Voodoo Doughnut

American doughnut company

Voodoo Doughnut

The exterior of Voodoo Doughnut's flagship location in Portland, Oregon

Restaurant information
Established| May 2003; 20 years ago (May 2003)[1]
Owner(s)| Richard "Tres" Shannon III
Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson
Fundamental Capital
Food type| Doughnuts
Dress code| Casual
Street address| 22 Southwest 3rd Avenue
City| Portland
State| Oregon
Country|  United States
Coordinates| 45°31′22″N 122°40′23″W﻿ / ﻿45.5227°N 122.6731°W﻿ / 45.5227; -122.6731
Other information| "The Magic is in the Hole"
Website| www.voodoodoughnut.com

Voodoo Doughnut is an American doughnut company established in 2003 and based in Portland, Oregon, with various chain store locations around the United States. The company is owned by the founders Richard "Tres" Shannon III and Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson, as well as the private equity firm Fundamental Capital, which acquired an ownership interest in 2017.

## History[edit]

Voodoo Doughnut neon sign, Portland, Oregon

Voodoo Doughnut was founded in May 2003 by Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Pogson and Richard "Tres" Shannon III, with the first shop that opened on Southwest Third Avenue in Old Town Portland.[2][3][4] Until 2006, the business was only open at night.[4] In 2007, the shop was featured in an episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.[5][6][7]

In 2008, Pogson and Shannon opened Voodoo Doughnut Too on Northeast Davis Street in Portland.[8] A parade was held that traveled from the original location to the new one.[9][better source needed][10][better source needed]

On December 24, 2008, Voodoo Doughnut's Portland Crème doughnut was designated Portland's "Official City Doughnut" by a resolution introduced by Portland Mayor Tom Potter and passed by the City Council.[11][2] The resolution also expressed "deepest gratitude to Voodoo Doughnut management for its dedication in the face of these stringent economic times in providing employment opportunities... and above all, creating and naming a doughnut after our beloved city that leaves a lasting taste and fond memories on its customers near and far away."[11]

The original location closed between April and June 2011 for remodeling after the company acquired space next door that was formerly occupied by a nightclub called Berbati's Pan. Much of the expansion involved creating more room for the kitchen.[5]

In August 2011, Voodoo Doughnut staff constructed a large version of its box at the Portland Bridge Festival, and filled it with 3,880 doughnuts, until it weighed 666 pounds, a number chosen to fit what Shannon described as the company's "voodoo theme."[12][13] It was later confirmed as a Guinness World Record for the largest box of doughnuts.[2]

By 2011, the two Portland shops and the shop in Eugene, Oregon were open 24 hours a day.[3] The Portland shops were also hosting legal weddings and commitment ceremonies.[3] In 2011, combined sales at the Portland locations were estimated to be about twenty tons of doughnuts per week during the summer.[3]

Between 2011 and 2016, Voodoo Doughnut partnered with Rogue Ales to create bottled beer based on several of its doughnut flavors, that were then distributed across the United States.[14][15]

A location in Taipei launched in 2015[16] but is no longer in business.[citation needed]

The Portland location has hosted doughnut-eating contests for mayoral candidates,[3] including in 2016.[17][18]

In January 2022, a location in Vancouver, Washington was opened.[19]

By 2023, the company had expanded into a multi-state chain with stores in California, Colorado, Florida, Washington and Texas in addition to multiple locations within Oregon.[1]

## Doughnuts[edit]

Bacon Maple bar[20] "Voodoo Doll" doughnut "Cock and Balls" doughnut[17]

Voodoo Doughnut offers dozens of doughnut varieties, including vegan doughnuts.[21] Two of their past doughnuts, the NyQuil Glazed doughnut and the Vanilla Pepto Crushed Tums doughnut, were no longer available by 2006 due to a warning from local health officials.[3][4]

The "Doughnut of Love" was created for use in wedding ceremonies performed at Portland shop locations, and in 2011 was described by Abby Sewell of the Los Angeles Times as "a terrifying concoction piled high with sprinkles, chocolate chips and pretzel sticks."[3]

