Located along Elizabeth’s Historic Main Street in the front lobby of the original Elizabeth Hotel, Small Town Mini Donuts serves more than just delicious pastries; it offers a taste of community spirit.
Owners Dan and Adrienne Contreras, while recognizing the challenges of running a small business in a rural setting, find joy in contributing to the town’s tight-knit atmosphere. “I think Elizabeth is special because everyone seems to want the same type of lifestyles for their families,” Adrienne shared, “where neighbors help neighbors, it’s less chaotic than the city, kids can grow up outside doing chores and raising animals, and there is mutual respect for common morals.”
Celebrating nearly three years of operation, Small Town Donuts has made its mark on the town. For Adrienne, the most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the growth of the town’s youngest residents. “The most memorable experiences with customers are seeing the kids grow up,” she reflected fondly. “Now that we are going on three years, there are some that first came in as babies and now they are sitting at our kid’s table coloring pictures and running around the lobby. I love that we’re able to watch them grow and become little people. Now they are big enough to stand on the stools and watch the doughnuts come out of the machine, and the giggles and `wow!’s’ that come out of their mouths are just so cute.”
Behind the scenes, the daily routine at Small Town Mini Donuts is a labor of love. The day begins well before opening, preparing the kitchen and lobby for the influx of customers. From heating the oil machine to organizing supplies and prepping ingredients, every detail of operation is attended to. Because of their location in the lobby of a building that is open outside of the hours of Small Town Donuts, there is a lot that must be cleaned up and moved to the kitchen to be locked up for the night. All of these items need to come back out each morning in preparation for opening.
The decision to offer made-to-order doughnuts was a practical one, allowing Dan and Adrienne to balance the demands of entrepreneurship with being busy parents. “We are parents to a very active 14-year-old, so going in at midnight to start making doughnuts wasn’t realistic,” Adrienne said. “This made-to-order concept allows me to be home long enough in the mornings to make sure she’s up and getting ready for school but also ending my day so I’m done by the time she gets home from school.”
Every doughnut is crafted upon request, ensuring each bite is hot and fresh. With a tempting array of both classic favorites and unique signature creations, there is something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Doughnut orders are offered in small (half dozen) or large (dozen) options. Customers can now also order party platters of mini donuts for parties or large events. To complement the sweet treats, guests can choose from a variety of beverages including fresh locally roasted coffee from Crowfoot Valley Coffee in Castle Rock. Additionally, party platters of mini doughnuts are now available to order for parties and gatherings. For store hours and the full menu of donut flavors, visit smalltownminidonuts.com.
With a steadfast commitment to exceptional customer service, Small Town Mini Donuts strives to make every visit a sweet and memorable experience. In every sprinkle-topped creation, there’s a touch of warmth and community that keeps customers coming back for more.