Six years ago, Katrina and Josh McKenzie, with help from Katrina’s mum Vicki, transformed a Golden Beach convenience store into The Real Grocer—a bustling community hub celebrating real food, genuine connections, and heartfelt purpose. What began as a dream shared by Katrina has grown into a thriving enterprise with a team of 28, all driven by her passion for healthy living and community spirit.
In 2018, shortly after moving to Golden Beach with their daughter Lacey, Josh stumbled upon the perfect location for Katrina’s long-held vision. While picking up dinner supplies, he learned the convenience store owner was selling. “It felt like a sign,” Josh said, and Katrina’s dream began to take shape.
Katrina had envisioned this moment for years. “I used to travel for work and plan my breaks around community hubs like this,” she shared. Originally from Wagga Wagga, she had meticulously crafted a business plan but felt her hometown wasn’t the right fit. Relocating to Golden Beach, with its serene waters and close-knit community, brought her vision to life. “It was exactly what I had imagined—right down to the big communal table, the expanse of still water and the sense of connection,” she said.
Her goal was simple but profound: to make healthy eating accessible. “When Lacey was born, we lived on one income and struggled to afford organic food. I wanted to change that,” she explained. Today, The Real Grocer offers affordable, seasonal, and organic produce sourced from local farmers and backyards.
Katrina’s journey was deeply influenced by her personal experiences. An avid athlete during her teenage years, she played numerous sports while battling an eating disorder, which gave her a unique perspective on the importance of nourishment. “It taught me how food affects not just our bodies, but our minds, relationships, and overall well-being,” she reflected. This realization guided her career path through business, personal training, and retail management, culminating in her current role. “It’s wild how everything aligned to lead me here,” she said.
Golden Beach also held sentimental value for Katrina, whose childhood holidays with her grandmother created a lasting bond with the area. Upon moving, the family found themselves living just a block from her grandmother’s former home.
Beyond its fresh produce and café offerings, The Real Grocer champions local artisans and suppliers. “We love showcasing small businesses and helping them grow,” Katrina shared, citing examples of how in-store tastings have boosted sales for local products. The shop also serves as a hub for events like yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops, fostering connections among residents.
This sense of community is at the heart of The Real Grocer. “We see people from all walks of life come together here. Our communal table has sparked friendships, and even small interactions, like greeting someone by name, can brighten their day,” Katrina said. She recounted a touching moment when a family member of a regular customer gifted the store a duck statue to honour their loved one, who had recently passed away, and who had often frequented the café with her best friend. Affectionately nicknamed “the old ducks,“ their story exemplifies the deep connections nurtured within this welcoming space.
Katrina believes in supporting local businesses over big chains. For The Real Grocer, it’s all about real food, real service, and real connection. To experience this firsthand, visit The Real Grocer in Golden Beach, where you’ll find not just quality produce but a welcoming community, and one of the best organic coffees in Caloundra.