Voodoo Doughnut also made the "Tex-Ass,"[22] a doughnut weighing about a half-pound, described on the company website as the equivalent of six regular-sized doughnuts, that until 2017 was advertised with a challenge to consume it within 80 seconds.[23][24][25] The challenge prize was a commemorative pin and not having to pay for the doughnut.[26] In April 2017, a man choked to death in Denver while participating,[27][25] and the challenge was then suspended.[23][28][26]

### Reception[edit]

Timothy Malcolm, the dining editor for Houstonia Magazine, sampled nine varieties of doughnuts in a 2020 review of the Houston location, and ranked the Bacon Maple Bar first, followed by the "Voodoo Doll", "Old Dirty Bastard", "Viscous Hibiscus", Blueberry Cake, "School Daze 'PB&J'", "Marshall Mathers", and "Maple Blazer Blunt", with "Tangfastic", a variety made for Houston because of the connection between NASA and Tang, ranked last and described as "Sugar overload. Way too much to handle."[20]

A 2023 review by Mike Sutter, a restaurant critic writing for the San Antonio Express-News, provided his opinion of the ten best and worst after he ate the more than 40 available at the San Antonio location.[29] According to Sutter, the best doughnuts were "The Homer", "Grape Ape", "Voodoo Doll", "Memphis Mafia", Maple Old Fashioned, and Blueberry Cake, and the worst were "Voodoo Bubble", "Viscous Hibiscus", "The Dirt", and Raised Glazed.[29] Sutter also commented on the "Cock and Balls" doughnut, stating "It weighs like 10 pounds, gets its own box, costs $6.50 and looks like a penis."[29]

After a 2023 proposal to open a shop in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the Times-Picayune reported on reactions from New Orleans Voodoo community leaders to the doughnut imagery, including Divine Prince Ty Emmecca, who discussed the "Voodoo Doll" doughnut, and said, "We have already had to deal with the name being bastardized and appropriated by all kinds of businesses, sports teams or whatever over the years, but I don't think it's ever been quite this disrespectful."[30] Voodoo practitioner Dianne Honoré said, "When people think of Voodoo they think of people of color and then you have these doughnuts that look like characters from Vaudeville or whatever. I can't find anything cute or interesting or right about it."[30][31] A reporter from Willamette Week interviewed the Times-Picayune reporter, who said, "Honestly, Voodoo Doughnut's main brand image is a straight up black face golliwog doll, supposedly representing a 'voodoo doll.' I'm not on the 'woke' spectrum myself (i.e., I'm moderate on the Culture War issues), but even I can readily see that images they use would be taken by most Black Americans as racially offensive."[31]

For the Tempe, Arizona location, dining reporter Bahar Anooshahr of The Arizona Republic tried doughnuts from a regular dozen box in 2023, and in her review, wrote, "Overall, the cake doughnuts at Voodoo are the winners to my taste," and "If you're only going to order one doughnut here, make it the blueberry."[32]

## Operations[edit]

Pink Voodoo Doughnut box

In 2017, a major share of the company was sold to the private equity firm Fundamental Capital.[30][33] Pogson and Shannon retained an ownership interest, and members of Fundamental Capital joined the company board.[33][34]

### Labor relations[edit]

In 2020, workers at the downtown Portland location began an effort to unionize and formed an organization called the Doughnut Workers United.[35][36] Requests for increased security was one of the things sought by the union following an incident involving a man armed with a hatchet in March 2020.[37] Their efforts to officially unionize and have the organization recognized by the company's management failed after a tie vote in June 2021, but organizers vowed to try again.[38][39]

During a historic heatwave in June 2021, several workers at the same location staged a walkout after arguing that working conditions were unsafe. Employees reported temperatures as high as 96 degrees Fahrenheit within the shop and one claimed that he felt close to passing out from the heat.[40] Nine employees were fired from this incident and the National Labor Relations Board ruled Voodoo Doughnuts illegally retaliated.[41]

Employees at the store filed for a new election with the National Labor Relations Board in August 2022. At the time, they were seeking improved wages, better and more consistent scheduling, and increased safety standards in the wake of robberies and attacks on employees at the location.[42] In October 2022, a second vote passed 16–6. The workers are now affiliated with Doughnut Workers United, part of the IWW.[43]

