Madison Moore’s pastry case may look familiar at first glance. She makes scones, croissants and muffins. But the pastries that have helped build a following for her mobile bakery business, Mahalo Mornings, are malasadas, the light, fluffy Portuguese-style doughnuts that are a beloved staple in Hawaii.
“Sharing them with people here in the Midwest has been incredibly special because so many customers are trying them for the very first time,” Moore says.
Soon, Moore will be making a lot more of them when she opens her first brick-and-mortar storefront in Olathe.
Mahalo Mornings was recently announced as one of two new tenants joining County Square Commons, a development from LANE4 Property Group in partnership with the City of Olathe and Austin’s Bar & Grill. The addition of Mahalo Mornings and Truity Credit Union brings the retail center to full occupancy, with both businesses expected to open by the end of 2026.
For the past several years, Moore has baked from a commercial kitchen in Lenexa while building a loyal customer base at the Lenexa Farmers Market, Mission Market and other pop-up events throughout the metro. The bakery’s Hawaiian influence stems from Moore’s love of the islands and the culture she experienced during multiple visits.
According to Moore, no item better tells the story of her bakery than its malasadas. The doughnuts were among the first pastries that inspired the business and have become one of Mahalo Mornings’ signature items.
Although malasadas and butter mochi remain at the heart of Mahalo Mornings, the new storefront will allow Moore to significantly expand her offerings. Customers can expect breakfast and lunch service featuring sandwiches, soups, salads and other island-inspired specialties, alongside specialty coffee sourced directly from Hawaii.
The bakery will occupy approximately 1,900 square feet and is being designed with a relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere intended to capture the spirit of the islands. Moore says she hopes the space will become a welcoming place where customers can gather, work remotely or simply slow down over a meal and coffee.
Despite opening a permanent location, Mahalo Mornings plans to maintain its presence at area farmers markets.
“Farmers markets played a huge role in building Mahalo Mornings,” Moore says. “They allow us to stay connected with the community that supported us from the very beginning.”
Mahalo Mornings is expected to open at County Square Commons by the end of 2026.
