shop known for its quirky flavors and unconventional approach, has its roots firmly planted in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2003 by Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon, two well-known personalities in the city’s music and bar scene, Voodoo Doughnut was born out of a desire to bring a unique and alternative doughnut experience to the city.
The original Voodoo Doughnut location opened its doors on Southwest Third Avenue in Old Town Portland, nestled between two nightclubs in an area known as “Skid Row.” The shop’s off-kilter concoctions and unusual business philosophies quickly caught the attention of locals and tourists alike.
The Voodoo Doughnut Concept
Pogson and Shannon, having taken a crash course in doughnut-making in Southern California, set out to create a doughnut shop that would stand out from the rest. They experimented with ingredients such as breakfast cereal, Tang, bacon, peanut butter, and even crushed Tums, resulting in a diverse array of flavors that ranged from traditional to downright bizarre.
The shop’s name and logo, featuring a depiction of Baron Samedi from Haitian Vodou, added to the unique and mysterious atmosphere. The use of pink boxes, which became a signature of the brand, began after Shannon traveled to California and observed the practice of using pink boxes for doughnuts.
Voodoo Doughnut’s Impact on Portland
In the early days, Voodoo Doughnut was open all night, attracting bar-goers after last call who lined up on Third Street to buy doughnuts with names like the Voodoo Doll, the Dirt Doughnut, and the Old Dirty Bastard. The shop’s unconventional approach to doughnut-making quickly made it a local icon, with the city health inspectors even stepping in to stop the sale of products containing over-the-counter medications.
In 2008, Portland Mayor Tom Potter proclaimed the Voodoo Portland Cream doughnut as the city’s “Official City Doughnut,” further solidifying its place in Portland’s culinary landscape. The shop’s eclectic atmosphere and sideshow activities, which included hosting legal weddings and loft concerts above the duct tape-adorned bathroom, added to its appeal as a unique and memorable destination.
National and International Recognition
As word of Voodoo Doughnut’s unique offerings spread, the shop began to attract national attention. It has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including The Travel Channel, The Cooking Channel, MTV, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Tonight Show, Wheel of Fortune, Portlandia, Grimm, Leverage, The Amazing Race, and Access Hollywood. Print publications such as People, Playboy, Conde Nast, Spin, GQ, Jane, Maxim, and Food & Wine have also spotlighted the shop.
One of Voodoo Doughnut’s most notable achievements was the construction of a huge pink box filled with 3,880 doughnuts weighing 666 pounds for the Portland Bridge Festival in August 2011. This stunt earned the shop a Guinness World Record for the largest box of doughnuts.
Expansion and Growth
Following the opening of its second location in 2008, Voodoo Doughnut has continued to expand, with 19 locations across seven states as of 2023. The shop’s success has been attributed to its development of imaginative and distinctive doughnut flavors and products, as well as its enthusiastic customer base who frequently request that a Voodoo Doughnut store opens in their neighborhood.
In 2017, Voodoo Doughnut welcomed Chris Schultz as the company’s CEO, bringing with him over three decades of experience in the restaurant industry. Under Schultz’s leadership, the company is well-prepared to broaden its product line and geographic reach, allowing it to introduce its innovative doughnuts to new markets while maintaining its commitment to employee culture and community engagement.
The Voodoo Doughnut Experience
Visiting a Voodoo Doughnut location is an experience that goes beyond simply enjoying a doughnut. The shop’s quirky atmosphere and unique offerings create a memorable and often humorous experience for customers. From the iconic cock and balls doughnuts to the voodoo doll doughnuts, each item is crafted with care and attention to detail.
The shop’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the long lines that frequently stretch out the door and around the block, as customers eagerly await their turn to indulge in Voodoo Doughnut’s delectable creations. The experience is further enhanced by the shop’s rock n’ roll history and the owners’ passion for creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.
see also: What Time Does Voodoo Donuts Open?
Conclusion
Voodoo Doughnut’s journey from a small doughnut shop in Portland to a global phenomenon is a testament to the power of innovation, creativity, and a commitment to providing a unique and memorable experience. The shop’s roots in Portland’s counterculture have shaped its identity and made it a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
As Voodoo Doughnut continues to expand and grow, it remains true to its core values of providing exceptional hospitality and bold, unconventional offerings. The magic, as they say, is in the hole, and Voodoo Doughnut has proven that a little bit of voodoo can go a long way in creating a truly unforgettable doughnut experience.