Surrounded by gourmet chocolates and truffles inside the Sweet Bites kiosk shop, manager Paula Williams is clear about why she feels there is a need for such a business in Bermuda.

“With all the stress in Bermuda, we all need a treat,” she said.

Displayed on the racks inside the cosy kiosk are a variety of treats, from truffles that come in many flavours to chocolate bites. The sweet delights come from the US and Europe, while the packaging and presentation designs are the work of Ms Williams and the rest of the Sweet Bites team.

The family-owned business is one of the newest to open in Washington Mall. It is located in the small retail space next to the Dandelion Cafe and Restaurant on the mall’s upper concourse and opened in April. Since then it has enjoyed a steady increase in business as customers have become aware of where it is and what it has to offer.

“The majority of people are getting to know that we are here. At the moment we are also getting a few tourists coming in,” said Ms Williams.

“This is still the introductory period for us. We did well on Mother’s Day and we’re going to offer catering for corporate events, where companies can give out treats to people.”

The idea for the shop was dreamed up last year and became a reality when the kiosk shop became available earlier this year.

Although Sweet Bites is in a relatively small retail space, Ms Williams said that was a good thing as it allows for a more personal shopping experience.

“It’s a nice size. I didn’t want to have it too large,” she explained. “When people come in they get to know what they are buying.

“I’m able to explain to them details about the chocolates. I’ve done research on the chocolates, that’s how we decide what to buy. We consider safety and speed of delivery before we zero in on a manufacturer.”

You won’t find mainstream chocolate products, such as Cadbury, in Sweet Bites. Ms Williams said: “As much as I love Cadbury and the other brands, I thought let’s try something different.”

The gourmet chocolates are made with rich ingredients. The truffles have soft centres, some with dark chocolate ingredients, others with milk chocolate, white chocolate or a combination. The flavours range from white red velvet, dark triple chocolate and birthday cake to dark amaretto cookie, strawberry cheesecake and key lime truffle.

Ms Williams said the treats work well as personal treats or gifts for special occasions. With that in mind the shop has a range of gift cards for special occasions, such as birthdays, which can be paired up with a chocolate gift.

Sweet Bites hopes to offer Cup Match-themed chocolates later this month. And after the success it experienced around Mother’s Day, it will look to have special selections that tie in with other calender events, such as Easter.

The shop also markets the gourmet truffles and chocolates as ideal gifts for baby and bridal showers, and wedding reception and birthday party favours.

Ms Williams said Sweet Bites is flexible and invites customers to think up gift ideas, such as putting different treats together, or having alternative gift packaging.

Sweet Bites can be contacted by e-mail at sweetbitesbda@gmail