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Astin Min Fine Foods in Long Reef is more than a boutique deli brimming with gourmet groceries, fresh produce and great coffee. It’s a vibrant hub for community, connection and care. And at the heart of it all is its inspiring owner, Jodhi Pretlove.
Jodhi Pretlove is a Beaches local with a passion for fine food and collaboration. After launching a catering business, she saw an opportunity to create something special in Long Reef with her boutique deli, Astin Min. The journey has been both challenging and rewarding. “I wanted to do something when my youngest daughter started school in 2020, but COVID changed all that. We eventually opened in May 2021, and six weeks later, The Beaches lockdown happened.”
Rather than retreat, Jodhi and her tiny team of three adapted quickly, pivoting the business a little. “We planned for a slow roll-out, focusing on a boutique deli counter and catering offer. Instead, we found ourselves also making over 100 family-sized take-home meals a week, managing online orders and contactless pick-ups.”
Astin Min quickly became a vital part of the community, and as you browse the shelves, you’ll find locally-sourced products from Highlands Natural, PPG Coffee Roasters, Harvest Lane Food, The Corn Stars, The Good Gang, Sticky Pot and Little Cocina, along with showcasing handmade goods from local artisans. Jodhi also provides Beaches businesses C-Side Kids, Bricks 4 Kidz and Kiss My Axe with party catering packages. “We’re a boutique deli with a unique approach,” she says. “Many of our suppliers started as customers, and I don’t take a commission. It’s not about profit for me. It’s all about connection.”
When restrictions on outdoor gatherings eased during COVID, Jodhi’s gourmet grazing platters surged in popularity. And when Blonde Cartel, the hair salon next door, moved around the corner, she seized the opportunity to expand. “Doubling in size was our next big milestone and with the encouragement and support from our local community, almost a year later we’re sure we made the right choice.”
Jodhi’s commitment to helping others is deeply personal. Growing up with a sister who has Cerebral Palsy, she learned early on the importance of compassion. Now, with a team of 12, Astin Min’s impact extends far and wide. Jodhi partners with Acts of Kindness (AOK) whose mission is to feed the homeless. “Every Wednesday, we prepare meals for those in need. My school-aged daughters have helped make over 100 sandwiches and volunteered with AOK to hand them out in the city to our street friends. It was real and raw. The experience definitely hit home for them, especially when they saw a girl their own age come in with her mum.”
With many Astin Min customers generously contributing to Jodhi’s local initiatives, she says it has proven to be a real inspiration over the years. “The community is everything to us, our core focus, and the support keeps us motivated in doing what we love.”
Astin Min is open seven days a week, 8am to 4pm, offering the best deli treats, groceries and coffee. Whether you need lunch, a fancy grazing platter or catering for an event, Jodhi and her team are ready to serve.
