Business Buzz

Abed Younes, a respected member of the Beechwood Village business community and now-retired owner of Art House (63 Beechwood Ave.), tells me he was born in Lebanon, left when he was 17-years-old, ultimately ending up in Germany as a social worker.

“When I emigrated to Canada, I didn’t know what to do, so I travelled the country from coast-to-coast. I knew if I wanted to survive, that I’d have to start my own business, but I didn’t even know what that would be,” says Abed.

“I went to school to learn English, meeting people from all over. At a flea market, I sold jewellery, then little posters and laminated frames before deciding on custom lamination. Speaking German, Arabic, English and French helped my business—just being able to communicate with people.”

Abed opened a store on Bank St., then others on Rideau and George streets. “I built up my businesses, sold them and went on to the next. When Sunday shopping came … in Europe and Germany, even Saturday, you would close at two o’clock. But in Canada, Sunday shopping was big; we worked seven days a week, non-stop, for 20 years.” In 2015, Abed opened Art House Custom Framing on Beechwood Ave.

“I brought the saw …we put it in the middle of the store, built up business with advertising in the beginning. Art is really my love because art makes you escape without leaving home. I used museum glass, acid-free paper, did work for embassies, Global Affairs and Rideau Hall. I saw all kinds of people and enjoyed drinking coffee with them.”

The relaxed, personal atmosphere he created kept customers coming back and that repeat business generated more customer referrals.

“That meant I was doing a good job,” he says. Congratulations Abed – enjoy your well-earned retirement and new travels!

Now with the new year and Adam Farhat taking over as owner, Art House Custom Framing has transitioned into good hands.

“Family businesses have always been a part of my life,” says Adam. Born and raised in Ottawa, he is also a social worker who recently moved into the area. “I’m very excited about becoming more involved in the Beechwood/New Edinburgh community with this framing shop.”

Adam notes his deep respect and admiration for Abed and the community he helped build with Art House. Adam’s goal is to add to the shop’s existing offerings, starting with graphic design services focussing on logos, business cards and ad creation.

“The foundation created at Art House is strong. We want to maintain that foundation and build from there.”

Joining Adam to work full-time in the shop is his nephew Mouhamad Farhat, a trained graphic designer with a diverse background that includes project management. Adam and Mouhamad have quickly realized they have big shoes to fill.

“Abed’s skills are remarkable and we are fortunate to have his support. Our main priority is to continue the same quality of service for customers,” says Adam. He notes that he has already had the opportunity to meet many, and to connect with vendors and suppliers as well.

“The pieces that customers bring in often hold a lot of sentimental and/or monetary value, and we do not take that lightly. Whether a crumpled paper found in a loved one’s pocket or an original 19th-century work of art, we will treat both with the same level of honour and care,” says Adam.

By the time this Business Buzz profile goes to press, Abed will have retired. But if you need something framed or wish to experience the community legacy that Art House Custom Framing built, drop in to the shop, call 613-695-2423 or email Adam and Mouhamad at arthousebeechwood@gmail.com.

– Mark Lindenberg

In this day and age of e-readers and instantaneous downloads, Books on Beechwood, a community fixture serving the Manor Park, New Edinburgh, Lindenlea and Rockcliffe Park neighbourhoods, has been going strong for 30 years.

Operations Manager and Manor Park resident Hilary Porter has been with the store (at the intersection of Beechwood Ave. and McKay St.) for 16 years. “One of the things I like most is helping people find the specific book they’re looking for.”

Hilary says that when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, it introduced the store to a wider audience; people looking for places to do their shopping locally found them, leading to an expansion of the store’s scope in the last four to five years.

Books on Beechwood’s online store “never got a lot of traffic before the pandemic, but suddenly it was being used every day by tons and tons of people.” Besides books, “we sold so many puzzles. Our customer base definitely grew, and people just became more aware that we were here,” says Hilary, the store’s sole full-time employee.

Eight part-time staff members help Hilary run the store. “We have a good crew,” she says. Having been a long-time customer for years prior, Dave Mackie joined the Books on Beechwood team in 2022. “He’s made a great addition to our bookstore family!” says Hilary.

