LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A bakery known for its retro flair and sell-out desserts has officially opened a permanent storefront in New Albany, drawing customers hours before opening time.
According to our partners at Louisville Business First Norma Jean’s Baked Goods opened in April at 216 W. Main St., transforming a former auto repair shop into a 1960s-inspired dessert bar.
Despite ongoing renovations, demand remains high. Customers begin lining up before the bakery’s 4 p.m. pop-up opening on Thursdays and Fridays, with many desserts selling out within hours.
"Every week, I’m making more just to keep up," Tinsley told LBF. "The word of mouth is fast."
The bakery offers cake slices, brownies, cobblers and chess bars priced between $5 and $8.
Norma Jean’s began nearly 11 years ago as a small cake business operating alongside Louisville-area food trucks. The business later expanded through restaurant partnerships, pop-ups and a kiosk at Mall St. Matthews, where Tinsley said the bakery’s retro identity first developed.
Tinsley often wears vintage-inspired outfits that have become part of the brand’s appeal and customer experience.
"It went from me trying to get people’s attention to people coming over curious about what I was doing," she told LBF.
The bakery is named after Tinsley’s grandmother, Norma Jean, whom she said inspired the business and its identity.
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