Ritual on Main in Stittsville changes hands but keeps its community focus

Ritual on Main Coffeehouse, the Stittsville community gathering spot that opened in November 2021, has a new owner—but the same neighbourhood warmth.

Abbie Sizer McIntosh and her husband took over on July 27 from Chi Houron, who launched the coffeehouse as part of a small local business portfolio that also includes The Thirsty Maiden in Kanata and Ritual Carleton Place. Houron announced her exit to focus on other ventures, noting the experience had been "the most rewarding moments of my life."

McIntosh, a Stittsville resident and former president of the Stittsville Business Association, is keeping the existing staff intact—a particular relief with Mandy Faulkner staying on as manager. "We have the shared values as Chi and the same vibe at Ritual will be kept," McIntosh said.

The menu is evolving to meet local requests. McIntosh is introducing more gluten-free and plant-based options and switching to beans from Ministry of Coffee, a local specialty roaster. To honour the building's heritage, she's creating a signature blend called "Butler House Blend"—a nod to the historic significance of the structure. A new Ritual Rewards program has also launched.

Beyond the menu, McIntosh is adding live music evenings featuring acoustic guitar to the coffeehouse's porch and interior spaces. The move signals her intent to deepen community ties: "We are forever grateful for the love, warmth and support we have received from our community of Stittsville in this new venture," she said. "It is an exciting opportunity to invest in the community where we live."