Leonard’s Bakery has filed a civil lawsuit against former employees who allegedly stole the company’s malasada recipe to start their own business.

Renowned for its Portuguese donuts, Leonard’s has been operating at its Kapahulu location for more than 60 years.

The case was filed Friday in Circuit Court. The lawsuit names Gayla Young, Lisa Matsushige, Justin Edwards, Hawaii Baking Co., Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery and Pipeline Bakery as defendants, according to court records.

Young had served as director of business management under Leonard Rego Jr., according to the Better Business Bureau.