Voodoo Doughnut to open first Houston shop Jan. 15

Voodoo Doughnut is opening in Houston. Voodoo Doughnut is opening in Houston. Photo: Kevin Waterman Photo: Kevin Waterman Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Voodoo Doughnut to open first Houston shop Jan. 15 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

Voodoo Doughnut, a Portland, Ore.-based institution known for its zany confections such as the Cap’n Crunch doughnut, will open its first Houston shop on Jan. 15.

The 2,400-square-foot store at 3715 Washington Ave. will offer more than 50 varieties of handmade yeast and cake doughnuts, including unique offerings such as a cannoli-shaped doughnut called the Cannolo. Voodoo, which created the iconic Bacon Maple Bar, has developed a cult-like following after being showcased on the late Anthony Bourdain’s Travel Channel show, “No Reservations.”

“When you come to Voodoo, you’re not just coming to a doughnut shop,” CEO Chris Schultz said. “It’s truly an experience.”

The eclectic pink-colored shop, which features Voodoo’s first drive-thru, will operate 24 hours, seven days a week — closing only for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Voodoo’s doughnuts range in price from 95 cents to $5, and come in the company’s signature pink boxes. Customers can also order vegan options, coffee and bottled beverages.

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The store will employ 70 workers whose pay will start at $11.50 an hour with health insurance, paid time off, pet insurance and a flexible work schedule.

The Buffalo Heights shop is the company’s ninth location nationwide. An Austin shop opened on Sixth Street in 2015. Voodoo, which announced plans to expand after San Francisco-based private-equity firm Fundamental Capital took a majority ownership stake in the company two years ago, intends to open three to five stores nationally in 2020, including one in Montrose. The company was founded in 2003 by lifelong friends Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon.

Voodoo, which opens doors Jan. 15 at 10 a.m., will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony that day with a live band, photo booth and giveaways. The first 28 customers will receive a dozen doughnuts to honor Texas as the 28th state. A portion of that day’s proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Houston.