Voodoo Doughnut is a Portland institution. This quirky bakery put Oregon on the map for doughnuts—quite a feat for a state that's best-known for its incredible outdoor recreation. Once Voodoo opened its doors in 2003, the state suddenly became notable for something other than hiking and exploring; Voodoo Doughnut turned Oregon into a breakfast food legend. This bakery continues to shine, constantly upping its doughnut game to new heights.  The tasty treats from Voodoo Doughnut are always making it to the next level. If you haven't had a Voodoo doughnut lately, definitely treat yourself!

In 2000, Portlanders Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon decided to start their own doughnut business.

The two friends shared a show biz background, and wanted to create a business that spoke to the weird and wonderful spirit of Portland.

And the two saw a major hole (pun intended) in Portland's doughnut scene.

In fact, their research revealed that downtown Portland lacked a single doughnut shop (the horror!).

So, in 2003, the duo rented a hole-in-the-wall storefront in Portland's Old Town and opened Voodoo Doughnut.

From the beginning, Voodoo Doughnut pushed the envelope. Their original storefront was quirky and offbeat, Willy Wonka-meets-Portland.

Instead of your typical pastry cases, however, Voodoo appropriated a "wheel o' doughnuts" display to make the whole experience more fun.

Their initial menu was a mix of the classic and the unconventional.

In fact, the two completely redefined what a doughnut could be; most notably, with their Bacon Maple Bar.

You see, Voodoo Doughnut invented the bacon maple doughnut.

Prior to Voodoo, no one had tried this now-iconic combination. The duo made just a dozen Bacon Maple Bars each day in the beginning, convincing customers to try this newfangled treat.

And word quickly spread, with customers flocking to Voodoo to get their hands on this sweet-and-savory delicacy.

In 2018, Voodoo Doughnut celebrated its 15th anniversary—but the company is not resting on its laurels.

Voodoo Doughnut continues to take its game to the next level. Their Voodoo Mobile Van is basically a rentable ice cream truck, but with doughnuts.

Looking for a wedding caterer? Invite Voodoo Doughnut to the party!

And Voodoo continues to challenge the philosophical question of "what is a doughnut?" Their new Strawberry Go-Tart is a nostalgic nod to a childhood fave, but even better—because it's a doughnut.

Today, Voodoo Doughnut has nine locations in five states, including two stores in Texas.

Just like a certain jewelry store's iconic blue boxes, Voodoo's pink package has become synonymous with doughnuts.

More often than not, the stores have a line not just out the door, but around the block.

But it's worth the wait, because Voodoo Doughnut is legendary.

Voodoo Doughnut has completely revolutionized the doughnut industry. But we're not surprised, because Oregonians are just plain awesome.

Voodoo is the quintessential Portland business, and they continue to take their game to the next level. We're proud to lay claim to this iconoclastic Oregon institution, and can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Be sure to check out the Voodoo Doughnut website or Facebook page for hours, store information, and online ordering. And for another Oregon biz that's that's taking it to the next level, you'll definitely want to pay a visit to Burrito Vaquero.