ByWard Market restaurant closes after more than 35 years

ByWard Market restaurant closes Blue Cactus Bar and Grill has closed its doors after more than 35 years in the ByWard Market. CTV's Jack Richardson reports.

Blue Cactus has closed its doors in Ottawa's ByWard Market after serving customers for more than 35 years.

A sign on the restaurant's door at 2 ByWard Market Square says Blue Cactus will be "closing its doors effective immediately."

"This decision comes as we transition from one chapter to the next, and while it is bittersweet, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared with you," says the note signed by the "Blue Cactus Team."

"Since our opening, Blue Cactus has been more than just a restaurant, it has been a place where friendships were formed, celebrations were held, and memories were made. None of this would have been possible without the loyal support of our amazing clients."

A new restaurant called Grey's Social Eatery, owned by Abbis Mahmoud, is aiming to open by the end of February.

While no reason was given for the closure of Blue Cactus in the notice, owner Bob Firestone told CTV News Ottawa it was time to close the restaurant.

“I think it's time to move on only because the market’s changed. It's not quite the way it used to be," Firestone said on Thursday.

"The clientele has changed somewhat and there's a lot more competition down there, so I just decided it's time to move on."

Firestone adds it was a "very difficult decision" to close the restaurant after more than 35 years.

"Look, I grew up down here. I've been down in the ByWard Market since I was 15 years old," Firestone said.

“So, I've never really worked anywhere else in my professional life and during school. So, yeah, it was a very tough decision. It’s bittersweet for sure.”

Blue Cactus served "contemporary cuisine to food lovers from around the corner and around the world," according to its website.

"As we close our doors, we want to extend our sincerest thanks for being part of the Blue Cactus family," the note says.

Firestone tells CTV News Ottawa, "I'm so grateful, tons of relationships were built at Blue Cactus."

"Lots of friendships. We've had weddings, we've had people who got engaged. I mean, so many wonderful things happened there and I'm just so grateful that this happened over the past 35 years.”

Mahmoud tells CTV News Ottawa Grey's Social Eatery will move into Blue Cactus by the end of February.  He says it will make you feel like you're in New York or Los Angeles.

“We're really excited about what design that we came up with. I've been working on this for a few months now, kind of just perfecting the design," Mahmoud said.

“We hope to play up on what the Firestone family did here and just, you know, modernize it and do something really nice for the market.”

Mahmoud says he is very passionate about the ByWard Market.

“I'm really tired of people saying that, you know, the market is decrepit or it's rundown and all that stuff. So, to all the naysayers out there, I say that I think the market is the most special place in all of Canada," Mahmoud said.

“What we hope to do is put a big investment, create something really, really special. The kind is the spark that brings the market back and gets people excited again.”

Blue Cactus is the latest restaurant and establishment to close in the ByWard Market and Rideau Street area.

Steve's Music on Rideau Street is leaving its location after 42 years.

Café Dekcuf announced in December it was closing its establishment permanently.

"After carefully weighing our options, it is with a heavy heart that we have made the decision to permanently close Café Dekcuf," said a post on the establishment's website.

Pure Kitchen closed its location at the corner of William Street and Rideau Street on December 22 after two years of operation. Co-owner and CEO David Leith said the location suffered from lower-than-expected sales and profits.

Oz Kafe closed in October after it was unable to pay nearly $40,000 in rent to its landlord, the National Capital Commission.

Last July, Saslove's Meat Market announced it was closing after 70 years of business. The family-run market had operated in the ByWard Market since 1954 and wrapped up its operations at the end of September.

Firestone says he’s optimistic about the future of the ByWard Market.

“I believe that we have a good board at the ByWard Market District Authority, and they're working very, very hard to prop up the ByWard Market and make people feel safe and comfortable down here. And I feel that they will do a good job,” he said.

“It's just going to take a bit of time. But we're getting there and it's a great place.”

Mahmoud says "the market is starting to change" heading into 2025.

"I think there's a wonderful initiative that's happening."

With files from CTV News Ottawa's William Eltherington and Shaun Vardon