## Voodoo Doughnut Recordings[edit]

In 2013, Voodoo Doughnut founders, Cat Daddy and Tres, started a record label named Voodoo Doughnut Recordings with the intent of establishing a catalog of doughnut-related music to help promote the company's brand.[44][45] Early novelty acts included The Deep Fried Boogie Band and The Doughnut Boys.[46] The label expanded to other artists such as Poison Idea,[44] The Dandy Warhols,[47] Dead Moon,[48] Smegma,[48] Jerry Joseph,[49] and Hazel.[50] The label also releases recordings of comedians such as Ian Karmel.[48]

## See also[edit]

* Michael King (graphic designer), Voodoo Doughnut logo
* List of doughnut shops

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b Acker, Lizzy (May 26, 2023). "Portland classic Voodoo Doughnut turns 20 years old". The Oregonian. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
2. ^ a b c "Voodoo Doughnut". The Oregon Encyclopedia. Portland State University and the Oregon Historical Society. March 17, 2018. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
3. ^ a b c d e f g Sewell, Abby (February 20, 2011). "Voodoo Doughnuts: In Portland, Ore., nothing says commitment like a Voodoo Doughnut". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 3, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2011.
4. ^ a b c Sampsell, Kevin (August 1, 2006). "Doughnut Shop: Voodoo Doughnut". The Believer. No. 36\. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022.
5. ^ a b Voodoo Doughnut to Close Downtown Store for Renovation, Expansion The Oregonian.
6. ^ Lee, Robyn (June 6, 2008). "In Videos: Anthony Bourdain Visits Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, Oregon". Serious Eats. Archived from the original on December 12, 2008.
7. ^ "Pacific Northwest". No Reservations. Travel Channel. Archived from the original on January 30, 2008.
8. ^ Hawke, Whitney (May 22, 2008). "Voodoo Child: A peek at Voodoo Doughnut Too". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on October 7, 2008.
9. ^ "Voodoo Doughnuts To Open New Shop". Portland Mercury. May 21, 2008. Archived from the original on May 25, 2008. Retrieved June 3, 2008.
10. ^ "In the Mix, FOODday". The Oregonian. June 3, 2008. Retrieved June 3, 2008.
11. ^ a b "Portland sprinkles award on official city doughnut". The Portland Tribune. May 17, 2016. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
12. ^ "World's largest box of doughnuts weighs in at 666 pounds". Today. August 10, 2011. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
13. ^ Beaven, Steve (August 12, 2011). "That gigantic pink box of Voodoo Doughnuts may just set a world record". The Oregonian. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
14. ^ Goldfarb, Aaron (August 28, 2019). "How Rogue Voodoo Doughnut Ale Went From Troll Beer to Sensation". Inside Hook. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
15. ^ Brown, Ruth (September 23, 2011). "Rogue's Voodoo Doughnut Maple Bacon Ale". Willamette Week. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
16. ^ Williams, Todd Allen (July 7, 2015). "Taipei Is Finally Weird Enough for Its Own Voodoo Doughnut". Vice. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
17. ^ a b Walker, Tim (May 17, 2016). "This Portland doughnut shop is #FeelingTheBern". The Independent. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
18. ^ Slovic, Beth (May 14, 2016). "Portland Mayor's Race: Candidates Scarf Voodoo Doughnuts in Late-Night Contest". Willamette Week. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
19. ^ Pinsky, Rachel (January 11, 2022). "Voodoo Doughnut opens its newest shop in Vancouver". Retrieved January 30, 2022.
20. ^ a b Malcolm, Timothy (January 15, 2020). "What To Order At The New Houston Voodoo Doughnut". Houstonia Magazine. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
21. ^ Arden, Amanda (May 30, 2023). "Voodoo celebrates 20 years with 20-cent doughnuts". KOIN. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
22. ^ Lee, Robyn (June 1, 2007). "Photo of the Day: Tex-Ass Donut". Serious Eats. Archived from the original on August 30, 2008.
23. ^ a b Selby, W. Gardner (April 5, 2017). "True: Colorado man evidently chokes to death on giant donut". PolitiFact. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
24. ^ Cottell, Pete (January 15, 2014). "I Worked At Voodoo Doughnut for 3 Months. Here's The Hole Story". Willamette Week. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
25. ^ a b Coffman, Keith (April 4, 2017). "Denver choking death reported linked to doughnut-eating contest". Reuters. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
