Mom & Pop's Passion for Serving up Sweets Reaches Milestone

‘Bite Size is the Right Size’ for Tastease Mom & Pop Donut Artisans

400 Square Foot Shop Surpasses One Millionth Donut Milestone

PARKVILLE – They taste as good as they look and they look as good as they taste.

Tastease, known for their “bite size is the right size” mid-sized donuts, is celebrating their one millionth donut milestone by giving away free coffee and donuts Friday, November 16.

Since opening their 400 square foot shop in June 2004, owners Tony and Susan Mendes have pleased the pallets of many, dishing out more than one million sugary treats -- from the local walk-ins, to out of towner’s who found them via the web to corporate accounts and catering services

The shop owners’ larger than life personalities adorn a modest setup of a convection oven, microwave, small griddle, donut machine and a creative art station.

The Mendes,’ who recalled grossing $18 their first day of business, make and sell out on average 700 donuts daily. The gourmet mid-sized donuts measure at 2 ¼ inches wide, and are sold by the dozens or in batches of hundreds and even thousands to fulfill special orders. Tastease creative concoctions are hand made with high quality flour and decorated artfully with a variety of 36 toppings, flavors and colors from chocolate glazed, blueberry, cherry chip, apple with a cream cheese frosting, Oreo, maple, and double chocolate frosted, among others.

A modestly priced cup of coffee ($1.35) will get you a free donut. “It complements your coffee,” says Tony.

“Donuts are my canvas,” added Tony Mendez who has an affinity for art and spent his first career as property manager. “I’m thrilled to combine my passion for art with my appetite for donuts. We are in the business of teasing and pleasing your taste buds and we think our mid-sized donut is perfectly sized. Thankfully customers have responded and the economy has not impacted our business at all.”

Tastease has racked up “Talk of the Town” honors for the past three years and word of mouth and glowing reviews from social media reviews has led to daily sellouts of donuts.

“We create and cater diverse events and have found Tastease creative innovations as a great complement for our customers’ needs, whether it’s a wedding reception or party favors Tastease delectable treats can dress up an occasion and warm the soul,” said Jessica Correia at the Society Room in Hartford.

Anyone who stops at the Parkville bakery Friday, November 16th, 2012 from 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon will receive a free cup of coffee, and one of Tastease’s spectacular mini-donuts (on a first come first serve basis).

Tastease, complements its breakfast menu with a variety of sandwiches and hot pressed offerings for breakfast or lunch. From their farm fresh egg sandwiches to their hallmark Cuban (slices of ham, cheese and pork roasted on the premise), pressed on crusty French bread, to pastrami Reuben’s and steak and cheese. Tastease is located at 70 New Park Avenue, Hartford, CT. Open Tuesday to Friday 7-2, Saturday 8-2, closed Sunday and Monday. Call ahead and order since they do sell out. 860-233-2235.