There’s a “sweet” new fixture in Mint Hill on the corner of Matthews-Mint Hill and Fairview Roads: Lil’ Orbits Mini Donuts.

The Lil’ Orbits Mini Donuts truck is run by Mint Hill natives Chad Griffin and his brother-in-law Whitey Stevens, Jr. The donut truck marks a new business venture for Griffin and his brother-in-law, who previously worked in his family’s manufacturing business. “Not really sure how I came up with idea!” says Griffin. “I needed something to do . . . I just thought donuts would be fun and people would enjoy them!”

So far, Griffin is right: Mint Hill residents love his donuts and have been promoting them vigorously on social media. Griffin has been flattered and humbled by their reception. “I’ve never been in a business where I’ve been out in the community,” he says. “My family had a foundry business, which is completely different than this, but to get into something where you’re actually out in the community and see how the community will pull together to help someone and promote a business or a product – it’s been a wonderful thing to see and experience. I’m really grateful to people, and they’ve been good to me. Hopefully I can keep supplying them good donuts!”

Lil’ Orbits is parked outside Penny’s Place most weekdays from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Currently they offer powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar donuts and coffee. A bag of donuts (a dozen plus) is $5.00, and a bucket (3 dozen plus) is $12.00. Next week, Griffin plans to begin offering chocolate and vanilla toppings, and he hopes to add both chocolate donuts and crepes to his menu soon.

“We’ve got a lot of exciting things coming up,” says Griffin. “The community has just been so great. We live in a very good town. It’s been very good to me. I’m so thrilled I started doing this just to experience that.”