“The number of times that neighbours will run into each other, or old friends will cross paths, who haven’t seen each other in ages is remarkable,” says Hilary. “It’s always fun to witness those moments where people reconnect. It’s a nice space for that.”

Founded in September 1994, Books on Beechwood will mark its 30th year with a store-wide 20 percent discount on Saturday, September 21, “excluding magazines, newspapers, special orders and previously discounted items.”

Hilary also says that the celebration will include door prizes, giveaways and the introduction of store-branded magnetic bookmarks and stickers.”

She goes on to say, “Pre-pandemic, we did a lot of different events, both in the store and out. We haven’t really gotten back to our full event roster, but we do have book signings in the store… usually from September through May on any given Saturday, because that gives the authors the most foot traffic.”

Staff member Cathy Hodgins plans to restart the store’s book club (on hiatus during the pandemic). “It’s one of the things people have asked us about the most.” Hilary says there will be changes when the club starts up again: “It will be mystery-focussed,” and meetings will take place during the day, rather than in the evenings.

While the store did hold two of its signature Author Dinner events in the fall of 2023, because Fraser Café has closed its nearby Springfield Rd. location, “we haven’t really fully gotten back to doing those yet. I’m hoping to find a new permanent home for these events, people did love them so much, and they were a lot of fun,” says Hilary.

After talking with Hilary, I browse the shelves for a few minutes. Very quickly, I spy a cherished literary classic, Dracula, one I’ve read regularly for decades, published in a hardcover, special edition format using the text from the book’s first printing, embellished with Edward Gorey’s detailed drawings. A worthy successor to my plain, dog-eared copy printed in 1981!

Want to keep up to speed with everything Books on Beechwood? Maybe find some treasure of your own? Visit them in person at 35 Beechwood Ave., check out their website (and link to their store) at https://booksonbeechwood.ca/, call 613-742-5030 or email staff@booksonbeechwood.ca.

Shop owner Renée Turcotte grew up on a farm where horses and dogs were bred and trained to show-quality standards. As a teenager, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to laundering and mending horse blankets.

Renée knew she wanted to stay connected to that life, becoming involved on a daily basis with veterinarians and caring for performance animals. After studying veterinary programs and working in retail, she decided to pursue her dream of having her own high-quality business catering to pets and their needs.

“[I have] lots of education, experience and love to share insights with customers,” says Renée. Her favourite selling point is that Chew-That offers full grooming and nail trims in a way that benefits a dog’s health and wellbeing.

Renée only grooms dogs on a one-on-one basis without other grooming clients present as can likely be found elsewhere. Appointments are booked for longer than is typically needed in case a dog needs the extra time. This intentionally creates a low-stress environment resulting in great relationships with her dog clients who often greet her on the street.

“I wanted to create an environment where I’m as happy as the dogs are,” says Renée.
Customers need not worry that Chew-That, independently owned and operated, has moved from 141 to 139 Beechwood Ave. Renée says she still offers the “same big heart in a new space,”. She tells me that she’s signed a five-year lease, and that customers and clients can be assured “we’ll be forever at 139 Beechwood”.

The store will remain the same, offering individualized grooming and quality small-brand products and foods. The new location will no longer carry coats and boots for pets, however, it will stock an abundance of new toys from small brands not found in big box stores.

Renée loves grooming and worked with a former groomer to perfect her skills. Knowing how important grooming was to her clients, Renée trained for six hours a day for some 12 weeks to complement her own previous experience.

“Grooming has grown so much, proving it’s what the community needs,” she says when asked about competition. “There is [really] no competition because there’s such a high demand.”

Renée takes enormous pride in her work, wanting to be the groomer that people stop and ask owners about because of how good their dog looks.

With her new location, Renée plans to upgrade Chew-That’s website. Having removed the online store, work is underway to create an online booking system for grooming. Whether you forgot to book because of work pressures or had a dreaded, midnight skunk-encounter, Chew That’s new online booking system will be there to serve you.

While walk-ins can be accommodated, Renée suggests booking an appointment or calling ahead to avoid being turned down or having to wait.

Renée hopes to secure a separate space in the new year where she can host owners-only workshops to help with daily tasks, such as dog-walking techniques.

“I’m hoping to get back into training because it’s a lot of fun bonding with people and their dogs”.

