“We are blessed to have very loyal customers. When we started in 2006, we were pleasantly surprised with the number of patrons that had been loyal for decades. Many shared stories of how they have been clients for 50 years and continue to this day.”
All in IDIGELGIN
Al's Steakhouse - Justin Merner
“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.”
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.”
Mayor of Ottawa - Jim Watson
“Ottawa has become a much more metropolitan city with a vibrant restaurant scene, hundreds of festivals and a growing business community. “
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.”
Eyemaxx Optical Studio - Parsa & Dawn
“Since starting at Eyemaxx, it’s been a constant process of learning and evolving. I have learned that I am determined and always have room to grow. Dawn has been a great mentor in this regard and continuously guides me to learn more about myself as we grow our business.“
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.”
The Leading Note - Gary & Tina
“The foundation of the creation of The Leading Note and OrKidstra actually began when we bought and renovated our first – and only – home. We did everything together – completely gutted it down to the studs, re-wired, re-plumbed, built an extension +++ We did 95% of the work ourselves and realized we worked well together!”
Shoebox Studio - Samuel
“I always say “the photograph chooses the paper” or the more holistic “let the image tell us what it wants to be on”. This is a way of saying that not every paper/medium is suited for a particular image. As a printer, I want to create a print that communicates an image’s message as effectively as possible. Things like texture, warmth, brightness all come into consideration.”
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. “
Scrim's Florist - Susan
“Can you imagine a better location? The windows, the neighbourhood, we have a great landlord, and sooooo much space. Scrim's is a landmark used by folks when they are giving directions. I love sweeping the front stoop and chatting with folks as they walk by. “
Pot & Pantry - Robin
"I love to cook and bake, and owning a kitchen store means I can talk about those things all day. I love getting to know people through what they're cooking."