Despite closures, Ottawa residents hopeful for new spots in ByWard Market this year

It was a bittersweet year for residents who frequent the ByWard Market, with several local businesses shutting their doors in 2024.

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Since last fall, the market has seen Saslove's Meat Market announce it was closing after 70 years of business. Oz Kafe, Pure Kitchen, the Cupcake Lounge and the Courtyard Restaurant were among other restaurants and eateries that decided to close their doors.

Most recently, Blue Cactus announced it was closing earlier this week after standing at the corner of ByWard Market Square and Clarence Street for more than 35 years.

While some in the area are sad to see these staples gone, Andrew Thompson, who visits the market regularly, says he's happy to see changes.

"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 come with opportunities for new businesses to grow.

Beyond the Pale Brewing opened a taproom inside the former Courtyard Restaurant and a restaurant called Grey's Social Eatery is aiming to start operating inside the Blue Cactus location by the end of February.

Philthy Phillies, a Canadian cheesesteak sandwich and poutine restaurant, has plans to open a location at the former Saslove's Meat Market location by this summer.

Across the street from the Cupcake Lounge and Blue Cactus sits The Hub, a cafe and marketplace which opened its doors in November. Barista Manne Hassan says she is going to miss seeing those businesses everyday.

"I grew up in the area so just coming here, seeing those places go is kind of sad," Hassan said, "I'm still excited to see new things popping up in Ottawa."

She added: "Is it's going to bring new customers or are people not going to come to the ByWard Market anymore because of these places? I feel like it's a lot of nostalgia here for a lot of us, so I'm not sure what's next."