Businesses that will not re-open post pandemic

[J.OT13]

We lost LaserQuest yesterday, but gaining LaserMaxx in its place.

I question the wisdom of re-opening next month. It would be a good idea to invest in renovating the facility (desperately needs a facelift, especially the lobby and party rooms) and re-opening once the pandemic crisis winds down.

In any case, best of luck to Mr. Aldis.

Former Laser Quest GM tags shuttered Ottawa location for new laser-game facility

David Sali, September 23, 2020
OBJ

A day after Ottawa’s Laser Quest facility announced it was closing for good in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, its former boss is vowing to get the city back in the game.

Philip Aldis said Wednesday he’s planning to reopen the 10,000-square-foot space at 1800 St. Laurent Blvd. next month under the name LaserMaxx Ottawa.

“I don’t want to see it end,” said Aldis, who began his career with Laser Quest in 2001 as general manager of the Ottawa location and eventually became the chain’s director of operations for North America before getting laid off as part of a major round of cuts in August.

Aldis said after losing his job, he “immediately reached out to the landlord to see how we could carry on the laser tag legacy in Ottawa.”

Laser Quest said Tuesday it was permanently shutting down most of its locations across Canada and the United States, including the one on St. Laurent Boulevard. The facility had been closed since March in an effort to help flatten the curve during the pandemic but never reopened.

Aldis, who’s funding the new venture out of his own pocket, concedes it won’t be easy to make a go of it.

Physical distancing

He’s planning to limit the number of players in each game to just 20 ​– about half the number that took part in a typical round in the pre-COVID era ​– to make sure physical distancing won’t be an issue. Participants will be asked to stay at least eight feet apart and will be required to wear masks at all times inside the facility, while all equipment and vests will be sanitized after each use.

“We know we’re going to do dramatically less sales,” he says. “I’m putting it all on the line to keep laser tag in Ottawa and keep this staple of our community running.”

Laser Quest once employed as many as 20 people at the St. Laurent location, and Aldis says he’s hoping to bring as many of those former workers back into the fold as he can afford to.

“People stay at Laser Quest for a long time because the job is so much fun,” he says.

Meanwhile, Aldis is already eyeing future growth opportunities. He’s put his contact information on the LaserMaxx website, with a message urging potential franchisees to give him a call.

Like many a budding entrepreneur, Aldis admits he’s probably not going to be getting a whole lot of sleep for the next while as he gets the operation off the ground.

“I’m going to be here seven days a week, 24 hours a day if necessary to make sure that the business is successful,” he says.

https://obj.ca/article/local/sports-...a-location-new

[phil235]

Not sure how many movie fans there are on this board, but Glebe Video is a real one-of-kind spot in Ottawa. While they are decidedly low tech, you can browse their catalogue online and call to pick up movies. They have tonnes of stuff that you can't find anywhere else, including independent films and international stuff. (In case you have no DVD and are wondering, it all plays on your Xbox or computer.)

They aren't gone yet, but not surprisingly they are struggling with the repeated lockdowns - some local customers are running a gofundme to help them with rent and fixed expenses through this stretch if you are interested: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-g...o-team-welcome .

[rocketphish]

Hammered by COVID-19, Hintonburg's acclaimed Bar Laurel won't renew its lease

Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen
Publishing date: Jan 19, 2021 • 1 hour ago • 1 minute read



Bar Laurel, the acclaimed Hintonburg haven for lovers of Spanish-inspired food and drink, will close soon because of pandemic-related pressures.

“We are at the end of our five-year lease … and due to the crazy amount of uncertainty we have decided not to renew,” the bar announced on its social media last weekend.

Chef Jon Svazas, who owns the bar along with the Centretown restaurant Fauna, told this newspaper last month that Bar Laurel was operating before the latest lockdown at roughly 10 per cent capacity while it was still required to pay full hydro and heating bills.

“If you’re going to shut down a group of businesses, they need to be fully supported, and I don’t feel that’s happened,” Svazas said.

On social media, the bar said in the near future, its food and wine would be offered at Fauna, which would also honour outstanding Bar Laurel gift certificates.

Bar Laurel, a cosy 45-seat hangout, made a 2017 New York Times list of attractions to visit in Ottawa. It also cracked a 2018 list of Canada’s top 50 bars that was compiled by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants magazine. It has developed a loyal following for its refined tapas, imported Spanish charcuterie and seafood products, and Basque cheesecake.

“We hope to find a new space when things return to something resembling normalcy,” the bar posted.

[email protected]

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/hamme...enew-its-lease

[J.OT13]

Good to see they will honour gift certificates at their other restaurant. Hope they can reopen something in the area once the pandemic is over (or controlled).

