our story

Ever since they were young, our owners Kyle and Olivia Cruickshank have been inspired and intrigued by food. Cutting their teeth in the industry in many different ways and meeting at University in Waterloo, the two became partners in life and food. Kyle and Olivia began working and traveling together, sharing their love of food and adventure. Eventually, they settled down in Ottawa, working together and honing their crafts. Kyle and Olivia became close with Amber and Jen of Pure Yoga during a brief catering partnership. Amber and Jen often longed for a vegetarian and vegan restaurant near the yoga studios and Kyle and Olivia were in the midst of saving for a place of their own. And so, with the help of restaurant entrepreneurs David Leith and Todd Brown, the first Pure Kitchen was born in the early part of 2015. 

Since opening the doors to the Westboro location in 2015, Pure Kitchen and the Pure family have continued to grow. In June 2016, a second location was opened on Elgin Street, one of Ottawa’s many thriving culinary destinations. Pure Kitchen Kanata was introduced in July 2018 and Pure Kitchen Preston was opened in 2019, bringing forth not only the fourth Pure Kitchen location but a brand new home for the Pure Prep team. This new location includes large bright beautiful windows and an open concept kitchen, giving the public full display of the Pure Prep team hard at work! Most recently in July 2022, a fifth Pure Kitchen location opened in the ByWard Market. This new location serves as a bright beautiful oasis right in the heart of the city.

In addition to the 5 Pure Kitchen locations, there are now two sister establishments opened by the Pure team. Charlotte, a cozy and eclectic bar, opened in October 2017 just above Pure Kitchen Elgin. As well as Marin, an urban beer garden, nestled beside Pure Kitchen Preston, opened in the summer of 2019. Charlotte provides a stylish, contemporary lounge  inspired by mid-century decor that feels like your cool aunt’s living room. Meanwhile, Marin is a lush green oasis, complete with outdoor fireplaces, couches, beer flights and playlists to sing along to in a classy and casual setting. The ultimate getaway, in the heart of Little Italy. 

Despite the years that have passed since the opening of Pure Kitchen Westboro, the Pure philosophy has remained the same: Pure Nourishing food for everyone, on our plates and in our community. Always Fresh and Always Evolving. In addition to their manifesto, their slogan of Choose Health, Lifestyle, Community & Taste summarizes how by choosing Pure Kitchen, you ultimately choose good food but you're also supporting local initiatives, conscious leadership growth of our staff, and quality ingredients.