Ottawa’s Small Businesses Take Centre Stage at the Bayview Yards Café
By: Bayview Yards
11-minute read
1251 words
Since its establishment in 2016, the Bayview Yards Café has been a cornerstone of Ottawa’s innovation community that’s offering much more than just coffee – it’s a hub of creativity, networking, and collaboration.
Over the years, the café has taken on various forms, adapting to the evolving needs of our community.
In the wake of the pandemic, we embraced an exciting transformation, turning the café into a dynamic platform for small businesses to shine. By opening our doors to local entrepreneurs, we’ve created a vibrant pop-up program where restaurants and caterers showcase their unique cuisines, connect with new audiences, and share their stories.
A key component of the Bayview Yards Café pop-up program is our commitment to integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices into every aspect of our organization. By showcasing authentic cuisine from various cultures—such as Syrian, Caribbean, African, and Russian culinary traditions—we celebrate the rich diversity of Ottawa’s community.
Many of the small business owners participating in this program are immigrants who passionately share their cultural heritage through their food, creating meaningful connections across communities.
These businesses not only enrich the vibrant ecosystem of Bayview Yards but also contribute to the cultural fabric of Ottawa as a whole.
Are you a restaurant owner in Ottawa who is interested in poppin’ up in the Bayview Yards Café?
We’d love to connect with you. Contact Us Today
Discover the Delicious Diversity of Bayview Yards Café Pop-Ups
Baccanalle
Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with Baccanalle, the award-winning culinary venture led by Chef Resa Solomon-St. Lewis.
Known for her authentic and flavorful dishes, Chef Resa combines tradition and artistry to create meals that are nothing short of spectacular.
Whether it’s a hearty curry or a perfectly spiced jerk chicken, Baccanalle’s pop-ups at Bayview Yards are an unforgettable experience that brings the warmth and vibrancy of the islands to Ottawa.
Britannia Bakeshop
Britannia Bakeshop brings the warmth and charm of a classic bakery to the Bayview Yards Café, offering an array of freshly baked treats that transport you to a cozy, welcoming space. Specializing in mouthwatering pastries, cakes, and bread, Britannia Bakeshop’s creations are made with high-quality ingredients and a lot of love.
Whether you’re craving a buttery croissant, a rich chocolate cake, or a perfectly crusted loaf of bread, their pop-up offers a delightful experience for anyone with a sweet tooth or a passion for artisan baked goods.
Delights By Mama
Delights by Mama brings the comforting taste of home-cooked meals to the Bayview Yards Café. Specializing in Afro-Caribbean cuisine, this family-run business celebrates the warmth and tradition of recipes passed down through generations.
From savoury stews to flavorful rice dishes, each meal is a heartfelt reminder of the joy and connection that food can bring.
Delights by Mama has quickly become a cherished addition to our pop-up program, showcasing the essence of family and culture through every bite.
Green Rebel
Green Rebel brings fresh, wholesome, and energizing meals to the Bayview Yards Café.
Specializing in healthy options like vibrant salads, hearty grain bowls, and wraps, this local favourite is perfect for those seeking a nutritious and satisfying lunch.
Green Rebel’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that every dish is as delicious as it is nourishing. Their pop-ups are a go-to for anyone looking to fuel their day with flavorful and health-conscious choices.
Irina Khazanova Russian Pies
Irina Khazanova Russian Pies brings the heartwarming flavours of traditional Russian baking to the Bayview Yards Café. Specializing in hand-crafted pies filled with a variety of savoury and sweet fillings, Irina’s creations are a delicious glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Russia.
From classic meat and vegetable fillings to fruity, sweet options, each pie is baked with care and passion. Irina Khazanova Russian Pies is a delightful addition to our pop-up program, offering a taste of Eastern Europe’s comfort food with every bite.
Nims Golden Bagya
Nim’s Golden Bagya brings a touch of East African culinary tradition to the Bayview Yards Café, delighting guests with its flavorful and aromatic dishes.
Known for their signature bagya—crispy, spiced lentil fritters—this pop-up is a celebration of family recipes and authentic flavours. Each dish is crafted with passion and attention to detail, offering a taste of cultural heritage that resonates with every bite. Nim’s Golden Bagya has quickly become a favourite, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who visits.
Snack O’Shack
Snack O’Shack adds a burst of fun and flavour to the Bayview Yards Café with their creative and crowd-pleasing comfort foods. This pop-up offers a variety of tasty snacks and meals, from loaded fries to gourmet sandwiches, each crafted with high-quality ingredients and a playful twist.
Perfect for a quick bite or a satisfying lunch, Snack O’Shack’s offerings have delighted our community, proving that comfort food can be both inventive and irresistible.
Syrian Kitchen
Syrian Kitchen is more than a culinary experience—it’s a story of resilience and heritage.
By employing newly arrived Syrian Canadians, this local small business not only creates authentic, traditional dishes but also provides opportunities for newcomers to share their culture with the Ottawa community.
Every plate from Syrian Kitchen is crafted with fresh ingredients and a heartfelt dedication to preserving and sharing their rich culinary traditions.
TL Chocolates
For those with a sweet tooth, TL Chocolates is a delightful addition to our pop-up lineup.
This artisan chocolatier has grown from humble beginnings at local farmer’s markets to becoming a community favourite. Their small-batch chocolates, cakes, and cookies are a testament to passion and craftsmanship. Each bite offers a moment of indulgence, making TL Chocolates a standout at Bayview Yards Café.
What’s next?
In 2024, the Bayview Yards Café proudly hosted 217 pop-ups, averaging nine each month. This initiative has not only delighted our community with diverse culinary experiences but also empowered local small businesses to thrive.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering connections, celebrating creativity, and providing a stage for Ottawa’s vibrant food scene to flourish. Sign up for our newsletter to get monthly updates on upcoming pop-ups.
Got a flavourful idea or want to be part of our next pop-up event? Reach out to our team!
Whether you’re suggesting a restaurant or are interested in participating, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today to bring your culinary creativity to our vibrant community.
Contact Us Today
