DND Leaguer Bakery | Photo by Arden Reimer | The Wright State Guardian
Traditional far-eastern bakeries are rare to come by in Ohio, with most located in larger cities, such as Columbus or Cincinnati; however, Leaguer Bakery in Fairborn is the place attracting customers of the Dayton area.
Leaguer Bakery
The owner, Yi-Chuan Kao, opened Leaguer Bakery on May 12, 2022. The bakery is family-owned and specializes in baking far-eastern pastries, bread and much more. Three bakers begin work at 6 a.m. daily to produce fresh produce for clients.
The bakery is a small shop with a marble interior and displays of the goods along with refrigerators for cooled produce.
Kao, better known as Julie, expressed the responsibilities of being the head of the bakery.
“The food must be fresh, healthy and not too expensive because there are a lot of students in this area. I have to keep the principle,” Kao said.
Prices of most goods in the store range from three to six dollars, with the exception of full cakes, which are more expensive, according to Kao.
Taiwanese heritage
Kao, originally from Taiwan, learned the traditional techniques of rolling and making the pastries in Taiwan. Coming to the United States, Kao chose to open a bakery to spread Taiwanese culture through baked goods and more.
“I come from Taiwan, I miss the food in my country. Back in Taiwan, I learned how to make pastries, cookie bread and everything. I like to share our hometown food with others and introduce our country to America,” Kao said.
Kao expressed that all produce is special, since it is traditional to Taiwan. Kao’s personal favorite item is steamed bao.
“It’s like bread, but you use water to steam it. It is filled with either beef, chicken or pork,” Kao expressed.
Kao also voiced the best part of working as the owner of Leaguer Bakery. Ever since moving from Taiwan to the U.S., Kao has had a hard time integrating into American society and feels the bakery is a way to join and give back to the community.
“The best part of working here is the social side. If I want to live here for the rest of my life, I need to join the society. I have to communicate with others in society, and this shop gives me the chance, otherwise I will be at home all day,” Kao voiced.
For now, Leaguer Bakery only has one location. However, Kao communicated that if presented with the chance, the owner would consider a second location.
For more information about Leaguer Bakery, visit the store at 2628A Colonel Glenn Highway in Fairborn or call at 937-867-9818.