[rocketphish]

ByWard Market Starbucks to close permanently on Jan. 31

Joanne Laucius, Ottawa Citizen
Publishing date: Jan 23, 2021 • 1 hour ago • 1 minute read

The Byward Market Starbucks is closing permanently at the end of January.

“It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the permanent closure of our store on January 31,” the coffee shop said in an Instagram post.

“Due to the changes in the economic climate since the start of the pandemic, Starbucks Canada has made some difficult decisions to close certain stores across the country whose business have been most effected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, our store fell into that category.”

Starbucks is to close up to 300 locations by the end of March, the chain announced earlier this month, accelerating its “transformation strategy” in response to changing consumer habits during the pandemic.

The chain expects to complete the planned store closures by the end of its second quarter. The restructuring includes adding new drive-thru locations, expanding delivery and a pilot of curbside pick up-only locations.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local...ntly-on-jan-31

[rocketphish]

Godiva closing 128 stores in North America, including all 11 in Canada

The Canadian Press
Posted: Jan 22, 2021 9:41 AM ET | Last Updated: January 22



COVID-19 has been far from sweet for Godiva, which has decided to sell or close its stores across North America.

The luxury chocolatier says 128 brick and mortar locations, including 11 in Canada, will shut by the end of March.

The chain has 4 locations in Toronto, one in nearby Mississauga, and two in Ottawa. It also has two in the Vancouver area, one in Winnipeg, and one near Montreal.

The company declined to say how many jobs will be affected by the decision.

Godiva will maintain retail operations across Europe, the Middle East and China.

The closures mark a reversal from its strategy announced in 2019 to open 2,000 cafe locations worldwide, including more than 400 in North America.

It says a key part of its moves has been to focus on retail food and pharmacy locations as well as online.

It noted that in-person shopping at its own stores has waned because of the pandemic and changes in consumer shopping behaviour.

"Godiva is already available in many retailers in North America and we will continue to increase our presence there while always upholding the premium quality, taste, and innovation that we have been renowned for since we were founded in Brussels in 1926," stated CEO Nurtac Afridi.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/god...ores-1.5883575

[Catenary]

I believe the Roots store at South Keys Shopping Centre is closed. This store was standalone, out in the parking lot, and was fairly large. The sign on the back is gone, and it no longer appears on the website.

South Keys in general has some strong anchors, but a number of holes. Almost the entire south block with the Cineplex is empty except the theatre, those are all smaller locations. I wonder if we won't see redevelopment of some of these properties soon, especially with their proximity to Transit.

In addition, I was disappointed to see that Metal Supermarket on Stevenage has closed. There's no sign in the door, but there is a For Lease sign up and the location is gone from the website. It looks sudden, Google Reviews are recent and I don't think the pandemic would have hit them that hard. It wasn't exactly consumer retail, but if you needed something for a project they were good to deal with.

[Norman Bates]

Originally Posted by Catenary

In addition, I was disappointed to see that Metal Supermarket on Stevenage has closed. There's no sign in the door, but there is a For Lease sign up and the location is gone from the website. It looks sudden, Google Reviews are recent and I don't think the pandemic would have hit them that hard. It wasn't exactly consumer retail, but if you needed something for a project they were good to deal with.

Oh no. They were always super cooperative with me and my small jobs.

I guess there’s just Loucon, now.

[Catenary]

Originally Posted by Norman Bates

Oh no. They were always super cooperative with me and my small jobs.

I guess there’s just Loucon, now.

I'll be trying Metal Pros as it's just around the corner, and also advertises offcuts and scraps which was 90% of what I bought at Metal Supermarket.

http://www.metalpros.com/

[rocketphish]

After seven years in business, Central Bierhaus in Kanata closes

Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen
Publishing date: Feb 10, 2021 • 2 hours ago • 1 minute read



The restaurateur who last month launched an online funding campaign to support restaurants in Kanata and Stittsville has closed Central Bierhaus in the Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre, one of his businesses.

On its Facebook page this week, the popular high-volume German-style eatery and pub that seats 250 people said it is “turning off its lights for good” after seven years in business. It had closed temporarily in October during last fall’s lockdown.

The post said many staff from the Bierhaus would find work at its sister restaurant, Crazy Horse Stonegrill Steakhouse & Saloon, which is also in the Centrum shopping centre. The steakhouse will also honour Bierhaus gift cards when it reopens, said the post.

Mike Labreche, part-owner of the two Kanata restaurants, launched a GoFundMe campaign in January to support restaurants in Kanata and Stittsville struggling due to the pandemic. The campaign’s goal is to raise $50,000, to be shared equally among 10 restaurants. So far, the fund has raised more than $12,000 and given $5,000 to Kal’s Place and Aperitivo.

