VooDoo Coffee, the latest addition to Hillcrest Plaza on North Minnesota Avenue, has quickly made its mark since opening three months ago. Owned by Shah Afrouzi—who also owns Shop N Cart and Neon Casino—the café brings an international flair and a deep sense of community to Sioux Falls.
“I wanted to be part of the culture of coffee,” Afrouzi said. “I’ve seen different coffee cultures around the world—my mom is Italian, my dad is Turkish—and I was inspired to create a space where people come together.”
VooDoo Coffee’s menu reflects that global inspiration, offering everything from bold Cuban coffee to traditional Persian chai.
“Persian tea is very traditional,” Afrouzi explained. “It’s unlike anything you’re used to—it brings something unique to our customers.”
In addition to specialty drinks, VooDoo features a cozy lounge and its own kitchen. From 8 to 10 a.m., guests can enjoy a full breakfast menu, including what assistant manager Kristina Stands calls the standout item: the loaded homestyle breakfast sandwich—bacon, sausage, egg, hash browns, and a choice of white or wheat bread.
Despite being a newcomer to the local coffee scene, Afrouzi is already thinking big.
“I want VooDoo to be a cornerstone in Sioux Falls,” he said. “We’re already looking at expanding to other locations—Texas is next, and then Canada. My family is spread across the globe, so we’re slowly building VooDoo into an international brand.”
The shop also offers hookah supplies, and while smoking isn’t allowed at the current location, Afrouzi hopes to include a patio at future cafés where that will be possible.
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