ByWard Market restaurant Blue Cactus closes after 35 years
Time to 'pass the torch,' former owner says
The Blue Cactus in the ByWard Market is closing after 35 years, joining several other businesses in the area that have recently made the same decision.
Former owner Bob Firestone said he felt it was time to "pass the torch" to new ownership.
"I'm not as young as I used to be," he said. "The market will bounce back to its past glory, but I think I'll just hand it over to the young people that are running the ByWard Market now."
Firestone said the COVID-19 pandemic was the precursor to his eventual decision to move on, adding he plans to take a break before deciding on his next business venture.
Blue Cactus joins a growing list of closures in and around the ByWard Market.
Steve's Music recently announced it will be relocating from its home of 42 years on Rideau Street, citing safety concerns and an increase in crime. Café Dekcuf on Rideau Street announced its permanent closure in December, and Pure Kitchen closed its location on William Street last month after two years of operation.
David Mangano, co-owner of The Grand Pizzeria in the market, said running a business in the area can be difficult. He said while crime and social disorder is a problem, the economy is the main issue plaguing businesses.
"High interest rates, high food costs and sort of a slowing economy," he said.
Firestone stressed crime was not the reason for the closure.
Fond memories from former patrons
The closure of the Blue Cactus is a disappointment for former regulars like Annick Piché, who frequented the restaurant during her college years. She and her friends visited the restaurant every Friday for food and drinks before heading out to nearby nightlife. Piché even brought her family there years later to reminisce.
"It's sad to see these places that you pretty much almost grew up in, that are closing," she said.
Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante said she also has many fond memories of the Blue Cactus.
Plante said she worked as a server in the ByWard Market when she first moved to Ottawa and remembered often seeing former governor general Michaëlle Jean at the restaurant.
"I met a lot of famous people when I worked in the market at the time, but that was the first time I met someone who was really famous," she said.
New restaurant to open in February
Abbis Mahmoud, owner of the Dreammind Group of restaurants and bars, is the new owner of the property. He said he plans to open a new restaurant and added that renovations are already underway.
His plan is to reopen in February with a new look and feel that aims to be "very modern, but very vintage."
"I'm honoured to have that spot. I think it's the best corner in the city and we're just going to modernize it," Mahmoud said.