Voodoo Doughnuts Opening in Orlando

Voodoo Doughnuts is opening in Orlando which is about a 90 minute drive from Vero Beach Florida.  This specialty doughnut shop was an idea of two quirky and creative Portlander’s that have backgrounds in hospitality and entertainment. They did not have any experience making doughnut, but they learned and they have been creating fun voodoo imagery, funky local art and their love of music into the product and experience.

Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon who had been friends for a while and they wanted to start a business together. They were looking to start a business that would be fun, different and one for the ages that would fit into an extraordinary Portland Oregon . They drew  crowds from the moment they opened their first tiny shop. This famous West Coast doughnut shop became popular and is known for its zany creations, like the Voodoo Doll doughnut, Dirt Doughnut and Bacon Maple Bar.

Voodoo Doughnuts  new location is at Universal’s CityWalk which is the resort’s entertainment and dining complex. The new shop is currently in soft opening mode until May 1st. This means their hours are limited and unscheduled until the official grand-opening is announced.   With shops in Oregon, California, Colorado and Texas, the Universal location in Florida marks the company’s first shop east of the Mississippi.

The buzz is all around and it’s positively inspiring. If you are looking to grab the famous Voodoo Doll, an ODB or a Diablos Rex, you can find it in this quirky company’s musical roots. Besides more than 50 varieties of doughnuts and 13 vegan options, the new over-the-top space is outfitted with antique chandeliers, skeleton mannequins and a “doughnut throne” for selfies. There is also a gift shop with various Voodoo swag.

Expect a waiting line. The “preview” opening day brought hours-long lines, but since then, things have calmed down. The wait time is between 10 and 90 minutes with an average of 30. The waiting is not all that bad because visitors can have a good time at Voodoo Doughnuts. It’s not just about getting great doughnuts, it’s about the experience.

Art embellishes the soaring space from duct tape murals to black velvet paintings to custom stained glass. Once inside, you will find art everywhere.  Over the doughnut creation station, you will find an eye-catching  mural of an alluring genie whose riveting eyes penetrate above a doughnut crystal ball. It’s the work of Portland artist Mona Superhero. Her pieces are made entirely of duct tape and appear at each Voodoo location. This one is called “Your Wish is my Command.”

Bright against the streaming Orlando sun, stained glass portrait windows by Portland’s Chuck Franklin Glass Studio depict Voodoo’s founders, Tres Shannon & Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson, along with the company’s first CEO, the late Rob Ludwig affectionately known as Rob Lobster.

High above the shop’s patrons, the Spirit Channeler keeps watch from a black velvet painting. Each Voodoo location boasts an original by Portland artist Jen “Juanita” Kenworth and in Orlando, the honor belongs to native son Carrot Top. Other Voodoo Spirit Channelers, each relevant to the shop’s location, include Isaac Hayes Portland, Conan O’Brien Eugene and Pam Grier Denver.

While waiting, visitors can examine the doughnut selections up close while in the queue and watch staffers diligently dipping, topping and drizzling fryer-fresh doughnuts. Some of the crowd favorites are the Memphis Mafia, which is a peanut butter, banana, chocolate chip fritter that was inspired by Elvis’ favorite sandwich and named for his posse. The adorable Voodoo Dolls face conjures memories of SNL’s Bill is also among the favorites. Folks love tearing off his arms and playing with the pretzel stick. He’s so much fun and delicious!

The prices range from $1.65 to $5.25 per doughnut, but most are under $2. Only a few patrons walk out with just one, instead opting for one of three pre-selected baker’s dozens. The hungriest can opt for a coffin, which includes all three baker’s dozens in a cool wooden casket you can keep.

Voodoo fans looking for classics can find many at Voodoo Doughnuts. There are other doughnut shops around, but not all of them serve the same doughnuts. It’s quite likely there will be doughnuts here that you won’t be able to get at any other place.