A lifelong local husband-and-wife duo is preparing to open a specialty food store and cafe on the ground floor of a new oceanside apartment complex.
Troy and Chloe Matthews are set to open The Beachfront Pantry at Buddina in January, with the owners aiming to create a community-focused hub for locals.
Ms Matthews said the concept was designed to tap into the area’s coastal lifestyle and demand for quality food options.
“The Beachfront Pantry is a vibrant gathering place that combines the best elements of a specialty food store, artisanal cafe and boutique convenience store,” she said.
“Located in the heart of Buddina, our store celebrates the region’s freshest produce, artisanal goods and local talent.”
The venue will sit at the base of The Beachfront, a new 73-apartment development featuring three- and four-bedroom residences on Pacific Boulevard, just north of the Kawana Surf Club. It claims to boast the closest residential beach frontage on the coastline from Brisbane to Noosa.
Ms Matthews said Buddina was the only place she and her husband wanted to open the business.
“As lifelong locals of Buddina, my husband Troy and I have always been drawn to the area’s unique charm and community spirit,” she said.
“After growing up and raising our family here, it’s a dream come true to open The Beachfront Pantry, a business that reflects our passion for good food, great coffee and the coastal lifestyle.
“With the Saturday morning parkrun right outside our doors, and the beautiful beaches and coastal walking trails nearby, we’re surrounded by like-minded people who value health and wellness. We’re thrilled to be giving back to our home town and can’t wait to share our vision with the community.”
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The fit-out has been designed to reflect the beachside setting.
“We’ve brought the coastal lifestyle to life in our shop design by incorporating on-trend elements like arches and natural light, which reflect the beauty of the surrounding area,” Ms Matthews said.
“It’s taken a lot of planning and design work, but we’re thrilled with how it’s turning out. The result is a space that feels like an extension of the beach itself.”
The menu will draw on current cafe trends while offering a broad range of takeaway options.
“We’re serving up a coastal twist on cafe favourites, with trendy drinks like protein smoothies, matcha lattes and iced coffee with flavoured foam,” she said.
“Our menu features healthy options like acai bowls, gourmet toasties and artisanal breads, as well as delicious takeaway platters and a curated deli selection with specialty meats, cheeses, and olives.
“We’re also proud to stock local and Australian-owned products in our boutique convenience store, offering unique finds you won’t discover anywhere else.”
The business will be run by the Matthews family, including the couple’s two teenage daughters.
“With my background in hospitality and working in delis in my younger years, and my husband’s experience in management, we’re excited to share our love of food with the area,” Ms Matthews said.
“For me it’s a full-circle moment: starting out in the industry as a teen and now running my own business.
“We’re looking forward to opening our doors, anticipated to be late January (if all goes to plan), and building a community hub where families can come together.”
