Member PROFILES
Explore our past Members of the Month and discover the stories behind the local businesses that make Vanier special. Dive into our archives to see how these featured businesses have contributed to our community.
Books on Beechwood
SEPTEMBER 2024
ABOUT THIS MERCHANT
Founded by literature lovers in 1994, Books on Beechwood has become the go-to place for patrons to find their next read.
The store’s walls are lined with a colourful array of books of every genre and style. Even those who come into the store not expecting to find anything will often exit the doors with a book or two in hand.
“I think my favourite part is introducing people to books they may not know about,” said Hilary Porter, the store’s manager. “When they come in not sure what they’re looking for and you can give them something they wouldn’t have come across any other way.”
September marks the 30-year anniversary of Books on Beechwood. The store is planning on holding a celebration on the 21st, filled with giveaways, prizes and other fun things to honour the long-time Vanier institution.
Dive into the pages of your next read at Books on Beechwood, located at 35 Beechwood Avenue!
MOOD MOSS FLOWERS
AUGUST 2024
ABOUT THIS MERCHANT
For two decades now, Eric Cardinal’s florist shop has been a staple of the Vanier area.
“I was a florist for eight years before I opened this shop, and for a long time I was looking to open my own business,” Cardinal said. “I always knew in the back of my mind that Beechwood would be the place.”
Mood Moss has stayed in the same spot for its entire run, exceptionally impressive considering that they are celebrating 20 years of service in 2024.
Mood Moss is a full-service flower shop, which means they do a bit of everything. They take walk-ins, provide flowers for events, and have even done work for the government and embassies.
While the shop is a Vanier institution, they also deliver across Ottawa and Gatineau every day except Sunday.
Come visit Mood Moss Flowers located at 186 Beechwood Ave!
PURDY PAWS PET GROOMING
JULY 2024
ABOUT THIS MERCHANT
Started by Jayme Montero, saw a need for mobile pet grooming to serve elderly clients, clients with disabilities and multi-pet households
Montero got her certification as a Feline Master Groomer and started a mobile feline grooming service – first of its kind in Ottawa!
Every month the pet spa has a special discount – the package changes month to month so they offer clients a variety of services.
Special offers that vary monthly to give customers extra services
We spoke with Jesse Clow, Media and Event Manager, about why they work for Purrdy Paws
“My favourite part of this business is getting to help pets to feel their best. A lot of the time we have elderly clients and a lot of pets with special needs, and we have groomers that specialize in that. We’re able to offer them grooming services that they may not be able to get elsewhere.”
Bring your pet to Purrdy Paws at 121 Beechwood Ave.!
FONTENELLE DINER
JUNE 2024
ABOUT THIS MERCHANT
This restaurant has been a Vanier landmark since the 1960s―and the owner has a history in the restaurant business almost as long. “I’ve been working since I was a kid in the food business,” says George Ibrahim, an international chef with more than 50 years of experience.
Ibrahim took over Fontenelle in 2021, renovating the interior and updating the menu with pizza and pasta dishes, while keeping the classic breakfast and lunch dishes that are the restaurant’s specialty.
“I love it here. We have an excellent clientele,” he says of Vanier. “We like our place here, and they like our food.”
Get your fill of Canadian and Italian comfort food at 55 Montréal Road!
ROYAL PRINCE Caribbean
MAY 2024
ABOUT THIS MERCHANT
Royal Prince Caribbean Cuisine is a restaurant where customers can always expect to be greeted with a smile and interesting food.
Owner Jean-Charles has devoted his life to making food: “Whether I’m old or young, this is my passion, and this is what I’m going to do to the end of my days.” His dream of opening a restaurant found a home in Vanier. “Vanier is an absolutely beautiful community, very different, where people are welcoming.”
His restaurant offers a range of traditional Caribbean classics, with main dishes of jerk and curry chicken, marinated beef or goat complemented by sides like accras, pikliz, and fried plantains.
Visit Royal Prince at 165 Montreal Road.
Clothes Encounters
APRIL 2024
ABOUT THIS MERCHANT
This designer consignment store has a unique origin story.
Founded in the 1980s, it emerged from a charity to provide much-needed clothing to refugees arriving from Vietnam. The response from Ottawa locals was so enthusiastic that the founding partners soon ran out of space in their homes, and decided to open a store to sell the excess clothing and raise money directly for the refugees.
The business was sold to current owner Monique Dugas in the early 2000s, who continues to provide clothing and financial aid to charities and new communities in Ottawa.
“I’m very proud to continue this. I want people to know their clothes are going to a good place, to help out,” Monique says. “I’m all about that, helping out.”
With an ever-changing selection thanks to donations and consignments, the store hosts a wide variety of clothing styles and sizes for both men and women, with labels ranging from Akris to Zara.
Drop in at 67 Beechwood Avenue to find your new look!
WANT TO BE FEATURED?
Are you a Vanier BIA member with a story to tell? We’d love to spotlight your business as our next Member of the Month! It’s a great opportunity to showcase your unique offerings, connect with the community, and gain extra exposure. Get in touch with us to learn more about how you can be featured and share your business journey with Vanier!