One of Renée’s highest personal achievements happened when her Beechwood Ave. store was chosen as the setting for the Hallmark movie Everything Puppies, filmed in November 2023 and released March 2024.

“I’m so proud of how great the store looks in the movie,” says Renée.

For dog grooming and pet care needs, don’t hesitate to visit Chew-That at 139 Beechwood. Appointments for full grooming or nails-only trimming can be booked by calling 613-695-6448.

-Natalie Ethier

Dr. Jack Hull and his partner in business (and in life) Lauren Evenson were inspired to open ChiroHouse, their chiropractic clinic at 125 Beechwood Ave., (second floor), because of its proximity to the Rideau River trails and the neighbourliness of the local community.

“I really got inspired to go into chiropractic…when I learned about the connection between spinal health and neurology to overall wellbeing, and the fascinating nervous system research … [of] the last 15 to 20 years,” says Jack.

Having previously spent nine years working in family chiropractic clinics in New Zealand, “Jack wanted to open up a space and an environment for families to flourish,” says Lauren, the clinic’s practice manager. ChiroHouse offers general, pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic care, and also works with babies.

“Jack’s done a lot of additional training beyond his chiropractic degree to work with kids and, in particular, neurodiverse kids. Our clinic is designed with families in mind—we’ve got a big play structure, a baby change room and parents’ feeding room. Another key practice focus is supporting pregnant individuals throughout their journey to help with comfort and wellbeing.”

“Most people are familiar with chiropractic treatments for back and neck pain, and headaches,” says Lauren. “While it’s great for that, many are unfamiliar with the powerful role [it] can play in optimizing the function of the nervous system which has benefits far beyond pain relief.”

“We use CLA INSiGHT scans which quantify and pinpoint stress and tension points in a patient’s central nervous system. That helps create treatment plans and understanding of where the dysfunction is in the spine and nervous system, and how that could be related to symptoms someone’s experiencing.”

For all patients, the first step includes a full health history—what they are feeling and experiencing. Jack then completes three neurological scans to help personalize the patient-care plan based on the patient’s needs or health goals. In some cases, X-rays are required.

“The first scan assesses the autonomic nervous system, evaluating how well the body adapts to stress and how effectively the ‘rest-and-digest’ (parasympathetic) and ‘fight-or-flight’ (sympathetic) branches are functioning. The second provides a snapshot of the neuromuscular system, showing where muscles may be tighter or more activated. The third looks at heat radiating from the skin, helping Jack to understand how the autonomic nervous system is working (and thus, how well it’s coordinating automatic body functions),” says Lauren.

Parents may bring in their babies for many reasons—from challenges with colic to troubles sleeping or digesting. I ask Jack how he practises chiropractic care with babies.

“When assessing a baby, I’m checking different reflexes, movement patterns and listening to Mom. Adjustments are completely different than for adults. Very little pressure is needed on their small bodies to have a big influence on their nervous system,” says Jack.

Lauren tells me there are still many misconceptions about what chiropractic care is and isn’t. “We make it clear—this isn’t about dramatic neck adjustments or quick fixes. We’re upfront that chiropractic care might or might not directly resolve your pain, but what it absolutely does is optimize your nervous system for better overall health.”

“We’re passionate about helping people understand chiropractic better—informative displays and brochures are available, and we embed knowledge into every step of the patient experience.”

ChiroHouse meets all requirements for private insurance coverage. Free consults are available if you’re interested in learning more about how chiropractic care may help you!

To explore chiropractic care at ChiroHouse, book an appointment or learn more, call 613-229-9377, visit https://www.chirohouse.ca or email info@chirohouse.ca.

-Mark Lindenberg

Halley’s Service Centre, located at 865 Montreal Rd. (corner of Codd’s Rd.) is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Started in 1984, this fully bilingual, family-owned automotive maintenance and repair facility prides itself in offering personal, professional service. Astute businesswoman and manager Josée Jolivet has led Halley’s full time since 1998, becoming sole proprietor in 2010.

With fast growing communities and changing times, Josée says, “We need the network of small shops [like ours] supporting each other to adequately serve everyone.”
Speaking with Josée, there is the clear impression of high workmanship standards at Halley’s. “I’d rather give 100 percent to 500 clients than 50 percent to 1,000.” she says.

