Since Pip’s Original opened a couple of months ago, I had heard from multiple people about how incredible the mini-doughnuts were and how I had to get in there to try them. With so many new options popping up on the NE Portland food scene, it was hard to wrap my head around what could be so different about a place with good, fresh baked goods and a nice cup of coffee. When it came time to write an article for the next Beaumont-Wilshire newsletter I knew exactly where I wanted to go; what I wasn’t prepared for was how impressed I would be with everything about Pip’s. Not only are the drinks and doughnuts as advertised (better, actually), but the vibe and character of the place somehow manages to be cool and unique while still feeling friendly and approachable.
Sitting down to learn more about the business with Nate Snell impressed me even further. In a competitive market where many businesses are looking to gain an edge with gimmicks or overly-complicated plans, Nate and his wife Jamie’s plan is a simple one. “We want to provide a place where people want to hang out, can go for great food and drinks, and where people are treated really well.” On the morning I was in to visit this was all on display; mothers grabbing coffee with their kids, young people enjoying lattes and chai while working and studying on computers, and a lively staff that was very friendly and clearly having a good time working there. “We want to provide a nice, fun environment for our employees and give them an example of how you can run a business by being good to people and doing things the right way.”
Getting the business up and running wasn’t an easy feat. Jamie was looking for a good location to prepare the food for her catering business (Lamb’s Table) when Nate found their space on Fremont while out for his morning run. The building owners liked the idea but wanted to ensure the space maintained a retail presence in front, so they began to throw around ideas. Nate had always liked the idea of mini doughnuts after having them in Seattle at Pikes Place, so they decided to open Pip’s (named after the protagonist in Charles Dickens’ famed “Great Expectations”) while also utilizing the space for catering.
As always, projects cost more than expected and they reached a point where they had only $30 left in their account. “We couldn’t have done it without friends and family,” says Nate. “We really were able to band together and complete the work ourselves, from the framing to the decorations. Most of the decorations you see in here were actually from our house!”
The key to the doughnuts themselves is in the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and the process. Using soy shortening and higher temperatures allows for a crispy outside without the heavy, greasy inside that most doughnuts have. The doughnuts have only 9 total ingredients and are truly the best I have had. They also have a great list of coffee and chai drinks that are truly unique – I had the “Bootstrap” and it was fantastic.
I highly recommend you take the time to visit Pip’s, our neighborhood is fortunate to have a fantastic new place with good people running it. I’m certain you won’t be disappointed.
4759 NE Fremont #C, in Beaumont Village and online at: http://www.pipsoriginal.com/