Celebrate these Glebe merchant milestones with us
By Serena Lemieux
The Glebe is home to historic buildings, contemporary art, quaint eateries and long-standing local businesses that have stood the test of time. We’re proud of the decades many of our businesses have spent in our neighbourhood and want to celebrate with them. During the pandemic, a number of business owners celebrated exciting anniversaries in the community.
Glebe Meat Market
Founded in 1920, The Glebe Meat Market has been serving the Ottawa area the finest cuts of meat for more than a century. Its 100th anniversary was in 2020. Before finding its current home at 869 Bank, the Glebe Meat Market was a few blocks north at Bank and Third. Originally owned by the Faith brothers, it then went to Harry Amada who sold it to the Sauvé family in 1975. Stephane Sauvé has been working at The Glebe Meat Market since 1982 and went on to take over the business from his father, André Sauvé.
The Glebe Meat Market is known for niche items and cuts that you can’t find anywhere else. Sauvé has customers who send his product as far as Newfoundland for family and friends. “I love my customers, they come from all different walks of life, they all do different things, and it’s fun to hear how they will be cooking and preparing my items into new dishes,” said Sauvé. His team is made up of dedicated employees who are committed to excellence; some have been with the team for more than 15 years!
ORESTA
ORESTA celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2021, so we’re here to celebrate 21 years. On December 3, 2001, ORESTA was opened by its namesake, Oresta Korbutiak, in a converted corner store at 464 O’Connor. Inspired by her personal struggle with adult acne, which led her on a frustrating journey of overspending on harsh products and treatments, she created a healthy approach to beauty by opening a clean beauty shop and spa. ORESTA has become the Glebe’s go-to for organic, age-positive, natural beauty, clean living skincare. In 2004, it opened an e-commerce shop on Shopify to offer clean beauty products for those outside Ottawa. ORESTA became Shopify’s 39th of now more than one million online retailers.
When asked what the greatest challenge of the past two decades has been, Korbutiak’s answer was clear: “Most definitely the pandemic. We really missed the interaction with customers in the shop. Personally, being out of the treatment room – my happy place – for two-and-a-half years was also very challenging. However, the kindness, generosity and support of our community was incredibly uplifting.”
The Unrefined Olive
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Unrefined Olive has called 151 Second Avenue home since 2012. Owner Elizabeth Kilvert is one of only a handful of oleologists in Canada. She believes it is her responsibility to be able to speak to the character of each olive oil and go above and beyond for her customers. She recognizes that shopping is about more than the convenience of ordering online, it’s also about engagement and quality of service. When she is asked which is the best olive oil, her answer is simple: “There are over 700 kinds of olives to make olive oil. Come in and let your taste buds be the judge.”
Kettlemans
Looking ahead to 2023, Kettlemans will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in the Glebe. Known for not having a lock on the front door, Kettlemans has been the 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week comfort spot to Ottawans for decades. Their flagship location at 912 Bank Street serves as all-in-one stop for breakfast and brunch, lunch and late-night cravings.
Company president Amer Wahab recognizes the relationship Ottawa has with Kettlemans and remains grateful to the loyal fanbase. “Looking back over the past 30 years, it’s been great to be a part of the community and part of an amazing city,” said Wahab. “The pandemic showed us that when we all come together, we can do anything. We thank our team members and community for the support not just during COVID, but for the past 30 years.”
The Glebe is proud to be home to so many local small businesses which are able to thrive year after year thanks to local customers and supportive neighbours. We thank these businesses for all their hard work and dedication. We look forward to celebrating their next anniversaries!
Serena Lemieux is communications and marketing coordinator for the Glebe BIA (Business Improvement Area).