Major Delight with Small Bites Mini Donuts
Thanks for joining us today to chat about Small Bites Mini Donuts and Erika’s delicious treats. To get started, we asked her to tell us about herself and her journey to opening Small Bites Mini Donuts. Read along to learn more about this sweet tooth inspired passion, listen to those tummy growls, and go check her out!
Interview with owner Erika Villarreal
Erika: Hello! I'm Erika Villarreal, the proud owner of Small Bites Mini Donuts. My journey to opening this sweet venture began with a passion for baking and a dream to share something sweet with my community. Born and raised in Galveston, I always knew I wanted to create something special here. After years of perfecting recipes and experimenting with unique flavors, I took the leap and launched Small Bites Mini Donuts in 2019. It's been a whirlwind adventure ever since! With a focus on quality, creativity, and top tier customer service, I've been honored to bring happiness to countless events with onsite mini donuts!
What inspired you to create Small Bites Mini Donuts?
Opening your own dessert business is a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth and a passion for spreading joy! Imagine being able to share your delicious creations with your community, putting smiles on faces, and making every day a little sweeter. With a dessert business, you get to be creative, experiment with new flavors, and make magical memories for special occasions. Plus, who wouldn't want to be surrounded by donuts, cupcakes, and cakes all day? It's a business that's sure to bring happiness to both myself and my customers - and that's the icing on the donut!
What makes your mini donuts unique compared to other donut shops?
Welcome to the sweet world of our mini donut making process! It all begins with our proprietary mix, carefully crafted to create the perfect bite-sized treat. We pour the mix into our specialized donut hopper, which precision-cuts each donut to its adorable miniature size. As our donut machine heats up to the ideal frying temperature, the excitement builds! Then, the donuts gently float down a conveyor belt, cooking for a few minutes on each side, before being perfectly flipped out of the machine to cool for just a minute - just enough time to develop that irresistible crunchy exterior. Finally, the moment of truth: choose from our decadent gourmet toppings or keep it classic!
Do you have any signature flavors at Small Bites Mini Donuts?
Our most popular flavor is Cinnamon Sugar however we have taken home Galveston epicurean best dessert 2023 with our homemade Salted Caramel donut.
What’s your favorite flavor combination for a mini donut?
My favorite combination changes with the season but right now I’m currently obsessed with our Cookietella. It’s drizzled with Nutella and Cookiebutter topped with a fresh strawberry.
How do you come up with new and creative flavors?
Inspiration is all around us! Living in vibrant and culturally diverse cities like Houston and Galveston we're constantly surrounded by new flavors and ideas. We draw from the rich tapestry of international cuisines and local specialties to craft unique and mouthwatering donut flavors. But what really sets us apart is our passion for collaboration - we love working with clients to create custom flavors that tell their story! From the sweet and savory Maple Bacon to the decadent Strawberry Cheesecake, the possibilities are endless, and we can't wait to see what's next!
Aside from donuts, do you offer any other mini treats or desserts?
While donuts will always be our first love, we're excited to offer a variety of other miniature treats and desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth! From bite-sized cookies, tiny tarts and cakes, our menu is designed to delight. And if you have a specific dessert in mind, we're happy to take requests with plenty of notice. Whether you're looking for a custom treat for a special occasion or just want to try something new, we're here to make your mini dessert dreams come true!
What’s your favorite thing about seeing people enjoy your treats?
There's nothing quite like seeing someone's face light up when they take a bite of our mini donuts! But what really gets me is when a customer claims they're 'not a donut person' beforehand. The skepticism, the raised eyebrow... and then, that first bite. The pause, the surprise, the delight! It's like a little spark of joy ignites, and I get to witness it all. That reaction, that moment of pure pleasure, is what makes all the hard work worth it. It's a reminder that our donuts have the power to convert even the most unlikely of donut lovers.
We know Galveston is known for its amazing food scene. How does Small Bites Mini Donuts fit into the unique culinary offerings of the island?
Galveston's vibrant food scene just got a whole lot sweeter with Small Bites Mini Donuts! As the island's only mobile mini donut caterer, we're revolutionizing the way you think about donuts. We're not just for breakfast anymore! Our bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion, from school fundraisers to local charity events, and everything in between. We're dedicated to making your special moments even more unforgettable, one delicious mini donut at a time.
Do you source any local ingredients for your donuts?
Fruits, Honey, you name it we love supporting local farmers markets.
What do you love most about being a baker in Galveston County?
What I cherish most about being a baker in Galveston County is the opportunity to serve the community that raised me. Born and raised on this beautiful island, I'm thrilled to be able to give back in a way that brings joy and sweetness to my neighbors' lives. There's no greater reward than seeing the smiles on their faces when they take a bite of our freshly baked treats. But what truly fulfills me is the chance to inspire others to chase their dreams, just as I have. It's a privilege to be a part of this community, and I'm grateful every day for the chance to make a difference!
What are your future plans for Small Bites Mini Donuts?
The future is bright, My top priority is to continue growing and expanding our reach. We've had our airstream for a couple of years now, and I'm eager to finally complete its renovation by the end of 2025, so we can hit the road and share our mini donut love with even more people. Another dream of mine is to transform a Connex container into a one-of-a-kind storefront, offering a truly unique experience for our customers.
What advice would you give to aspiring bakers or entrepreneurs in Galveston County?
To all the aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs in Galveston County, I say: don't be afraid to take the leap! Starting a business may seem daunting, but it's not impossible. Be prepared to put in the hard work and get comfortable with being uncomfortable - it's a journey that will test your limits, but also reward your resilience. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion and enthusiasm, and always be open to new possibilities and opportunities. Stay curious, stay humble, and most importantly, stay true to your vision.
Do you have any funny or interesting stories from your time running Small Bites Mini Donuts?
Ah, the sweet stories I could tell you! Like the time we accidentally ordered too much cinnamon and had to get creative with our flavor combinations... or when our machine completely shut down an hour into an event. But one of my favorites is when we catered a wedding and the groom had no clue we would be cooking donut onsite, specifically for him!
Where can our readers find Small Bites Mini Donuts and learn more about your offerings?
We can be found on most of all your social media platforms or visit or website.
