Whether you’re a worker in need of a quick donut and coffee break or a kid with a craving for boba tea or a smoothie after school, Noona Bakery has got you covered.

The family business opened this week at 31775 on Highway 20, fulfilling the dream of two lifelong hobby bakers, Okhui and Seong Chang.

Inspired by his parent’s passion and his 3-year-old daughter Runa’s budding interest in the craft, Oak Harbor resident Gene Haney took a leap of faith and started his own business venture with the support of the Changs’ baking expertise.

Haney’s step-father, Seong Chang, said they learned from cookbooks, YouTube and family members, but their previous jobs always got in the way of turning the hobby into something more.

Now, despite their workday now starting at 4 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m., they can be seen bringing out trays of baked goodness with a big smile.

Runa has been just as thrilled, dancing around and welcoming customers to “her” bakery. She seems to have already embraced the idea of eventually taking over her father’s business when she is old enough, which Haney is happy about. After all, Noona Bakery was named after her.

“Noona” in fact derives from Okhui Chang’s mispronunciation of “Runa.” Having difficulty pronouncing the letter “r” as many Koreans, Haney said, his mother replaced it with an “n.” Coincidentally, “Noona” also means “big sister” in Korean.

While leaving the baking and menu selection to his more experienced parents, Haney takes care of the front of house and administrative matters.

The bakery held a soft and grand opening on Tuesday and Wednesday, events that Haney said have been successful, with drivers drawn in by the pastel balloons and signage on the storefront or by word of mouth.

“”The past couple days it’s been extremely fresh baked goods,” Haney said. “Like ‘Hold on five minutes. It’s just coming out of the oven.’”

The croissants have been in particularly high demand, he said, with customers snatching the chocolate, strawberry cheese, blueberry cheese and apple cheese variants.

The menu offers a selection of classic, comfort treats, like cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, cream horns, peanut butter cookies, a variety of donuts, blueberry muffins, cupcakes, baguettes, tarts, macarons and more.

Indecisive customers can trust Runa’s judgement and opt for her top pick, the strawberry cheese strudel. For something more filling and savory, the choice is much easier —- a pre-made ham and a turkey sandwich.

In the drinks section, guests can choose between the peach, watermelon, lychee, mango, jasmine, strawberry, black tea and brown sugar flavors, while smoothie options include taro milk, blueberry, coconut, peach and more.

For some extra fuel or something to dunk a treat into, Noona Bakery offers Americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, drip coffee and, this week, caramel macchiatos.

Seniors and veterans can also get a discount, Haney said.

Haney said the bakery is still learning what the community craves the most, and plans to offer custom cakes and catering sometime in the future. Currently, while keeping most of the menu consistent, the house croissant and the barista special will be changing on a weekly basis.

For more information, reach out to Noona Bakery at 360-246-4173 or noonabakery22@gmail.com.

Gene Hainey, owner of Noona Bakery, shows some freshly-baked brownies. (Photo by Luisa Loi)

Okhui Chang shows a cream horn. (Photo by Luisa Loi)