Intelligent Travel: The Power of Voodoo, Times Two

It’s not every day you have to struggle to keep a story about doughnuts PG-13. But Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon–-fresh off opening a second store in the city called Voodoo Doughnut Too!–-thrives on providing people with new experiences. Why should writing about their new store be any different?

When I visited my friend in Portland last month, she took me to the much-famed original shop on SW 3rd avenue. I’d never heard of it before, so when we passed through the unassuming storefront and stood before the more-than-slightly suggestive menu, I was surprised to realize it isn’t just a doughnut shop. It’s a very, very dirty doughnut shop. One that you would (or should) be embarrassed to take your mother to.

Aside from doughnuts of various vulgar shapes and names, the shop offers perks that the usual chains just don’t have on the menu. Like Swahili lessons or legal weddings, and other events that didn’t make the cut here due to aforementioned efforts at prudence. The doughnuts are delicious and the atmosphere is electric, infused with a pride in creativity and craftsmanship lost on most franchised shops. Classic ingredients include toppings like Cap'n Crunch cereal, crushed Butterfingers, and strawberry Nesquik powder. One chocolate-flavored doughnut features a pink marshmallow coating with a "surprise" filling (!). I won’t disclose what I ordered because it might tarnish my virtuous image, but I can say that it was superb.

Last month, Voodoo owners and founders Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson and Tres Shannon responded to Portland's growing demand and opened their second location at 1501 NE Davis. Voodoo Doughnut, Too! currently serves doughnuts 21 hours a day (closed between 3 and 6 a.m.), with plans to stay open 24 hours once a take-out window is installed. Cat Daddy recently shared with me his plans to host a wiffleball league and bike-in movies at the new locale, as well as flea markets and car shows in the fenced, 20,000-square foot parking lot.

The new store’s menu is closely based on the first, but the owners didn’t get where they are by stifling inventiveness. Too!’s menu has its own features, such as a “Sandy Hut” doughnut that is a tribute to the purple restaurant of the same name, located across the street. A conversation with an employee at the new store went as such:

“Hello. Can you tell me about your Sandy Hut doughnut?"
“Sure! It’s like the Grape Ape, but it has Oreos on it.”
“Oh. The Grape Ape with Oreos?”
“Yeah. So it looks like the Sandy Hut!”

I’ll take her word for it. Cat Daddy says there will probably be more Voodoos in the future, but that the appeal of expansion is gone for the moment. “Right now, I never want to do a construction project again!” he says. Just as well, since he now has time to brainstorm new doughnuts and strange community events. The current website has yet to be updated with information on the new store, but those interested can call Voodoo Doughnut, Too! at 503 235–2666 and ask about the menu, delivery options, PG-13 events, X-rated contests, etc. (Not that you’re into that kind of stuff. You’re just curious. We all are.)

Photos: Above, Sarah Gilbert via Flickr; Below, AnaSofia via Flickr

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