Halley’s has been affiliated with CAA for many years, meeting the organization’s strict standards for auto repair shops, based on high quality service and parts, warranties and timelines. “We want to give clients the confidence that we meet the criteria of a quality service centre.”

Halley’s has expanded to offer tire storage and readily adapts to keep up with technological advances through routine staff training. “You have to get ahead of [industry changes] so you don’t fall behind,” says Josée as she talks hybrid and electric vehicles, while noting the need for specialized tools and equipment, such as upgrading hoists to accommodate lowered and/or heavier vehicles.

Josée currently employs a staff of six including a shop manager, licensed technicians, apprentices and an office administrative assistant. Operating a six-bay facility while servicing all vehicle makes and models is a challenge she and her crew thrive on. From the basics of oil changes and tires to brakes, electrical, suspension, air conditioning, wheel alignments and so much more, Halley’s does it all!

Josée is a strong advocate for the empowerment of women in the automotive industry. While female representation is higher in the industry now, Josée remarks, “There is still a significant difference in how women’s roles are perceived. I’m always happy to hear from and meet female candidates interested in pursuing automotive work opportunities.”

Josée also welcomes co-op students looking to nurture their automotive interests and consider the trade as a career. Unfortunately, many secondary schools have eliminated shop classes, which in turn has reduced student, (especially female), exposure to the possibility of pursuing the trades after graduation.

“Schools need to encourage women’s interest in trades more than ever, rather than steering them elsewhere because of continued societal barriers,” says Josée. “Look what’s happening in professional sports with increased female presence—younger generations of girls are demanding their own role models which should also happen in the workplace. That’s a wave of positive change we need to be a part of.”

Josée has been invited to speak at the upcoming ConnecteELLE Conference being held locally at La Cité Collégiale in early 2025. This conference will celebrate and inspire women in trades, offer networking platforms and the opportunity to discuss challenges/solutions to women’s access to trade professions.

When asked what advice she would offer to women and girls interested in a trade, Josée suggests that “We encourage women to block the outside noise and stand by their passion.” She is proud to participate in reducing the stigma of women in trades, noting that it takes continued effort from everyone at every level to make a difference.

Find yourself in need of maintenance, servicing or repairs for your vehicle? Check out Halley’s Service Centre, 865 Montreal Rd., 613-749-9649. The service centre is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Natalie Ethier

As the Manor Park Chronicle celebrates its 75th publishing year, we thought it fitting to honour one of our longest running, most faithful advertisers. The Kavanaugh family has advertised with us since the late 1970s–easily some 46 years–initially as Kavanaugh’s Esso at 222 Beechwood Ave. (for 36 years) with Rupert Kavanaugh, thereafter as Kavanaugh Garage 2013 at 145 Marier Ave. (for 10 years) with Terry Kavanaugh, Rupert’s son.

The name Kavanaugh has been associated with Beechwood Ave. ever since Rupert Kavanaugh landed here from Buckingham, Que. in 1953. He found work at the Shell station (two gas pumps, oil changes and Rambler cars for sale) located where Bridgehead sits today.

With car ownership booming, Shell proprietor Milt Hurd took over the lease of the Esso station a little to the east in 1955. He installed Rupert as manager. Happily, this was the same year that Rupert married Mary, a union which led to seven children and numerous grands and great-grands. Every night Rupert brought home the days earnings for Mary to count.

Rupert went from being an employee to business partner, and by 1958, sole proprietor of that Esso lease. The station had two pumps and two service bays; Rupert turned the vacant, brick-horse stables on its Jolliet Ave. side street into a Royal Shine car wash. Brothers Carl and Clarence (who came and stayed) joined Rupert in the business.

For a time, the station sold sporting goods, and camping, fishing and hunting supplies. Everyone liked the Kavanaugh brothers; the way they found a nickname for customers–my dad Jos Brunet was ‘Mr. Hard Metals’, after the mining company he worked for and whose vehicles were maintained by Kavanaugh’s. From modest working families to politicians and diplomats, everyone went to Kavanaugh’s. Even John Turner [Canada’s 17th Prime Minister] showed up during Christmas, at closing time, with seasonal cheer to share.

