‘Laughing Planet’ lands in Woodstock--with dinosaurs

By Elizabeth Ussher Groff

The Bee, Apr 4, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Elizabeth Ussher Groff / THE BEE

The new Laughing Planet Café, at S.E. 41st and Woodstock Boulevard, is adding to the neighborhood’s choice of restaurants.

Saws buzzed and hammers pounded outside the new Laughing Planet Café at S.E. 41st and Woodstock Boulevard as I talked with Franz Spielvogel, one of three co-owners of four cafés sprinkled throughout Portland, plus one in Eugene.

Taking a break from the furious pace of remodeling work, Spielvogel shared some thoughts about this choice for their new location, the goals of the restaurant…and its name.

“We love this neighborhood,” declared Spielvogel, “And I think we’re a good fit for Woodstock.” Describing his process of site selection, he added, “We have been aware of this spot for a long time. We eyed it when Beez went in after Davidson’s, and then Stromboli’s [after Beez moved over to Holgate]. Three times is a charm.”

The owners--Spielvogel, Richard Satnick, and Barbara Stutz--are confident that they share similar values with the clientele in this part of Inner Southeast Portland. Their goals are to connect with the neighborhood, provide affordable, wholesome food, and operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Their “quick service format”, in which you order at the counter, pay before taking a table, and leave your first name, cuts down on waiting time. The server who delivers the order to your table locates you by calling out your name, making it possible for people to get to know each other.

The price is right at each of the Laughing Planet Cafes. “One mission of our business is to become a neighborhood resource. We’re in the meal replacement business. We want to give your family food that is absolutely affordable, high quality, and nutritious,” says Spielvogel. “We have global flavors with local ingredients.”

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