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Bidi Bidi Nom Nom On These Selena-Themed Donuts
The Bidi Bom donut, a tribute to Mexican superstar singer Selena, at Donas in Downey. (Photo by Lori Galarreta/KPCC)
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Nostalgia is on the menu at the Donas donut shop in Downey -- and people are eating it up.
The family-run shop went from making about 400 donuts a day in October 2017 to more than 1,000 today, thanks in part to a video of their creative process that went viral in May.
They currently offer 14 flavors, including El Guey, El Puerquito and the Bidi Bom. "I have about 10 more in mind," said Amber Bobadilla, who runs the business with her sister Ashley Leon-Vazquez, and her brother-in-law David Vazquez. David dreamt up the concept.
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"The idea was incorporating all these flavors that I grew up eating as a kid as far as candies," Vazquez told us, "little pastries, mazapan, cajeta, which is Mexican caramel."
Other donut flavors include chicharron, horchata and Oreo con leche. They even serve ice cream, which you can have inside a donut.
Donas isn't the owners' first foray into creating "nostalgic Mexican/Latino flavors," as Ashley explains it.
About three years ago, they opened Horchateria Rio Luna in their hometown of Paramount, a cafe that offers fresh churros, homemade horchata, coffee and other sweets. A second location is set to open in San Fernando.
In the age of Instagram and trendy fusion foods, Donas' owners wanted to set themselves apart. Instead of opening their next shop in Los Angeles or Long Beach, they decided they'd put down roots in nearby Downey, a community they know and love.
Their mission to reflect the community is obvious in a number of their creations, including a glittery honey lavender donut called the Bidi Bom, a tribute to Mexican superstar Selena.
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The origin story of that treat goes like this: In an effort to be different, the team decided to create a glitter donut. While exploring their options, they discovered a maroon burgundy glitter that reminded them of an iconic Selena outfit.
A donut star was born.
"It's more than just a glaze," Amber said. "It takes you back in your childhood."
Donas donut shop at 8636 Imperial Hwy. in Downey. (Photo by Lori Galarreta/KPCC)
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