Restaurant Closings :( (continued again) [General]
2015 Dec 22
It looks like Mello's took the sign down. The CBC just posted an interesting follow up to the removal of the sign: www.cbc.ca
2015 Dec 22
"We own the name and we own the logo. Basically, the sign has been here a long time — even before the owner owned the building. So we say the sign is ours, they say the sign is theirs," ... said Martin Fremeth, who has owned Mellos for nearly five years.
Hmmmm, Fremeth may own the logo (if he's registered it as a trade mark or had it copyrighted), but does that mean he owns the sign ?
He leased or rented space in a building, does that entitle him too any of the buildings chattels ?
He'll probably have to win it in a court of law and not by public opinion via social media.
Idea: One could start a crowd source to cover legal costs.
Hmmmm, Fremeth may own the logo (if he's registered it as a trade mark or had it copyrighted), but does that mean he owns the sign ?
He leased or rented space in a building, does that entitle him too any of the buildings chattels ?
He'll probably have to win it in a court of law and not by public opinion via social media.
Idea: One could start a crowd source to cover legal costs.
2015 Dec 22
If he registered the logo as a trademark, then even if he doesn't own the sign he might be able to go after the owner for trademark infringement. He still could even if it's an unregistered trademark, but with an unregistered trademark the bar is higher to prove that you have the right to use it.
I'm not sure that commercial signage would be considered part of the building chattels - isn't that something the business usually puts up themselves (with the landlord's permission)? If the original owner of the business put the sign up, I would assume the sign was part of the assets of the business when it was sold, but who knows. The heritage designation also complicates things.
I'm not sure that commercial signage would be considered part of the building chattels - isn't that something the business usually puts up themselves (with the landlord's permission)? If the original owner of the business put the sign up, I would assume the sign was part of the assets of the business when it was sold, but who knows. The heritage designation also complicates things.
2015 Dec 25
Actually, signs often become fixtures, not chattels, and belong the building owner. Even if it doesn't, the sign is part of the heritage designation and can't be moved without the permission of the City, something they did not get.
He says the sign has been there a long time, before the owners bought the building, which in my mind cements the building owner's claim to it -- it was already a fixture when they bought. The other thing the sign predates is Fremeth's ownership of the business. Unless the sign is addressed specifically in his lease and/or purchase of the business, he is likely out to lunch and may have commited a theft.
He says the sign has been there a long time, before the owners bought the building, which in my mind cements the building owner's claim to it -- it was already a fixture when they bought. The other thing the sign predates is Fremeth's ownership of the business. Unless the sign is addressed specifically in his lease and/or purchase of the business, he is likely out to lunch and may have commited a theft.
2016 Jan 4
Someone told me Maxwell's was just closing for renovations, however just saw a note on their facebook page that after 30 years in Ottawa, they are indeed closing and retiring the name. Not sure if links are allowed on here, so if you're interested in reading more just look them up on their FB business page.
Maxwells used to be awesome (especially brunch) in the mid 90s, but has gone downhill so much in the last 15 years or so. It's too bad. I was there a few months ago and the food was terrible. Much worse than when I had dinner there a year or two ago, but someone told me someone else bought it about a year(ish) ago and has been running it into the ground. Not sure if this is true, but it seemed like an entirely different restaurant so I suspect the ownership changed hands.
I'm interested to find out what may open in its place though, it's prime location.
Maxwells used to be awesome (especially brunch) in the mid 90s, but has gone downhill so much in the last 15 years or so. It's too bad. I was there a few months ago and the food was terrible. Much worse than when I had dinner there a year or two ago, but someone told me someone else bought it about a year(ish) ago and has been running it into the ground. Not sure if this is true, but it seemed like an entirely different restaurant so I suspect the ownership changed hands.
I'm interested to find out what may open in its place though, it's prime location.
2016 Jan 5
Re: Maxwell's. I also remember it was a popular place in the 90s - it didn't matter what time of day or night I passed by there, there was always a line-up. But I noticed not too long ago the interior was re-decorated and the menu updated. Not that there is anything wrong with that but I was always curious to find out what the new updated menu was like. Links are okay and I stand corrected - two new establishments will be opening in the existing spot: maxwellsottawa.com/
There is a bar and restaurant on the main level and a nightclub upstairs.
There is a bar and restaurant on the main level and a nightclub upstairs.
2016 Jan 22
Streetside Curry announces they are closing.
us8.campaign-archive1.com
Sad to see these guys go, but hopeful that a new vendor will get their spot for the upcoming season.
us8.campaign-archive1.com
Sad to see these guys go, but hopeful that a new vendor will get their spot for the upcoming season.
2016 Mar 31
In addition to Streetside Curry as mentioned earlier, Olive Green Pizza is now closed. I mention this only because they have the same owner. The customer service was always fantastic and their pizza was good so I'm sad to see them go. I'm not a real estate mogul, but I always thought opening a pizza shop where a previous pizza shop had failed was a bad idea. Like they say, pizza is like sex; when it's good it's great and when it's bad it's still pretty good
2016 Apr 18
Saffron Restaurant
on Rideau Street is no more. There is a pub with a pool table in its place (I'll post the name of the new spot next time I walk by the area.)
2016 Apr 19
Ever Afters
on Rideau St. is selling off their equipment. "End of lease sale" sign in the window.
2016 Apr 19
Silver lining, they're selling half-price bubble tea.
Sad to see them go, their Korean fried chicken is pretty good, if a bit expensive ($16? extra for white rice? oof). That location is pretty much cursed, tends to turn over every year or two. Maru, the previous tenant, was pretty decent and run by lovely people, but couldn't hack it either.
Sad to see them go, their Korean fried chicken is pretty good, if a bit expensive ($16? extra for white rice? oof). That location is pretty much cursed, tends to turn over every year or two. Maru, the previous tenant, was pretty decent and run by lovely people, but couldn't hack it either.
2016 Apr 25
OO! A new shawarma place? Will it be more upscale? Will I be able to get bacon or pulled pork on my shawarma? Will they have shawarma poutine?
... or will it just be another, you know, shawarma place?
Will it have industrial décor (that is to say, unfinished walls, plumbing, and electrical, so that they can call it a factory, or will the employees be dressed like they're out of Oliver Twist?
I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT!
... or will it just be another, you know, shawarma place?
Will it have industrial décor (that is to say, unfinished walls, plumbing, and electrical, so that they can call it a factory, or will the employees be dressed like they're out of Oliver Twist?
I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT!
RestoCop
New Edinburgh Pub to close by end of April 2016.