Portland is a quirky town. They also suffer a bit from an inferiority complex with Seattle to the north and San Francisco to the south. When we get a taste of fame, our town can squeeze it for all it is worth. A few years ago, Voodoo Donut got featured on a Travel Channel episode. Feel free to check it out by clicking the link if you would like.
The thing about VooDoo is that they offer what (when they first began) are a variety of odd and unique donuts. Some have clever names and some can't be mentioned in polite conversations. They are manned by hipster types that have seemed to forget that they are still in some aspect of customer service. They can actually be downright rude. Hey, they are a tourist destination...everybody knows who they are...so they don't have to try any more. Right?
Enter Blue Star Donuts.
Imagine walking in to a donut shop with AMAZING flavors, still manned by the younger, hip types. Only...they are POLITE! They smile, answer questions, and treat you like they actually want you to return. Our first visit assured that it is unlikely that we will ever return to VooDoo. Let the tourists have it. Let them leave thinking that Portlandians are too hip to care if they return.
When we have friends come in from abroad, we will naturally take them where they want to go, but when they mention VooDoo, we will suggest that they save their money and their appetites. Grab a donut, let the counter person sneer and give a derisive snort if you ask any questions. Then...we will take them to Blue Star. I am confident that they will be converted just as we were that first time we entered the bright, white CLEAN bakery. And we will arrive early. When they run out, the shop closes. Who knew that it was all about quality, taste, and REAL customer service?
