Chef Ric’s, a social enterprise owned by Ric Watson, is opening its second location in Ottawa at 180 Argyle Avenue, inside the Taggart Family YMCA.
The new site, which officially opens on September 3 at 11 a.m., marks a partnership between Chef Ric’s and the YMCA to provide healthy, affordable meals to a broader segment of the community, according to a recent announcement made on social media. The new location will expand access to take-home meals, daily breakfast specials, and a variety of prepared food options. The original Chef Ric’s location remains active at the historic Rideau Bakery site.
Chef Ric’s began as part of The Ottawa Mission’s efforts to address both food insecurity and unemployment through a culinary training program. The Food Services Training Program (FSTP), launched in 2004, offers four months of commercial kitchen training to individuals seeking employment in the food industry. To date, the program has achieved a 90% employment rate for its graduates. Students in the program pay no tuition and are equipped with the tools and support needed to succeed.
The brand occupies a site with deep community roots. The flagship location opened in 2020 in the former Rideau Bakery building, a space donated by the Aggarwal family after the bakery’s closure. The new YMCA location continues that legacy of service, aligning with The Ottawa Mission’s broader goal to support vulnerable populations through job training and access to nutritious meals.
Menu offerings include ready-to-go meals, snacks, breakfast options, and beverages, with a focus on nutrition and affordability. The enterprise also offers full-service catering with custom menus tailored to various events and budgets. All proceeds support the training program and social initiatives led by The Ottawa Mission.
