Mandarin Ogilvie set to close after 36 years in business
The Mandarin Ogilvie restaurant is set to close its doors this spring, after 36 years of serving customers in Ottawa's east end.
A message on the front door of the restaurant on Ogilvie Road says the establishment will close on June 3.
"It's like a second home," Nathalie Shienh of the Mandarin Ogilvie tells CTV News Ottawa. "Even as a child, I would come here and help clean tables and talk with the customers."
The landmark restaurant was opened by Shienh's father, who passed away in 2018. The eatery grew over the years to take over the entire building on Ogilvie Road, even opening an Asian grocery store.
The property has been sold to TCU Development Corporation, which plans to build a 20-storey residential complex with 300 units.
The restaurant, offering up Chinese and Thai cuisine, dim sum and handmade dumplings, has served many dignitaries, including former prime ministers Jean Chretien and Paul Martin, former governor general Adrienne Clarkson and the late Jack Layton. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called to offer best wishes to the family when he heard the restaurant was closing.
"For the future, it's retirement for my mum," Shienh said. "That's the whole goal for the sale, for her to enjoy her grandchildren and enjoy life."
The Mandarin Ogilvie restaurant on Ogilvie Road has been sold to TCU Development Corporation, which plans to build a 20-storey residential complex. (Shaun Vardon/CTV News Ottawa)
Shienh says it's been a privilege helping guests celebrate important milestones, with many customers first visiting as children and now bringing their families for dinner.
"We are truly grateful and honoured to have been part of all of your lives," Shienh said. "You guys will always have a special place in our hearts and we will always remember you. Thank you."
The Mandarin Ogilvie is the latest restaurant to close in Ottawa. Last month, the Yangtze Restaurant in Ottawa's Chinatown was put up for sale.
"As it is time for our family to close this chapter, it presents a wonderful opportunity for someone to purchase this cornerstone business and building," the restaurant said in a statement to CTV News.
Yangtze has been serving up dim sum, Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine since it opened at the same location in 1982.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's William Eltherington and Shaun Vardon
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Forecasters issue 'bomb cyclone' warning for B.C., with 120 km/h winds predicted
An Environment Canada meteorologist says a so-called "bomb cyclone" is expected to bring powerful winds to Vancouver Island and the British Columbia coast this week.
Canada's rising youth unemployment could cost the country billions, report says
The unemployment rate for Canadians between 18 and 24 was 12.8 per cent in October, according to Statistics Canada, more than double the rate of those older than 25.
Tories call on Boissonnault to resign amid apology over Indigenous ancestry claims
Members of Parliament returned to Ottawa on Monday after a weeklong break with no sign of a resolution to the House stalemate, tempers ramped back up, and renewed calls for a Liberal cabinet minister to resign — or be fired.
B.C. RCMP detachment refutes social media claims of human trafficking, kidnapping
Mounties in B.C.'s Sea to Sky region say there is "no credible evidence" to support claims circulating on social media that a human trafficking ring is operating in Squamish or that there have been kidnappings in the community.
Men from Ontario, B.C. charged in 'mistaken identity' shooting, RCMP say
Two men from Ontario and British Columbia have been charged in connection with a 2022 shooting that left an innocent victim seriously wounded.
NHL referee Mitch Dunning communicative, can move extremities following violent collision
NHL referee Mitch Dunning is fully communicative and can move all his extremities following a violent collision with Colorado defenseman Josh Manson in Monday night's game at Philadelphia.
Dave Coulier debuts shaved head with a little help from his friend John Stamos
As Dave Coulier continues to go through cancer treatment, he is getting some support from his friend John Stamos.
Some Canada-U.S. border crossing times will change in 2025. Here's what you need to know
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it will adjust the opening hours of crossing points across the country early next year.
Thief steals disabled 15-year-old dog's wheelchair
Caring for a senior pet is no walk in the park, especially when the pet can't walk at all. A Colorado woman was shocked to find her dog's wheelchair missing from the porch Tuesday morning