The Olsens Corner Story

You can quickly measure a person’s age and how long they’ve been in Bundaberg by what name they give FoodWorks on Walker Street. You might know it as Southside Independent Grocer, Learmonth’s or Olsen’s. The store has undergone a few transformations since its humble beginnings on Targo Street, but its values have consistently remained the same.

In 1935, Mabel and William Olsen moved their shop, Olsen’s Store to the corner of Walker and Barolin streets. During WWII, William served as the air raid warden and their three children – Joy, Bill and Neville – left school to help in the shop.

Throughout the 1950’s, Olsen’s Store grew with the support of the local Italian farming community, and became the first shop in Bundaberg to sell continental deli items. It was also Bundaberg’s first self-serve supermarket.

Iceblocks & malted milk 

Local milkman, Doug Learmonth courted Joy Olsen over the housemade iceblocks and malted milk that the store was famous for. Years later, they were joined in the store by their children – Graeme, John, Anne and Diane. The rise of the major supermarket giants put significant pressure on the family-owned and operated business. Graeme, John and their cousin Glen helped modernise the business and drive efficiency with mark guns and electronic scanning.

Their hard work paid off and soon Olsen’s Store outgrew its premises. In 2005, the family redeveloped the site to create Southside Central Shopping Centre. As well as being home to Learmonth’s Foodworks, the precinct development conveniently included a bakery, coffee shop, newsagent, TAB, medical centre, pharmacy and specialty stores. 

Where we are now

In recognition of the grocery shop’s long history and valuable contribution to the Bundaberg community, in 2020 the iconic grocery store was returned to the name it was affectionately given by locals all those years ago: Olsen’s Corner.

Now owned by the Brosnans, family remains an important part of Olsen’s Corner’s ethos and ongoing success. Members of the Brosnan family are involved in most facets of the business; from management to maintenance and repairs, and the registers. 

Who we are

The grocery store is much more than a business. It’s a community of employees, customers and suppliers who know the true value of sharing a meal with family. There aren’t too many Bundaberg locals who haven’t shopped, worked or supplied food to Olsen’s Corner at one time or another.

Many of the staff who worked for the Olsen and Learmonth families still remain at the store. They bring years of invaluable industry experience, and collaborate with energetic junior staff and passionate foodies. The end result is good old fashioned service and know-how, based on the latest food trends. Olsen’s Corner staff know many of their regular customers by name. They enjoy sharing their expertise and educating people about where their food comes from.

The team at Olsen’s Corner prioritise food that is fresh, in season and local. They get a kick out of sourcing hard-to-find and gourmet ingredients that the major supermarkets don’t stock. Whether you need the basic essentials or are planning a special soiree, Olsen’s Corner FoodWorks has you covered.