Savor Scones and Community Spirit at Levity Breakfast House in Norman, OK
When you walk into Levity Breakfast House in Norman, Oklahoma, you’re not just stepping into a restaurant—you’re entering a space where community, connection, and quality food are the heart of the experience. Jon and Mark Hunnell, brothers from Portland, Oregon, are the driving forces behind this local gem. Together, they have brought a unique vision to life, making Levity Breakfast House a beloved spot for residents and visitors alike.
From Portland to Norman: A Family Journey
Jon and Mark didn’t always see themselves as restaurateurs in Oklahoma. Originally from Portland, Oregon, the brothers moved to Norman with a passion for bringing people together and creating something meaningful. Their journey began as they explored different career paths—Jon, with a background in HR and tech, and Mark, with culinary expertise from his time in Portland. “My brother and I had kicked around what we wanted to do for the restaurant,” Jon shared. “I wanted to own it and I wanted it to be different than a store.”
Their decision to open Levity Breakfast House was inspired by their desire to foster community and offer a unique breakfast experience. The restaurant quickly became known for its delicious scones and warm atmosphere. The opportunity to grow is tremendous, thanks to their proximity to both downtown Norman and the OU campus. It’s in the most adorable, older home, now re-zoned and renovated to become a home away from home for Normanites & anyone who wants some amazing food, coffee & connection.
Whether on their beautiful patio, or at one of their tables inside, you can expect a comforting feeling when you’re at Levity.
Building a Home Away from Home
One of the things that make Levity Breakfast House special is the deep involvement of the entire Hunnell family. From Jon’s children helping out on weekends to their retired parents delivering scones to wholesale clients, Levity is truly a family affair. “It’s a full family business,” Jon noted. “My parents actually wanted to open a coffee shop in Portland in the late 70s. Today, they actually go and deliver scones for us to our wholesale clients.”
It’s a Full Family Business.
This sense of family extends to the community they’ve built around the restaurant. Jon and Mark have made it a point to create a welcoming environment where customers can feel like they’re part of something special. “Just getting to connect with people… It was our dream. We didn’t know if it was possible. It continues to be a blessing. Seeing that kind of conversation. Just being able to create space for people,” Jon said.
The atmosphere at Levity is so welcoming, on my very first visit, I spent hours there getting reconnected with an old friend I hadn’t seen in years, and didn’t once feel out of place. -Amy
Creating a Unique Breakfast Experience
Levity Breakfast House isn’t just another breakfast spot; it’s a place that reflects the Hunnell brothers’ vision of what a community-oriented restaurant should be. With a menu that features everything from homemade scones to hearty breakfast dishes, Levity offers something for everyone. Mark, who handles most of the food and recipe development, brings a touch of Portland’s culinary creativity to Norman. “He’s the one that has come up with a lot of these recipes. I’ve done a few but he’s driven this,” Jon explained. “This was his thing he’s always wanted to do.”
Despite their different roles—Mark in the kitchen and Jon managing the business side—the brothers share a common goal: to create a space that feels like home.
It’s about more than just food. It’s about creating a place where people can come, feel comfortable, and connect with each other. That’s what we’re really passionate about.
Jon
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Like any business, Levity Breakfast House has faced its share of challenges. Jon admits that neither he nor Mark had extensive experience in the restaurant industry before starting Levity. “Not only have I never started a restaurant, I’ve never worked at a restaurant before. I have zero restaurants,” he laughed. “But we’ve learned a lot along the way, and we’re constantly trying to improve and better serve our customers.”
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the desire to create a community-focused space with the practicalities of running a business. “There are a lot easier ways to make money than running a restaurant,” Jon noted. “But for us, it’s not just about the money. It’s about doing something meaningful and making a difference in our community.”
Looking ahead, Jon and Mark have big plans for Levity Breakfast House. They hope to continue growing their customer base and exploring new ways to connect with the community. Whether it’s hosting more local events, supporting other small businesses, or simply serving a great cup of coffee, they’re committed to making Levity a place where everyone feels welcome.
A True Home in Norman
Jon and Mark Hunnell have found a true home in Norman, Oklahoma. Through Levity Breakfast House, they’ve created a space where people can gather, share stories, and enjoy good food. “We didn’t know if it was possible. It continues to be a blessing,” Jon said.
As Levity Breakfast House continues to grow, one thing remains clear: Jon, Mark, and the entire Hunnell family are committed to making a positive impact here in Norman. They’ve taken a piece of their Portland roots and planted it firmly in Oklahoma soil, creating a place where everyone is welcome and everyone is family.
To learn more about Levity Breakfast House, check out their Featured Business Profile below, or you can find them on social media at:
Amy Singleton is a contributing author and online editor for Whirlocal South OKC, Moore, and Norman. She’s the host of the Queen Lead Podcast, a motivational & marketing keynote speaker, and the CEO at HITE.
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Dec. 6th, 2023