As Rumored, Blue Star Donuts Expands to Japan

The rumor I mentioned back on February 6nd has come true. Blue Star Donuts has expanded to Japan. Here’s the official press release –

Partnership with Fred Segal takes Portland’s favorite donut to the international stage

PORTLAND, Ore. (Apr. 15, 2015) – On Friday, April 17, Blue Star Donuts will begin offering its artisan donuts in Tokyo, Japan through a partnership with iconic California retailer Fred Segal. The luxury brand’s first international flagship will be located in Tokyo’s upscale Daikanyama neighborhood. A highlight of the new store will be Fred Segal MART, a food market in which Blue Star Donuts, locally sold as Camden’s Blue Star Donuts, will be operating its first location outside of Portland.

Founders Katie Poppe and Micah Camden opened Blue Star Donuts in December 2012 and the brioche-based donuts quickly become a Portland favorite, called Oregon’s best donuts by Serious Eats, one of the 10 tastiest donut shops in the country by USA Today and one of the 15 best desserts in Portland by Eater. Camden’s Blue Star Donuts will offer a selection of their signature donuts to the Tokyo market, including Blueberry Bourbon Basil, Passionfruit Cocoa Nib, Matcha Green Tea Cake, Mexican Hot Chocolate, Vahlrona Chocolate Crunch and more.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to bring Blue Star Donuts to Japan,” said Poppe. “Representing Portland’s renowned culinary scene abroad is a tall order, and we’re honored to partner with such an internationally respected brand like Fred Segal.” Since opening its doors in 2012, Blue Star Donuts has expanded from the first shop in the heart of Portland and now has four locations in the hottest neighborhoods across the city.

Poppe and Camden, two prominent restaurateurs in Portland, are the creative minds behind Boxer Ramen, Little Big Burger, Son of a Biscuit and Hop Dog, opening May 2015. With their entrepreneurial spirit and knack for setting trends, they have shaped the food scene in Portland, which has caught attention across the country and the world.