The past few weeks have been crunch time for the new team at Grey’s Social Eatery, but they got to reap the rewards Friday evening as the restaurant held its grand opening in an area of the city that has struggled in recent years.
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Businesses see value in ByWard Market
Several long-established businesses – from restaurants such as Blue Cactus and The Courtyard, to others like Saslove’s Meat Market, Dunn’s Famous Deli and the ByWard Fruit Market – have closed their doors over the last few months. But Zach Dayler, executive director of the ByWard Market District Authority, said it’s encouraging to see new businesses like Grey’s Social coming in to take their place. “I think that speaks to the viability of the area and the future opportunity that exists,” he told OBJ Monday. “We’re just at the start of the revitalization efforts down there and I think it’s a good sign that people and businesses are interested in investing.” Retailers and restaurants across Ottawa and the rest of Canada have struggled recently, especially since the pandemic, Dayler said. So while the string of closures in the Market may feel like a warning sign, he said it’s not unusual for any business area. “The changeover of businesses, I think there’s a natural cycle there that we have to be aware of and understand the ebbs and flows,” he said. “The Blue Cactus was in business, 30, 35 years, which is incredible – well above the average operation. And they should be commended for those years of good work.” In addition to Grey’s, other additions like Beyond the Pale’s new taproom and Live Nation’s incoming entertainment venue on Rideau Street are taking advantage of previously empty spaces. But there will be new challenges as Hudson’s Bay closes up shop on Rideau, emptying out a five-storey department store right next door to the Market. While the future of spaces like that is up in the air, Dayler said it also presents an opportunity to bring in fresh blood and shake up the makeup of the Market. “What you want to see in those storefronts is a good mix of retail, service and food offerings,” he said. “A strong retail sector brings a strong entertainment sector brings a strong food sector … We really hope to see growth in the made-in-Ottawa movement. The other thing I would highlight is that entrepreneurs see value in places where some of us don’t. I think there’s a lot of excitement as to what might come to the Market and see what are some fun and unique concepts that people are looking to explore.” – With files from Marissa Galko

