The proclamation painted on the shed-like structure says it all: “There’s always room for dessert!”
Welcome to Tiny House Treats, conveniently situated in the outer portion of the Walmart parking lot in Fuquay-Varina. Don’t let the frozen custard spot’s diminutive size fool you. Tenacious mother-daughter owners Heather Badour and Makaila Trigalet are serving up big flavors encompassing specialty sundaes, cups and cones, milkshakes, floats, and more.
The building may be only about 200 square feet, but its vibrant yellow, pink, and aqua blue color scheme makes it hard to miss.
“I’ve wanted to share my love for frozen custard with others for a long time,” says Heather, a Michigan native who grew up eating the rich, smooth dessert similar to ice cream. “There aren’t a lot of places around here serving custard, so people seem happy that we have made it available.”
Heather originally hoped to open the dessert shop several years ago, but an unexpected bout with cancer shifted her priorities.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023,” she says, “but once I finished my treatments, I began looking for just the right place for our shop. Since I’m a fan and collector of miniature things, this building seemed like the perfect space for us.”
Since opening Tiny House Treats with her daughter, Makaila, earlier this year, business has steadily increased due to strong word of mouth. Heather is grateful for the community support, which includes loyal regulars and even nearby independent business owners.
She’s also thankful for the opportunity to work alongside her daughter.
“We’re family owned and operated, and we’re not a franchise,” Heather says.
“Mom and I are really close,” adds Makaila. “It’s nice to be with her and do something we both enjoy.”
When it comes to the sweet treats at Tiny House, the most popular items are specialty sundaes made with premium soft-serve frozen custard. Consider the bestselling
Black Tie involving a chocolate brownie crowned with hot fudge, white chocolate chips, pecans, whipped cream, and a cherry. Then there’s Strawberry Shortcake with pound cake, strawberries, and strawberry syrup. And don’t ignore the Canela Churro comprising fried dough sticks, chocolate syrup, and cinnamon sugar.
“Our brownies and pound cake are scratch made by a local private baker,” Heather reveals.
The decadent Tira MiSundae features espresso-soaked Italian biscuit, mini chocolate chips, and cocoa powder, while the Happy Grasshopper contains mint-flavored Oreos, hot fudge, caramel, and mint chocolate syrup.
Specialty sundaes are available in 8-ounce “personal” and 16-ounce “share” sizes.
“The 16-ounce serving gives you twice as much goodness for just $2 more,” says Makaila.
You can also build your own sundae by adding any of nearly 20 tempting toppings or seven available syrups. Pro tip: Try the peanut butter sauce (you can thank us later). Add-ins range from Butterfinger candy bars and M&M’s to crushed pineapple and coconut flakes.
Tiny-sized sundaes or cones are perfect for kids or anyone with a smaller appetite.
Milkshakes come with one complimentary topping or syrup mixed in, plus whipped cream.
Prefer a float instead? Root beer and Coke are can’t-go-wrong choices.
Heather and Makaila are contemplating selling Detroit-style Coney dogs in the future. We say bring ’em on!
During the warmer months, Tiny House Treats functions as a walk-up shop rather than a drive-thru place.
“We went back and forth with the Town of Fuquay, but ultimately they allowed us to set up several tables in the parking lot so our customers can sit and enjoy their dessert,” Heather explains.
Her husband, Chuck, built several custom metal planters to flank the tables. These are filled with zinnias, lavender, milkweed, and other eye-catching perennials.
When you visit, be sure not to miss the even tinier lending library, also crafted by Chuck, which perfectly matches the main building.
“I want kids to come here and make memories eating dessert and picking out a book,” Heather explains. “We work really hard to make sure everyone has a good experience here.”
The summer hours for Tiny House Treats are as follows: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2–8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m.
@tinyhousetreatsfv
