40 Under 40: Sugar, spice and all things nice as grocer takes out award
Kym Strow wanted customers to feel good while getting their groceries done. Now, she’s been awarded for it.
Nostalgia and personal touches might not be what are usually picked up on a standard grocery run.
But at Tarragindi’s Good Things Grocer, they’re central to their business.
“I really do believe that when you need change, food makes it,” co-owner Kym Strow says.
“When you need community, food brings it.”
The independent retail business has been running since 2023, when Strow opened it with her partner Sarah.
The pair shared a vision to transform the concept of the local corner store, into a community hub in the suburb.
The concept was born from a love of food and community, after Kym and Sarah’s experience with multiple setbacks and the impacts of natural disasters.
Between 2019 and 2022, Strow’s previous hospitality ventures faced bushfires, COVID lockdowns and the Lismore floods.
Offering a thoughtfully curated range of high-quality, predominantly Australian-made produce, pantry goods, flowers and small-batch products, Good Things has transformed a tired fruit shop into a thriving business that welcomes over 25,000 customers each month.
It also supports 28 local jobs and fosters a diverse team with staff aged 14 to 65, including queer, transgender and all-abilities employees.
And locals say Good Things Grocer has become a central part of suburban life.
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In recognition of this work, Strow took out the Food Innovation Award at this year’s 40 Under 40 program.
Upon accepting the award, Strow thanked her wife for her unwavering support through their journey with Good Things Grocer.
The Food Innovation Award recognising and celebrating innovation and excellence across all categories in the food and beverage industry.
Read all about the 2025 40 Under 40 here.
