FULTON MARKET — Burgers are out and extravagant doughnuts are soon to be in on Randolph Street.
Voodoo Doughnut, a popular doughnut chain that originated in Portland, Oregon, has announced it will open its first Illinois shop in the former Umami Burger, 945 W. Randolph St.
The store is expected to open in late 2023, company officials said.
CEO Chris Schultz said Voodoo Doughnut has been considering Chicago for several years to find the “perfect location,” citing its “rich food culture and diverse community” that makes it an ideal spot for its “unique doughnut experience.”
“We’re incredibly excited to become a part of Fulton Market’s vibrant culinary landscape,” Schultz wrote in an email to Block Club. “Our fans have spoken, and we listened.”
The doughnut chain made the announcement Wednesday on social media.
“BIG NEWS, CHICAGO!” the company posted on Facebook. “Anyone recently notice a vibrant pink storefront in the Fulton Market District? Well, hold onto your hats, because Voodoo Doughnut is headed to the Windy City SOON! Updates to come.”
The chain has 19 U.S. locations, with Chicago and another upcoming location in Dallas, Texas bringing the count to 21.
Voodoo Doughnut is known for its pink exteriors and pink boxes, as well as its over-the-top creations that feature cereal, bacon, candy, cookies and more. One of its staples is a chocolate-frosted, raspberry jelly-filled doughnut that’s designed in the style of a voodoo doll — complete with a pretzel stake through its heart.
The popular doughnut shop is beloved by its loyal fans and visitors who enjoy the kitschy decor and tongue-in-cheek humor — though in August it was also named one of USA Today’s biggest tourist traps.
The news outlet said it analyzed 23.2 million Google reviews of the world’s 500 most popular tourist attractions across 65 countries and found that Voodoo Doughnut was the “most overrated tourist attraction” in the world.
Schultz said there will be Chicago-specific doughnuts on the menu at the Randolph Street store, but teased that customers will “have to wait until the opening to experience it.”
In the meantime, he recommends trying the Bacon Maple Bar.
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