It was a bittersweet year for residents who frequent the ByWard Market, with several local businesses shutting their doors as the community faces changes and new opportunities for growth. Since last fall, the beloved market has seen the closure of several establishments, including Saslove's Meat Market, which had been operating for 70 years. Other favorites such as Oz Kafe, Pure Kitchen, the Cupcake Lounge, and the Courtyard Restaurant have also closed down.
Most recently, Blue Cactus announced its closure after over 35 years, drawing lamentation from many regular patrons. While some locals undoubtedly feel the loss of these staples, Andrew Thompson, who visits the market frequently, expresses optimism about the transformation. “We just have to continue to evolve,” Thompson said. “This is just yet another change the ByWard Market's going to go through.”
The closures also open up opportunities for new businesses to emerge. Beyond the Pale Brewing recently opened its taproom inside the vacant Oz Kafe location, and Grey's Social Eatery is expected to launch at the site of Blue Cactus by the end of February. Philthy Phillies, specializing in cheesesteaks and poutine, is set to occupy the former Saslove's Meat Market location by this summer.
Barista Manne Hassan, who grew up visiting the market, shared mixed feelings about the closures. “I will miss those businesses every day,” she said. “I’m still excited to see new things popping up in Ottawa. But will it bring new customers, or are people not going to come to the ByWard Market anymore because of these changes? I feel there’s so much nostalgia here.”
Abbis Mahoud, the owner of Grey's Social Eatery, envisions creating a restaurant with a big-city allure but affordable offerings. “I wanna kind of make it feel like you’re in New York,” Mahoud stated, as he prepared to establish his latest venture on the vacant corner of ByWard Market Square and Clarence Street.
Mahoud's restaurant is set to replace the well-known Blue Cactus, which had garnered fame for its Tex-Mex-inspired dishes and $10 triple cocktails over its 35-year run. Bob Firestone, the previous owner of Blue Cactus, revealed he chose not to renew his 10-year lease as he felt it was time to hand over the reins to younger entrepreneurs. “It was difficult, but I decided it was time to move on,” Firestone noted.
Firestone has seen Mahmoud’s plans for the new restaurant and is excited about the changes. “It’s going to be beautiful, it’s going to be great,” he said. Mahoud's ambition involves not only maintaining the spirit of the market but also revitalizing it with fresh concepts. He intends to hire approximately 80 new staff members to accommodate varying guest experiences from lunch to late-night dining.
Majoring in luxury ingredients, Grey's Social Eatery will highlight classics at accessible prices. Mahoud aims to set the average price between $19 and just over $30 for main dishes, with steaks around $40. While the former Blue Cactus was known for its signature triple cocktails, Mahoud confirmed such indulgences won’t be on the new menu.
Mahmoud’s previous experiences have shown him how to successfully attract customers to upscale establishments—notably, his high-end restaurant, Med, which reportedly ranks among Ontario’s top five for luxury alcohol sales. He explained the stark difference between the purported risks concerning the ByWard Market and its potentials for vibrancy. “I know many people are down on the ByWard Market, citing fears about homelessness and crime. But this is the most special area in all of Canada,” Mahmoud emphasized, showcasing all the unique offerings of the location.
The future of the ByWard Market appears promising as Mahmoud's ambitious project aims to rejuvenate the area. He is optimistic his venture will serve as “a little spark to ignite the Market,” generating excitement and potentially motivating other business owners to reinvest.
Firestone, who opened his first ByWard Market restaurant, Zak’s Diner, back in 1984, shared his supportive view on the revitalization efforts for the area. Increased police presence has been noted as part of measures to improve the local atmosphere, with Firestone approving of the initiatives. “I think it’s going to continue to be a great place. It’s going to be evenbetter in the next four or five years,” Firestone stated.
Residents and business owners alike find themselves at the crossroads of change, motivated by memories of the past yet hopeful for the future of the ByWard Market.