The Dish: Red Apron’s Patio Café (All in a Day with Alan Neal)

Listen to the segment here.

Mario catches up with Jennifer and Maria, two of the five women who co-own Ottawa’s Red Apron on Gladstone Avenue. They talk about the Red Apron’s daily lunch café which also boasts one of Centretown’s nicest patios. They also fill Mario up with their lobster-shrimp rolls and their famous mac and cheese. They pair the meal with beer and wines and then top it all off with homemade vanilla soft serve topped with Rideau Pines strawberry couli.

Aired on July 2, 2025

Bringing Families Back to the Table

Robin shared our story with CentretownOttawa.ca Read the full post below, or follow this link to their blog.

Bringing Families Back to the table

Founded in 2006 by two busy moms, the Red Apron has been on a mission to reconnect families over healthy, delicious meals made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. Jennifer Heagle and her co-founders turned their passion for good food into a thriving business that has become an essential part of our Centretown community. Nearly 20 years later, Red Apron proudly operates as a 100% women-owned enterprise, supported by an amazing team of 36 dedicated individuals who deliver thousands of meals daily.

A Commitment to Community and Sustainability

What sets Red Apron apart is their unwavering commitment to local growers and producers. By sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, they not only support the local economy but also ensure that every meal is fresh and nutritious. Their eco-friendly practices shine through their delivery fleet of five fully electric vehicles and the use of reusable ‘Friendlier’ containers—more than 200,000 of which have been returned for sanitization and reuse since their introduction!

Red Apron doesn’t just provide meals for busy families; they also extend their services to elders, individuals with mobility challenges, and those recovering from illness. Their dedication to giving back is evident in their Friendlier Return to Donate program, which has raised over $70,000 for food-insecure residents through partnerships with organizations like the Centretown Community Food Centre.

Passionate About Food, Community, and Our Planet

At Red Apron, the motivation to serve goes beyond just business; it’s a heartfelt commitment to the community. During the pandemic, they provided over 15,000 meals to those unable to shop or cook for themselves, showcasing their dedication to helping those in need.

As a cornerstone of the Centretown community, Red Apron not only creates incredible meals but also nurtures meaningful connections with farmers, customers, and team members. Their work is driven by passion and a sense of responsibility, making it a privilege to contribute to the health and happiness of our community.

So next time you’re in Centretown, stop by Red Apron and taste the difference that love, dedication, and a commitment to community can make!

Published on November 24, 2024