New restaurant set to open in Ottawa’s ByWard Market on Wednesday

Grey’s Social Eatery is set to open in the former Blue Cactus location in Ottawa’s ByWard Market. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)

A new restaurant is set to open in Ottawa’s ByWard Market, in the space that was occupied by Blue Cactus for more than 35 years.

Grey’s Social Eatery is scheduled to open at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the ByWard Market Square. Dreammind Group took over the space in January after Blue Cactus closed its doors.

“My vision is to create something truly special for the city,” Abbis Mahmoud, founder and president of Dreammind Group, said in a post on Grey’s Social Eatery’s website.

“I am to reignite excitement in the Market with a world-class restaurant that will elevate our great city even further. Grey’s will be a stunning venue, blending modern-vintage design with Canadian influences.”

Grey’s Social Eatery was originally scheduled to open on Monday, but Mahmoud postponed the opening until Wednesday.

“Though we’re prepared, I’m striving for perfection!” Mahmoud said on Instagram. “Thank you for your understanding. I’d be delighted if you could join me for our inaugural bite this Wednesday.”

Dreammind Group also owns Med Supper Club, Happy Fish, the Waverley and 56 ByWard.

Blue Cactus closed on New Year’s Day after more than 35 years in the ByWard Market. Owner Bob Firestone told CTV News Ottawa it was time to “move on only because the Market’s changed. It’s not quite the way it used to be.”

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Dunn’s Famous Deli on Dalhousie Street is closing, with a Chuck’s Roadhouse franchise moving into the space.

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