Two new Ottawa-area nightlife ventures defy economic uncertainty

Ottawa-area music fans will soon have more options for their hard-earned entertainment dollars as two local tech entrepreneurs defy the economic uncertainty of the moment to embark on new ventures in the arts and nightlife sector. 

Firstly, the Rideau Street space formerly known as Mavericks will become an electronic-music venue called City Gridwrks, a separate but sister business to City at Night, the basement DJ venue at Bank and Slater founded almost 10 years ago by Farid Dagher, a 36-year-old chartered accountant and tech innovation catalyst. 

And secondly, Gavan’s Hotel in the west Quebec village of Quyon is now under the ownership of Jim Cain, a 46-year-old semi-retired data analyst who’s preparing to usher in a new era of live music at the landmark tavern. 

Why now?

Let’s start at 221 Rideau St., the space that used to house the rock bar Mavericks on the main floor and an indie nook, Cafe Dekcuf, upstairs. The main level came on the market while Dagher was keeping an eye out for a bigger space. With a capacity of just over 100, City at Night is often filled to the brim on weekends, reflecting the growing appetite for electronic music. 

“The sound has become more and more popular, and it’s a lot easier to become a DJ now so the whole community has grown,” said Dagher, who was born in Lebanon and immigrated to Canada as a child with his family.

“What’s exciting is we’re making room for new events,” he added, pointing to a capacity of about 300 for Gridwrks. “With our programming at City at Night, we were limited with new collaborations and bookings, and now the doors are open for it. It’s like we’re just expanding our plan.”

Dagher plans to continue the City at Night and Afterlight programming at Bank and Slater, while the Rideau Street spot will open the weekend of March 21 with Intersection and DJ Chefnier. Techno duo Pleasurekraft is booked for March 28. 

Meanwhile, in the riverside village of Quyon, locals have been abuzz over Cain’s purchase of their landmark hotel, Gavan’s. After selling his data analytics company four years ago, Cain was intrigued by his father’s idea to invest in the 80-year-old tavern a stone’s throw from the Quyon Ferry landing. 

The elder Cain has roots in the area, and both father and son have fond memories of the Shamrock Lounge, the big dance hall at the hotel where Jim’s grandfather served as a square-dance caller. The hall has also been the scene of many epic St. Patrick’s Day parties, hosted by Ottawa Valley country star Gail Gavan. 

Renovations were needed. The Cains first updated the kitchen and restrooms, and launched a new, family friendly pub menu based on fresh, local ingredients. Now they’re turning their attention to rebuilding the live-music tradition at the Shamrock Lounge. 

“The lounge was actually built for the purpose of being a live-music hall that holds 200,” said Cain. “Thirty years ago, it was a place to go and drink beer, and the music was something to dance to while drinking beer. That’s awesome, but people don’t really roll like that anymore.”

No, but we are willing to cross a river for a unique, live-music experience, as demonstrated last fall when the Festival Fantôme took over Gavan’s around Halloween. Organized by musician/producer Mike Dubue, who owns a recording studio in the old church next door to Gavan’s, it featured performances by top Canadian acts such as the Sadies and Timber Timbre. The spacious room had a great vibe, a big, robust sound and was a hit with fans and performers alike. It’s expected to return for Halloween 2025. 

After that trial run, and with the arrival of spring, Cain is ready to bring more musical entertainment to the lounge. His vision for the establishment involves a “hyper local” eatery and watering hole for people in the area, along with a concert destination for music lovers, inspired by the Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield. He hopes to present at least one concert each week. 

Upcoming bookings include a St. Patrick’s Day party with the legendary Ottawa Celtic party band, Jimmy George, on March 15 and a date with Can-rockers Wide Mouth Mason on March 30. 

As for the wisdom of expanding a business during the uncertainty of a trade war with the United States, Cain is not deterred. After all, he said he started his tech company, Napkyn Analytics, when he was laid off during the 2008 financial crisis. 

“I kind of built the company to work well in a recession,” Cain explained. “Then, a few years later when the Canadian dollar was normalized and we were at par with the U.S. dollar, my company’s revenue grew by 35 per cent. So I actually think it’s a good time if you’re careful with your investments.”

Back on Rideau Street, Dagher agrees. He’s pleased to have a second venue because “we won’t have all our eggs in the same basket” in case one of the buildings is rezoned or developed. 

But he also believes it’s important during tough times to connect with like-minded people in a space that welcomes everyone. 

“I do think that we bring a platform for people to disconnect, and there’s a therapeutic side to the music and the dance floor and the community,” he said. “It’s a place where people leave their stress behind, and we do think it’s an absolute necessity, especially in difficult times, to find community and decompress.” 

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