The Local Edit: Katie Jayne of Always Hungry Grocery & Goods

Founder Katie Jayne shares the inspiration behind her Carlsbad market, her favorite North County spots, and her vision for building community through food.

By Very North County

June 22, 2026

carlsbad • community

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The Local Edit is a recurring series highlighting the founders, creatives, business owners, and community members helping shape life in North County.

For our inaugural feature, we sat down with Katie Jayne, founder of Always Hungry Grocery & Goods in Carlsbad.

What began as a search for the kind of neighborhood market she missed from the East Coast has evolved into something much bigger: a gathering place built around food, connection, and community. We spoke with Katie about creating a true third space, the local spots she keeps returning to, and why North County is such a special place to build.

What’s your go-to order or grab at Always Hungry right now?

Oh man, that’s like choosing a favorite child. Lately, I’m always grabbing tinned fish for a quick lunch. I’m also completely hooked on our new Reut’s yogurt topped with our house-made granola and J.R. Organics berries. And if I’m being indulgent? Our East Coast-style seafood salad and a giant chocolate almond cookie have somehow found their way home with me multiple times this week.

COURTESY KATIE JAYNE / ALWAYS HUNGRY GROCERY & GOODS

What kind of experience do you want people to have when they walk into Always Hungry?

It sounds cheesy, but I really want people to feel like it’s a place they can come and just be. Yes, we’re a grocery store—but we’re also adding tables, games, and host events for people to hang out. There are so many things pulling us away from real connection and community these days, and I want to help bring some of that back.

Come chat with me about the importance of supporting farmers, tell me about a strange ingredient you’ve been searching for, or share the story of the cake your grandma used to make that you still think about years later. Or just sit outside, play a game, and watch the sunset.

At its core, I want Always Hungry to be a true third space. There are so many transplants in North County looking for their village, and we love hosting events that help people find one.

Was there something you felt North County was missing that inspired you to create Always Hungry?

Absolutely. Growing up on the East Coast and later living in Chicago, I always had access to corner bodegas, farm stands, and neighborhood markets where I could grab a last-minute ingredient or discover something completely new. I love purposeful walking, and when I moved here, I felt like the Village was missing a grocery store I’d genuinely want to shop at for my family.

So we built one. And somehow it just keeps evolving into something much bigger than just a bodega!

Where’s a North County spot you keep going back to — and why?

Again, like choosing a favorite child. I love wine bars, and Little Victory is truly special. Jeremy’s wine list and Kirsten’s incredible sense of style make it feel completely unique. The food is also sneaky good. I’m also a huge fan of everything Valentina is doing. We’ve been going there for years. Champagne, fries, and mussels- That’s probably my last meal.

All Mine in Oceanside is another favorite. The food is made with so much heart, and the wine list is legit. Order the pickled grapes. For shopping, Adobe by Jess Vargas is my go-to. Most people don’t realize it, but her jewelry collection is next-level. Shoots is somewhere we end up multiple times a week, and Little Fox is what I like to call “adult ice cream.” I love the flavor combinations, and nothing is overly sweet.

Honestly, I could keep going. There is so much I love here! We are actually working on a North County Favorites map to hand out to visitors and help them support local!

COURTESY KATIE JAYNE / ALWAYS HUNGRY GROCERY & GOODS

What makes North County a place you want to build in?

There’s just so much here. Every day I discover a new spot, meet another business owner, or learn about a new activity happening in the community.

What stands out most, though, are the people. They’re kind, welcoming, and genuinely excited to share what they love about this place. Sometimes it feels like we’re all just sitting around bragging about how great North County is—and honestly, it makes me smile.

I’ve lived in a lot of places, and that energy isn’t something you find everywhere.