Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Trevino.
Elisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Beignet Stand is a locally owned and operated business serving innovation and flavor with the best beignets and coffee in town!
Our business was founded by husband-and-wife team, Michael Grimes and Elisa Trevino. The two take pride in delivering world class customer service and an unforgettable culinary experience.
In 2016, Chef Michael Grimes and wife Elisa Trevino were running a wholesale operation —Southern Grit— selling BBQ sauces and spices, while working full time jobs. They worked collaboratively with a number of local vendors to host pop-ups to promote their products and to support other local entrepreneurs. At the time, they worked with a handful of local shops and had much success, but quickly realized the BBQ condiment market was not the ultimate goal for their business. In early 2017, Grimes and Trevino, decided to test the market with one of their favorite treats—beignets!
New Orleans is their home away from home and the two decided to bring a little piece of their heaven to San Antonio. It was following a trip to New Orleans when they decided to host a collaboration with their friends at Theory Coffee. They were prepped and ready to host a four-hour service and ended up selling out in less than two hours! The two knew they were on to something big and spent the Spring of 2017 hosting beignet pop-ups at a number of local coffee shops.
In the Summer of 2017, they joined their first farmer’s market—Quarry Farmer’s Market.
In 2018, the team was invited to join a second market—The Pearl Farmer’s Market—where they continued to grow and flourish. In June 2018, the two decided to re-brand their business and that’s when
The Beignet Stand was officially born!
In the Fall of 2018, Grimes and Trevino decided to continue their expansion with the purchase a food truck. In October 2018, the team took their show on the road with their first big festival—Beignet Fest—in New Orleans! They’ve spent the past few years continuing to build off the success of their hard work and dedication, by building a strong team, working collaboratively with other local entrepreneurs and with the support of their family, friends and community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We had to pivot our business in in 2017 from a product model to a food service model. We quickly learned that food was our strong suit and the area where we stood out the most, so we pivoted our business. We faced many challenges along the way as we transitioned from a food manufacturer to a food business, but with the help and support of our family, friends and community we overcame the obstacles along the way!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in making beignets! The element that sets us apart from others is the creative talent and skill of our Co-Founder, Chef Michael Grimes and his ability to create new flavors every week. To date, he has created over 300 varieties of beignet flavors! Some sweet, some savory, even a beignet burger and fried chicken sandwich!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
We participated in a program called Launch SA where we were connected with other small business owners a few years back. This group of entrepreneurs have helped us every step of the way. We also have other mentors who offer us insight and perspective across various industries who we lean on for guidance and support.
Pricing:
- beignets $5 – $7
- beignet sandwich $12
- beignet burger $14
- coffee $2-$4
Contact Info:
- Email: elisa@thebeignetstand.com
- Website: www.thebeignetstand.com
- Instagram: @thebeignetstand
- Facebook: @thebeignetstand
Image Credits
beignet burger & beignet friend chicken sandwich photos taken by Amanda Spencer