26. ^ a b "Voodoo Doughnuts suspends eating challenge after man dies". KATU. Associated Press. April 4, 2017. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
27. ^ Moffitt, Mike (April 3, 2017). "Man dies trying to eat giant doughnut at Voodoo Doughnuts". SFGate. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
28. ^ Fernández, Alexia (April 4, 2017). "Colorado Man Dies Choking on a Doughnut in Bakery Eating Challenge". People. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
29. ^ a b c Sutter, Mike (June 1, 2023). "Voodoo Doughnuts: Mike Sutter's 10 best and worst on the menu". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
30. ^ a b c McAuley, Tony (July 27, 2023). "Voodoo practitioners, preservationists riled by plans for Voodoo Doughnut store in French Quarter". The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
31. ^ a b Prewitt, Andi (July 28, 2023). "Voodoo Doughnut Is Facing Religious Pushback in New Orleans". Willamette Week. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
32. ^ Anooshahr, Bahar (September 7, 2023). "Voodoo Doughnut makes its Arizona debut. What to try — and skip — at the Tempe location". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
33. ^ a b Russell, Michael (October 2, 2017). "Voodoo Doughnut takes on 'significant investment' from private equity firm". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
34. ^ Bamman, Mattie John (September 29, 2017). "Voodoo Doughnut Enters Partnership With San Francisco's Fundamental Capital". Eater Portland. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
35. ^ McIntosh, Don (March 20, 2020). "At Portland icon Voodoo Doughnuts, workers announce they've formed a union". Northwest Labor Press. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
36. ^ Burley, Shane (May 1, 2020). "Coronavirus fight: Some US worker unions become more aggressive". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
37. ^ Acker, Lizzy (March 8, 2020). "Man with a hatchet robs Voodoo Doughnut, police say suspect found eating a doughnut". oregonlive. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
38. ^ Tabrizian, Ardeshir (June 29, 2021). "Old Town Voodoo Doughnut staff walk out amid record heat". oregonlive. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
39. ^ Peel, Sophie (June 28, 2021). "Voodoo Doughnut Workers Go on Strike, Claiming Sweaty Shop Conditions". Willamette Week. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
40. ^ Tabrizian, Ardeshir (July 2, 2021). "Voodoo Doughnut fires employees who walked out during heat wave, workers say". The Oregonian. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
41. ^ Garcia, Isabella. "Labor Board Finds Voodoo Doughnut Illegally Retaliated Against Striking Workers". Portland Mercury. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
42. ^ Jackson-Glidden, Brooke (August 3, 2022). "Voodoo Doughnut Workers File for a Second Union Election". Eater. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
43. ^ Staub, Colin (October 7, 2022). "Voodoo Doughnut workers unionize in second attempt". Northwest Labor Press. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2022.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
44. ^ a b "Interview: Tres Shannon, co-owner of Voodoo Doughnut". Colorado Public Radio. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
45. ^ "Voodoo Doughnut Recordings". Vortex Music Magazine. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
46. ^ "7 things to know about Voodoo Doughnut's record label". oregonlive.com. January 3, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
47. ^ "The Dandy Warhols Set to Drop Two Records This April Including 'Nothin' To Do' Live at The X-Ray Cafe [Song Premiere]". Vortex Music Magazine. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
48. ^ a b c "Locals Only: Tres Shannon (Voodoo Doughnut)". modern-vinyl.com. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
49. ^ "Jerry Joseph, Voodoo Doughnut Recordings, & Lower Boom : The Confluence". April 11, 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
50. ^ "Dead Moon live album to offer a first peek at Voodoo's unearthed rock archive". oregonlive.com. December 30, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2019.

## External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Voodoo Doughnut.

* Voodoo Doughnut website
* In Pursuit of a Trans-Fat-Free Doughnut (Day to Day, March 19, 2007) from the National Public Radio website

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