“We take pride that we’ve always butchered our meat on-site, which allows us to quality control what is coming in, and what we’re putting out.”
All in Bar
Moe's BBQ - Mobeen
“ I initially started BBQing because southern style halal smoked meat is extremely rare in all of North America. As a practicing Muslim, I only eat halal. Therefore, to enjoy smoked meat I had to learn to smoke it myself. “
J'adore Beauty Bar & Lounge - Jenny
“I basically grew up in the industry as a second generation. My mother was in the Esthetics industry for over a decade and I gradually just followed in her footsteps not knowing how much I really enjoyed being in the industry. I studied business and entrepreneurship then eventually took a course in aesthetics but working with my mother is where I got the most learning experience from.
Pure Kitchen - Kyle & Olivia
“We believe it is important not only to be a community for people, but to also give back to our communities. Whether it is partnering with a community organization for our monthly smoothie, taking teams over to Parkdale or The Mission to cook or hiring clients from Causeway, we want to help at the local level to break down barriers for those in need.”
Urban Reifen - Kenny & Twinson
“ The idea was to offer traditional beverages akin to the origins of our ethnic culture (Hong Kong). While customers get their vehicle serviced, they can enjoy a serene café-like atmosphere with a beverage of their choice while they wait. “
Capital Barbershop - Ankur
“Ever since I've started learning how to cut hair, I’ve wanted a barbershop of my own.”
LIVE! on Elgin - Jon & Lawrence
“We have a great deal of respect for each other and what we bring to the table. We have our areas of expertise and are careful not to cross the lines into each other's territory. I learned early on to leave everything pertaining to music to Jon. He knows the biz, he knows the people. That's the line in the sand. There is not real final say. We discuss, weigh pros and cons, and compromise based on what's best for the venue. We are 50/50 partners in every way. Granted, we don't have much social time together! One of us is always here.”
Cellar 82 - Kasey
“Fast forward many years and many jobs in the industry (wineries, liquor reps, bartender) My husband and I took a trip to Chicago and fell in love with a tiny champagne bar and wanted to bring that concept back to Ottawa. When we started looking for locations we realized we would have to basically open a restaurant and that isn’t something that we wanted. We really just wanted to open a tiny tasting bar. Not seeing a location that would suit our needs, we decided to take it mobile! “
Figaro Coffee House - Chuck
“I love all things coffee, wine, sweets, and new experiences! I’m a huge family guy, and my father-in-law introduced me to artisan roasting which elevated that interest in coffee even more. I fell in love with the art and the business of coffee. “
Sir John A Pub - Peter & Bob Abraham
“We were inspired at an early age by our father who was also in the restaurant industry. He owned and ran one of Ottawa’s earliest restaurants - The Gondola. ”
Town & Citizen - Marc & Lori
“ We love to support Elgin street and Ottawa as a whole wherever we can....food, drinks, suppliers, art, music, culinary talent, other businesses...Ottawa is a really great place to be a part of for the variety of things we can tap into.”
Tomo Restaurant - Nara
“Before the restaurant industry I was in retail which is not a far stretch since it is also a service industry. You name it, I probably worked there. A lot of my customer service and sales skills could attribute to those retail years.”
Johnny Farina - Dino & Anthony
“Anthony and I have been at it for 21 years. (October 27th 1997) we’ve been fortunate to have fantastic family support starting from our wives. Over the years, several family member worked with us also, today my son is with us, and two cousins. I’m sure there will be more to come. "
The Ministry of Coffee - Alex & Fadi
“Our favorite part of this industry and Elgin st is the fun and unique people we meet, who come in every day and make us smile, and become part of our family. “
The Third - Ashley
“An urban sociologist, Ray Oldenburg, coined the term “the third”. The First place being your home, the Second place being your job and the Third place being a gathering spot for all.”
Beyond the Pale Brewing - Shane, Rob & Al
“ From the day we opened our doors we could not keep up with demand. In order to work the hours required we created a Fun environment that persists today. If it is not fun we don’t do it. We have fun making our beer; fun selling it and we hope that people have fun drinking it.”
Pour Boy - Anthony
"Tom Green stopped in once..."