Pandamonium Doughnuts long-awaited new brick-and-mortar Champaign storefront is open for business, and its Champaign-Urbana fanbase is rejoicing.
We were lucky enough to attend Pandamonium’s soft opening event and get a sneak peek at the new store, which is located on Windsor Road in Champaign just west of Galen Drive. (The official address is 1105 Windsor Road, if you’re looking to pop it into Waze or another map.)
We’re happy to report that doughnut lovers won’t be disappointed.
All your favorite doughnuts are back including cookies and creme, Cereal Killer and maple bacon apple fritters, and rainbow sprinkles (although not all doughnuts are available at all times). James Kyung, the king panda, says that now that Pandamonium has its own kitchen, it will have more freedom to experiment with new flavor. Expect some new cereal-related items, he told us.
New to the Panda-operation: a full array of coffeehouse favorites including espresso drinks, drip coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. There’s also cold drinks available including milk. The coffee beans are from roaster Counter Culture and the tea is rishi, both gourmet brands.
The interior of the shop continues the panda theme, with a black and white decor and a few well-positioned splashes of pink. The visual highlight of the shop, without a doubt, is the incredible mural created by Urbana native Langston Allston. It’s worth a trip to the store to see this dynamic artwork that covers the entire west wall.
There is both inside seating (tables, chairs and a counter) as well as outdoor tables.
Windsor Galleria is the same shopping center that houses chambanamoms.com reader favorites Texture Home, Sun Singer Wines, Green Jade and Sweet Indulgence. Which brings us to one note of caution: parking in that complex can be difficult at lunch time, but there are some spots marked off for short-term use.
Pandamonium Doughnuts cafe will be open from Wednesday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect doughnuts to be available until noon; after that,doughnuts will be available until sell out. The coffee and drink menu will be open at all hours. Hours may change depending on costumer preferences and behavior, James said, adding that it’s possible that the store may open earlier if there is enough demand.
And if you’ve missed seeing the Pandamonium truck around town, don’t fear. The truck was “on a break” while James and company got the store ready to open. It will be back out selling doughnuts at its usual hangouts at the Urbana farmers market and on campus this week, James promised. Follow its Facebook page for more updates.
For a look at Pandamonium’s new location, see our Facebook video.