Closing the doors on more than a restaurant

Published On: January 14, 2025By Caroline Phillips

Bob Firestone still remembers the pang of nervousness he felt when he first opened Blue Cactus Bar and Grill in Ottawa’s ByWard Market.

Like most restaurateurs, he couldn’t help but wonder: What if nobody came?

But they did. “In a big way,” he added with a hint of pride during a recent in-person interview.

In an industry famous for its volatility, Blue Cactus — much like the hardy desert plant it’s named after — stood the test of time. It would continue to do business for another 35 years.

Until this past December, when Firestone made the decision to close. His lease was ending soon, and he chose not to re-sign. “If I renewed my lease, I’d be there another 10 years, and I’m 64 years old.”

Very few restaurateurs have had a lengthier and more prolific presence in the ByWard Market than Firestone. Over the years, he’s been owner or co-owner of five establishments; all but one located in Ottawa’s historic tourist district — commonly known as The Market due to the many farmers who sold their fresh produce from stalls set up in the main square.

Blue Cactus made its debut in 1989, starting as an American southwest bar before evolving into Tex-Mex contemporary. Its margaritas and $10-triple drinks were consistently popular. “I’d like to say we were one of the busiest bars in the market.”

In the old days, there was no redeveloped Lansdowne, no urban gentrification, and no suburban retail complexes to compete with. The ByWard Market was “the place to be,” said Firestone. “It was bustling.”

Firestone worked day and night, especially in the early days. “It’s a hard business, but the rewards are great when they come your way, and it’s a fun business when things are going well. But, when you get five days of snow in January and that front door just isn’t opening, you have to have some thick skin.”

Bob Firestone first opened Blue Cactus Bar & Grill in 1989. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The ByWard Market was not only the foundation for Firestone’s career but also where he met Lindsay, a former Blue Cactus employee who became his wife and the mother of their three children. Many of Firestone’s employees stayed with him for many years. Some dated, married and even had children who later worked at Blue Cactus. Two of Firestone’s own kids, Jack and Lola, had part-time jobs. His general manager, Michael “Thorpe” Gibson, was with him nearly the whole time.

Blue Cactus served politicians, professional hockey players and the occasional celebrity, including touring comedian Jerry Seinfeld for a couple of years.

“He’d come and sit in the back corner, in section six, and order a deep-fried chimichanga because his wife would never let him have fatty foods at home, or so the story goes.”

In December, Blue Cactus invited former and current staff to come together for one last hurrah. Firestone spoke at the gathering, describing everyone there as family. Just talking about that night can cause Firestone to get misty-eyed. “It’s been an emotional time.”

Firestone was only 15 when he started working in the ByWard Market. His first job was as a barista at a little place called Daphne and Victors. He schlepped food and drinks throughout high school and continued to earn a “ton of money” serving and bartending while also studying in the hospitality program at Algonquin College.

Prior to Blue Cactus, Firestone — along with former business partner John Borsten — opened Zak’s Diner in the ByWard Market. It only had only 36 seats at the time. That was in 1986.

Their first customers were early-rising farmers who came in for eggs and bacon, paying with cash. “We didn’t even have a till yet to give change,” Firestone said with a laugh. “It was all trial and error. Every day, we were learning something new.”

After Zak’s came Blue Cactus, followed by Luxe Bistro and Stella Osteria — also in the ByWard Market. The restaurants were family-owned and operated by Firestone as managing partner, along with his brother Philip, a psychology prof at uOttawa; his brother Sam, a lawyer and commercial real estate executive; and Ida, who handled sales and marketing until the doors closed.

Zak’s Diner — named after Phil’s eldest son — is now owned by Borsten across all its locations. Phil’s younger son Noah worked for the Firestone Restaurant Group and took over Luxe Bistro until family obligations led him to leave the business.

The Firestone siblings were raised in Ottawa by Holocaust survivors who immigrated to Canada by boat in the 1950s. They endured the hardship of living in a deportation camp in Austria. “My father [Jack] came here with nothing.”

In Ottawa, Jack took over the Quality Foods butcher shop on Wellington Street and ran it during the ‘60s and ’70s. He sold his business after his first heart attack in his early 50s. Although he died young at 57, he’d made sure his wife Tania lived comfortably for the rest of her long life.

The Firestone-owned restaurants helped local charities, including the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, where Lindsay now works. Other causes they supported included the United Jewish Appeal and Hillel Lodge.

Firestone recognizes that the ByWard Market has been struggling with a serious image problem. The presence of chronic homelessness, combined with public safety concerns, has eroded the district’s historic charm and appeal.

He believes there are better days ahead, especially with the 200th anniversary of the neighbourhood approaching in 2027. Positive developments include major funding from the Ontario government for revitalization efforts, more police presence and increased public programming.

Efforts are being made, he said while mentioning the addition of a new synthetic ice rink. “Could they have made it a little bigger and a little better? Yes, but it’s baby steps. They are doing what they can.”

Many of his staff, including his GM and chef, will work at Grey’s Social Eatery, which is opening in Blue Cactus’s place later this winter. The new owner is Abbis Mahmoud.

The ByWard Market is on the precipice of a comeback, but it’s just going to take another two to four years, predicted Firestone. “I’m optimistic, but I just feel the time has come to pass it on.”