"Open Fire was created in 2015 when I decided to do something with my creative energy that at the time was not being utilized in the way I knew it could."
La Roma - The Papalia Family
"Although La Roma has been around since the 60’s, we took over in 1990 and moved to Little Italy just a few short years later. My siblings and I were very young but spent countless hours running around the restaurant, making it our playground."
Plant & Curio - Gen & Leslie
We've met about 8 years ago from mutual friends. We'd be going to the same local shows or parties. Only a year ago we've realized we had to same passion and love for houseplants.
Blue Peaches Furniture - Jessica
"Prior to starting my company a year ago I was working in HR. I had a good job, but was getting tired of it, so decided to take a “temporary” break to think about what I wanted to do next. During that time, I started painting furniture..."
Carben Food + Drink
"Kevin and I met in Toronto at Claudio Aprile's restaurant, Origin. He was a cook and I was a pastry cook. And from there we travelled around Canada working together and separately. We finally settled in Ottawa..."
Pour Boy - Anthony
"Tom Green stopped in once..."
Brew Donkey - Brad
"Every weekend we're bringing busloads of people to local breweries where they learn about the breweries products, witness the culture and see the space where their favourite products are created."
Le Moulin de Provence - Claude
"We work closely with many of our neighbours around us….hotels, restaurants, retail stores, etc."
N.U.T.S - Hi
"I have always dreamed of having my own business. When I seriously began thinking of starting something, it was clear to me that I wanted to offer something fun and unique for families.
Zak's Diner - John
"Winterlude is the best when the weather co-operates. I try to skate the canal every Winter."
Maker House Co. - Gareth
"I grew up in Kingston, went to Queen's for Philosophy/Engineering and graduated in 2007. Spent a few years working for non-profits and the federal government..."
Fabrications - Faustina
"I've done lots of retail jobs in my life, in lots of different capacities, and I really like the social aspect of a retail environment. I was halfway through a degree in Women's and Gender Studies in 2016 when ...."
Flapjack's Canadian Diner - Corey
"I am genuinely proud everyday to be a Canadian. And I am even more proud to contribute to identifying a Canadian culture, with Flapjack’s and building a Canadian Diner."
Shawarma King - Fadel
"We opened in 1997 and I can comfortably say that we have sold over a million Shawarmas to date!"
Get Sorted - Kelsey
"I have lived in Ottawa my entire life – it has so many hidden gems, I am constantly discovering new communities and restaurants to appreciate."
Ward 14 - Max & Devon
"We’re blessed with the eclectic nature of our customers. All the different perspectives discussing the big topics of our times, makes for some great bar chat"
Trove Fashion - Kelly
"We had a beautiful coat that was handmade from silk purchased in Japan during World War II by one of my clients’ grandfathers. It was a beautiful piece! "
Victoire - Katie & Régine
"We've been best friends since our last year of high school, which is when we met. From the get-go we were co-conspirators."
Pub Italia - Joe
"I have a car and motorcycle hobby. I own 25 Italian cars and 75 Italian motorcycles. Hoping someday to open a museum."