Rupert and Mary’s family grew as did the garage, with sons learning the business alongside their father and uncles. Terry ran the garage’s expanded five service bays. Kavanaugh’s Esso built an enduring reputation for friendly, reliable service.

But a successful business story wouldn’t be complete without some drama, preferably of the David and Goliath kind, and what occurred in 1994 could have meant the end of this neighborhood enterprise. Esso gave Rupert notice that they would be buying out the franchise–‘Best of luck, Mr. Kavanaugh!’

It took a year, the support of the community, local politicians, and even a Senator–but in 1995, Rupert (and family) were able to buy out Goliath–to own the business outright. To celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2005, the garage was completely revamped.

In March 2012, the land where Kavanaugh’s Esso had stood for 57 years, was sold to Domicile Developments–for the design and building of a new condominium, which would appropriately be named ‘The Kavanaugh’. (In tribute to its Beechwood Ave. history, the condominium lobby is graced with one of the old Esso station pumps.)

Mixed emotions surfaced on December 28, 2012, when the tanker emptied the pumps and the sign company painted over the Esso name. The station pumped its last tank of gas on December 27; Rupert retired to his Buckingham farm, and Terry, who would continue to operate the garage and car wash on site, was on the hunt for a new location.

By spring 2013, Terry found a nearby spot for Kavanaugh Garage 2013 at 145 Marier St. (corner of Pères Blancs) with sons Ken and Kyle joining him. Continuing the Kavanaugh legacy of great service and a warm welcome, it opened in March that year for spring tune-ups, car detailing, seasonal tire changes and storage.

Today, Kavanaugh Garage offers full-service auto maintenance and repairs (oil changes, seasonal tire changes/mounting/balancing and storage) and car washes, detailing and rustproofing, Over the years, it has expanded services providing exhaust systems and muffler repairs; air conditioning service and repair; computer diagnostics; transmission service and repair to mention a few.

Although Rupert passed away in 2022, the Kavanaugh name and tradition of service continues with Terry and grandsons, Ken and Kyle. Thank you to the Kavanaugh family for all your years of support for the Chronicle! (With files from Sharleen Tattersfield)

Musharraf Miah’s face beams with pride as he shows me photos of his wife, Sonia and their young children who have supported him on his journey with Mia’s Indian Cuisine, located at 327 St. Laurent Blvd. Holding a MSc in Analytical Chemistry, Musharraf decided his PhD student life needed a change.

Already involved in the operation of his brother’s location of Mia’s in the west end—originally opened by their father in 2012—Musharraf knew a second Mia’s location was for him. His wife, family members and father all helped with the opening and work, and his father still visits on weekends.

Originally the site of a French restaurant called Le Saint Ô, Mia’s is nestled at the corner of St. Laurent Blvd. and Hemlock Rd. in a residential-style building that Musharraf proudly spent two months renovating before opening. The licensed patio hosts outdoor seating space in the warmer months and the cozy indoor dining area boasts warm colours, ample seating and a bar. The walls are adorned with beautiful art and photos of notable patrons such as Jean Chrétien, Andrew Leslie, Harjit Sajjan and the late Mauril Bélanger.

The restaurant’s tantalizing aromas have notes of spices and naan, both prepared fresh in the kitchen. Mia’s kitchen is divided into two sections: one for preparing and cooking tandoori dishes and baking naan breads, and the other for preparing and cooking curry dishes. A clay wall-oven bakes Mia’s fresh naan daily.

Many customers are regulars, often ordering lunch or dinner weekly and asking what’s fresh for the day or ordering take-out which has become more popular since the pandemic.

“The support from the community is everything,” says Musharraf, who can often be seen purchasing groceries or making deliveries when the restaurant’s drivers are gone for the day.

“I remember all my customers and what they order and love,” says Musharraf as he tells me about the typical orders from those of local neighbours to Jean Chrétien’s eldest son. His dedication to his customers has been unwavering: prices have not increased over the past three years and there is no delivery charge for orders over $30.

Some of Mia’s most popular dishes for our cold winter months are tandoori, which can be ordered with chicken, beef, lamb or shrimp. Other popular dishes include curries, masala, butter chicken and vegetable dishes such as saag paneer. Mia’s vegetable korma and chicken Kashmiri have milder, creamier sauces great for children or those new to exploring Indian cuisine. The kitchen can tailor dishes for milder or spicier tastes upon request.