“With everything going in the world today it’s beyond words what is going on in the hospitality industry,” said the Facebook post announcing Bierhaus’ closure. “Please support local as they will all need your help with so many unknowns to come in 2021.”

Earlier this year, Ottawa restaurateur Jon Svazas chose not to renew his rent on his celebrated bar in Hintonburg, Bar Laurel. Since the pandemic began, some have predicted that early 2021 would see a wave of Ottawa restaurants that could no longer withstand the financial pressure and uncertainty bow out.

[email protected]

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/after...-kanata-closes

[eltodesukane]

"'Easily' a decade before Canada's youth recover economically from pandemic, experts say"
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/corona...-say-1.5294238

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by eltodesukane

"'Easily' a decade before Canada's youth recover economically from pandemic, experts say"
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/corona...-say-1.5294238

This is so scary and then we see the vaccine roll out that is not keeping up with new virus variants. The latest news doesn't have mass distribution of vaccine in Canada until summer. Not good enough.

[ars]

Was out for a drive yesterday and noticed that the Tim Hortons on Prince of Wales beside the Ramada has closed permanently. Probably directly related to covid and WFH measures because this Tims used to be packed on weekdays, especially during the morning rush hour.

[AuxTown]

Originally Posted by rocketphish

After seven years in business, Central Bierhaus in Kanata closes

Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen
Publishing date: Feb 10, 2021 • 2 hours ago • 1 minute read



The restaurateur who last month launched an online funding campaign to support restaurants in Kanata and Stittsville has closed Central Bierhaus in the Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre, one of his businesses.

On its Facebook page this week, the popular high-volume German-style eatery and pub that seats 250 people said it is “turning off its lights for good” after seven years in business. It had closed temporarily in October during last fall’s lockdown.

The post said many staff from the Bierhaus would find work at its sister restaurant, Crazy Horse Stonegrill Steakhouse & Saloon, which is also in the Centrum shopping centre. The steakhouse will also honour Bierhaus gift cards when it reopens, said the post.

Mike Labreche, part-owner of the two Kanata restaurants, launched a GoFundMe campaign in January to support restaurants in Kanata and Stittsville struggling due to the pandemic. The campaign’s goal is to raise $50,000, to be shared equally among 10 restaurants. So far, the fund has raised more than $12,000 and given $5,000 to Kal’s Place and Aperitivo.

“With everything going in the world today it’s beyond words what is going on in the hospitality industry,” said the Facebook post announcing Bierhaus’ closure. “Please support local as they will all need your help with so many unknowns to come in 2021.”

Earlier this year, Ottawa restaurateur Jon Svazas chose not to renew his rent on his celebrated bar in Hintonburg, Bar Laurel. Since the pandemic began, some have predicted that early 2021 would see a wave of Ottawa restaurants that could no longer withstand the financial pressure and uncertainty bow out.

[email protected]

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/after...-kanata-closes

That's really too bad. Bierhaus is easily the nicest watering hole in the west end and they had some great eats. Let's hope they can re-open or something of similar calibre will take its place.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by lrt's friend

This is so scary and then we see the vaccine roll out that is not keeping up with new virus variants. The latest news doesn't have mass distribution of vaccine in Canada until summer. Not good enough.

The vaccines already approved, or likely to be approved soon in Canada, are all effective on the new variants. Some combinations are less effective than on COVID classic, but still hella effective.

[YOWetal]

Originally Posted by Uhuniau

The vaccines already approved, or likely to be approved soon in Canada, are all effective on the new variants. Some combinations are less effective than on COVID classic, but still hella effective.

Yes. This virus is about 3X more deadly than the regular flu. So even 66% effective brings it down to the same death rate as influenza. Once we have vulnerable and older people vaccinated it will probably be below that. In Canada we will probably be cautious and wait until data confirms but next winter should be nearly back to normal.

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

Canadian Tire is closing its 18 National Sports stores. There is one in Orleans--do not know if there are any others in Ottawa.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by LeadingEdgeBoomer

Canadian Tire is closing its 18 National Sports stores. There is one in Orleans--do not know if there are any others in Ottawa.

Orleans is the only one in the Ottawa area. A the base of a Dymon Storage.

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

barrhaven's la porto a casa closing after 16 years in business

owners caroline and ozzie say if it weren't for the pandemic, they wouldn't be closing.

7 minutes ago by: Citynews ottawa

leb

[YOWflier]

Too bad about Porto. I don't live anywhere close to Barrhaven but would go out there from time-to-time to get quality, homely Italian.