Jessie Duffy, owner of Arlington 5 in Centretown, discusses the future of local businesses in Ottawa and how they benefit the community. The podcast explores community hospitality, supportive landlords for small businesses, business pivots, and the vital role of community engagement in urban spaces.
Arlington 5 prioritizes personal connections over transactions, creating a warm community-oriented cafe experience.
The history of Arlington 5 and its expansion to Take 5 showcase a commitment to community engagement and inclusivity.
Deep dives
Community Vibes at Arlington
Arlington 5, a cafe in Sintertown, Ottawa, fosters a sense of community beyond just being a coffee shop. The owner, Jesse Duffy, emphasizes hospitality as the core of their business model. They focus on personal connections, remembering customers' names instead of just their orders. Arlington 5 strives to provide a warm, welcoming environment, contrasting with the transactional nature of many other cafes.
Historic Evolution of Main Street Businesses
Arlington 5's history is intertwined with a diner run by Ada and her husband on Bank Street. Jesse Duffy, along with partners, maintained the hospitality tradition while revamping the diner, aiming to keep the community feel alive. The shift included expanding the business to create a storefront called Take 5, emphasizing community engagement, and serving as a hub for locals.
Challenges of Main Street Community Engagement
Amidst neighborhood changes and social dynamics, Arlington 5 navigates social issues with a hospitality-forward approach. The cafe actively engages in community programs, such as cooking for a cause during the pandemic. Despite tensions and conflicts in the neighborhood, Arlington 5 remains committed to fostering connections and inclusivity, highlighting the importance of being a steward of the local area and supporting diverse communities.
In episode 3 of The Ottawa Sessions, host Mary Rowe brings you to her new, favourite café to meet Jessie Duffy, owner/operator of Arlington 5 in Centretown. It's located just a steps off Bank Street, one of Ottawa's north-south Main Streets connecting many of the city's best known neighbourhoods.
Mary and Jessie discuss the future of local, independent business in the capitol, and how it can benefit all corners of the community.
See and hear more about the Ottawa Sessions, and 'A Living Capitol,' CUI's recently-released action plan for revitalizing the downtown core, at citytalkcanada.ca.
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