Next summer will bring some additional cheer as Mia’s celebrates 10 years in Manor Park! Musharraf has a few improvements planned such as upgraded exterior signage. Cooking is well-loved in Musharraf’s family. He learned from his mother and father. Now, his wife Sonia is teaching their daughter, too. Recommended by Tripadvisor, Mia’s family recipes are sure to please.

When customers order directly through Mia’s website, prices are lower than when ordered through other outlets like Uber Eats. Their website processes payments securely through Square. And, to help cozy up to Mia’s Indian Cuisine in the cold months, customers can enter the promo code WINTER15% to receive 15 percent off the cost of their order when placed directly through eatatmias.ca.

Whether you’re an Indian food fanatic or just keen on exploring new cuisines, Mia’s Indian Cuisine-St Laurent has options for nearly everyone. Dine-in or pick up take-out at 327 St. Laurent Blvd., or call 613-680-5353 to order. For catering, call 613-797-3269 or place online orders at eatatmias.ca.

– Natalie Ethier

I rolled into Stonemont On the Park at 1068 Cummings Ave. as residents gathered just off the lobby in the main building for a bright and festive social event. The area’s newest retirement residence, open since April 2024, was gearing up for its first holiday season. Located near Manor Park, the community offers 55+ lifestyle apartments, chore-free retirement apartments and assisted-living apartments.

Like the daily activity schedule every month, December’s was packed with seasonal and regular events, and outings: aquafit classes, trivia and brain games, chess and knitting clubs, and grocery store outings.

“Our activities are designed for mental and social stimulation, and at least five-days-a-week of physical activity,” says Judie Wheeland, Stonemont On the Park’s marketing manager.

Residents in this mixed, bilingual community can enjoy movies in the on-site theatre, find a quiet space for reflection in the chapel, enjoy the company of fellow residents or family in the main dining room and bistro or exercise in the soon-to-be completed pickleball court. When set-up is completed, the games room will include golf simulators, pool and ping-pong tables, and a shuffleboard table.

Town halls are held with residents once a month in the movie theatre. “All our managers attend, and we share whatever information we have to share, and we get feedback from our residents,” Judie tells me.

The residence also features an on-site hairdresser, a physician, a library and an activity room with a big kitchen that can be booked for family events and a fully equipped gym.
With its strong knowledge of the industry, and over 50 years of experience in providing housing intended for senior citizens, the locally owned Stonemont Retirement Living Corporation’s goal is to put residents first.

“We want them to be safe, have fun and be happy,” says Eric Chartrand, a co-owner and managing partner.

“Each resident has an emergency fob, GPS-located within the building. There are emergency pull cords in all bathrooms and by each elevator,” says Judie. Additional safety precautions include locked front doors, and visitor/resident sign-in and sign-out registers at the front desk.

“Residents of Tower 3 are completely independent; we don’t provide meals, but they can be added on à la carte. Their rental package includes a full apartment with washer, dryer, dishwasher and complete kitchen.”

“It’s the best of both worlds: if your kids are worried about you and don’t want you to be alone, you’re not. Press the button—there are nurses and personal support workers here 24/7,” Judie notes.

“In Towers 1 and 2, the second, assisted-living floor is geared for people who need an hour or two of help a day. Maybe they need assistance getting out of bed, getting dressed—the types of things that can’t be scheduled. They just press a button when they need services.”

“Our smaller, assisted-living suites have kitchenettes with a microwave and a fridge. All-inclusive services include medication management, three meals a day, weekly housekeeping and personal laundry.”

Stonemont’s experienced, caring team includes Sophie Viau, Director of Care. “Sophie started as a PSW, did her schooling and worked her way up, so she really understands the needs of the residents, families and her team,” says Judie.

Judie calls Recreation Manager Shannon Waters the “Queen of Fun”, and notes that the residence activity team includes a driver who can take residents to and from activities, including outings for groceries.

“Whatever residents want to do, we do out best to facilitate. It’s all about knowing that you’re part of a community,” says Judie.

Want to learn more about retirement living at Stonemont On the Park? Visit https://stonemont.ca/on-the-park or call Judie at 613-809-9354 to book a tour.

– Mark Lindenberg