There’s been lots of action on and around Wellington West these past few weeks. Here’s a rundown of moves, new business openings and future businesses along the strip.
Tall Tree Cycles will be taking over the Red Chair Kids space this fall, around November. While the space doesn’t immediately seem bigger than their current space, they will benefit from a full basement where they can do work and store bikes.
Since Alteriors moved to Old Ottawa South, I had heard many rumblings about a Starbucks moving into the space. A couple of weeks ago, all windows and doors were removed and renos began on the space. But it was announced on September 5th that Terra20’s secondary location will set up shop there and they hope to open late fall. It seems like Starbucks is still very interested in establishing itself in West Wellington Village and breaking the Bridgehead coffee monopoly but nothing’s been rented as of yet.
West Wellington is quickly becoming a destination for fashion shoppers. Twiss & Weber – formally of Armstrong St. – have taken over the space to the left of Victoire. Laura Twiss and Tonia Weber opened their store which specializes in hand-crafted one-of-a-kind clothes September 3rd.
On the food scene, The Flying Banzini/ByWard Market News took over the space left vacant by Collected Works (RIP). ByWard Market News was looking to get away from the Market, and they’re very happy in their new location. While the transition was pretty seamless for the magazine store, Flying Banzini owner Dave Scharf had to gut the space, and build a kitchen, hire and train his staff. The restaurant, which specializes in “lofty roast meats and cheesecakes with altitude” opened this weekend. His blog on the triumphs and failures of the restaurant is pretty eye-opening, if you ever want to open an eatery. We stopped there over the weekend and really enjoyed the paninis and mini cheesecakes.
The Trii Outdoor Gelato Lounge opened next to Aveda Hair Salon just in time to catch the tail end of summer. The little stand and patio, just south of Parkdale Park on Wellington West. They currently source their gelato from Piccolo Grande but the plan is to make their own in the future. It’s a great spot to go and relax.
The Hintonburg pizza war is about to heat up with ZaZaZa opening its second third location at Wellington and Melrose, almost directly across from Tennessy Willems. The décor is similar in style to the pizzeria’s Glebe location.
The Hintonburg Market is a small grocery store (think Herb & Spice sized) that will serve the Hintonburg population. This is a much needed complement to the Parkdale Market and Giant Tiger but aside from a sign there isn’t much known about this place.
Saving the biggest news for last: it looks like Hintonburg will be getting its own LCBO! I had heard the rumors this summer of the LCBO coming back to the neighbourhood and taking over the Carpet Sense & Flooring location at Wellington and Garland but refused to believe it. Local blogger Vicky Smallman did a bit of research and saw that the Hintonburg location is listed on the LCBO new stores site as 981 Wellington West. This isn’t the Carpet Sense address (987 Wellington West) but I think this might just be a small mistake. No matter, Hintonburgers, you’ll be able to get your booze without having to go all the way to Westboro some time this Fall.
Update : A couple of people noted I forgot Forbes Beauty Co. at 7 Fairmont Ave, right next to Bridgehead. They’ve entirely redone the inside of the space, which used to be a Ottawa Blooms.
Did I miss anything? Heard any rumours? Please share in the comments section.
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