Looking for a sweet treat late Sunday morning or a quick pick-me-up before school? Head over to Pixie Donuts, located in Claremont Heights Shopping Center, on Mills and Baseline. You will be greeted by a brightly decorated sign reading “PIXIE DONUTS,” in pink and yellow frosting, embellished with rainbow sprinkles. The owner, Mon Thant Chau, opened Pixie Donuts in 1985 after emigrating from Cambodia in 1979. Chau came with his family after the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia and the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, where over a quarter of Cambodians died from starvation, execution, and overexertion. Taught by a friend in Santa Ana, Chau learned how to make donuts for a few months before opening Pixie Donuts in Claremont. The business is owned and operated solely by Chau’s family and close friends, creating an inviting and homey atmosphere.
The donut business forces Chau to have unconventional hours; he begins making donuts at 12 am to open doors at 6 am. He feeds the morning crowd of landscapers, nannies, and hustling students, all eager to get a freshly made glazed, chocolate, or even rainbow sprinkled donut. Doors close at 12 p.m., though they used to stay open until 4 p.m. Chau observed that business has slowed ever since the pandemic and, more recently, due to ICE raids that have deterred many of his customers.
Looking at the handwritten whiteboard sign, customers are surprised by the low prices. “A lot of people tell me to raise my prices,” Chau said. A dozen donuts costs $18.95 at Pixie, compared to leading chain brands like Krispy Kreme, whose dozen costs between $22.49 and $30.99. Their affordable prices make it hard not to walk away with a dozen or more fried delectables.
From denser, heavier cake donuts like rainbow sprinkle and chocolate chocolate, to light and airy twisted glaze and sugar-dusted, the options at Pixie Donuts are enough to satisfy anyone who stops by. Sitting behind the donuts, the cinnamon swirl and apple turnover are underrated treats. Order at the counter and leave with a bright pink box, a treasure of magical deliciousness. Just do not forget to bring some singles, as they only accept cash.
The sweet smell of sugar and cinnamon follows you outside, where that first bite of airy goodness will send you back in for more. A simple, inconspicuous storefront can be a bustling place for the Sunday morning crowd stopping by to pick up dozens of donuts to share at church, for children’s soccer games, or simply to enjoy with family.
