The Penguin Pantry

A grocer with big community spirit

How two entrepreneurs turned a local shop into a much-loved meeting place

When the new owners of what was once Cameron Fruits took over the space in Penguin, they had a simple goal – to create something different. In a town of just over 4,000 people, they knew they couldn’t replicate a supermarket or compete with the big chains. Instead, they set out to offer something unique, a local grocery experience that felt modern, welcoming, and deeply connected to the community.

Neither had much experience in retail when they began, and within their first year, the world changed. The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, forcing them to adapt quickly and think creatively about how to sustain a small business in uncertain times. About a year later, they rebranded and introduced a coffee concept, transforming part of the store into a vibrant espresso bar. For a while, they ran two operations under one roof – a grocery store and a café, each adding life, variety, and energy to the space.

Becoming part of the community

Over time, The Pantry evolved into much more than a store. It became a hub for connection and a place where cyclists meet after weekend rides, where locals gather for coffee and conversation, and where tourists stop by for a taste of small-town hospitality.

The business model remains grounded in local trade, with most customers visiting several times a week. These small, everyday purchases sustain the business year-round, while the warmer months bring a wave of holidaymakers and visiting families who contribute to the town’s lively summer atmosphere.

The owners have worked hard to strike a balance between accessibility and quality. They offer everyday essentials alongside premium, hard-to-find Tasmanian goods, supporting local producers and giving residents access to specialty products that feel both luxurious and familiar.

Balancing lifestyle and business

Being based in Penguin has allowed the couple to combine lifestyle with entrepreneurship. Centrally located between Tasmania’s northern airports, they can easily travel for work while staying rooted in the community. This flexibility has supported their other business ventures and agricultural connections while allowing them to build something lasting in the town they love.

Running a business here hasn’t been without its challenges. Navigating permits, red tape, and planning regulations in a small community can be demanding, but the owners learned that patience and persistence pay off. Incremental change, respect for the town’s character, and a genuine understanding of the local audience have been key to earning trust and building longevity.

A thoughtful approach to growth

Much of The Pantry’s growth has been organic, driven by opportunity and guided by instinct. The team has invested in staff training, embraced collaboration, and focused on delivering consistently high-quality experiences for locals and visitors alike.

For the owners, the lessons are simple but powerful: take your time, get to know your community, and build something that fills a genuine gap. In small towns, success doesn’t come from scale — it comes from connection.

A symbol of small-town success

Today, The Penguin Pantry stands as a proud example of how creativity and community can thrive together. It’s a local favourite, a stop for travellers, and a cornerstone of Penguin’s growing entrepreneurial spirit.

Its story is a reminder that regional Tasmania is full of opportunity — for those willing to listen, learn, and build something that truly belongs.