From nightclubs to wedding bells, how Dreammind Group is shaping Ottawa.
Abbis Mahmoud, the founder and CEO of Dreammind Entertainment Group, has long been an influential force in Ottawa’s social scene.
With an impressive portfolio that includes restaurants, bars, cafés, and nightlife venues in both Ottawa and Toronto, Mahmoud has established himself as a key player in the city’s evolving cultural landscape. Dreammind Group has been at the helm of several popular spots in the last decade, such as The Show, Waverley, Tequila Jacks, Dodge City, Happy Fish, and Moscow Tea Room, solidifying its status as the go-to brand for nightlife and upscale dining. However, Mahmoud’s vision for his empire has never been static.
Since 2009, Abbis Mahmoud has leveraged his expertise in crafting successful supper clubs in Toronto, with venues such as Lobby on Bloor and Delysées Luxury Desserts in Yorkville, to elevate Ottawa’s nightlife scene. While many entrepreneurs set their sights on Montreal and Toronto for high-end ventures, Abbis has consistently directed a portion of his investments toward discovering and cultivating the same vibrant energy in Ottawa, believing in the city’s potential to shine just as brightly.
Dreammind’s Head Office Staff
The pandemic posed significant challenges for many in the hospitality industry, but Mahmoud saw an opportunity to work even harder. The closure of key venues and the nearly three-year hiatus for ByWard Market’s Mercury Lounge, once a hub of cultural activity, signalled the end of an era spanning back to the late 90s. However, where others saw decline, Mahmoud saw opportunity. As the ByWard Market struggled to recover, he took on the ambitious task of revitalizing the historic building that once housed the Mercury Lounge. In its place, Mahmoud opened three new venues—Berlin, Underground, and Krusch—bringing life back to the Market while continuing to push the boundaries of what Ottawa nightlife could be.
Dreammind Group’s recent ventures, including the Mediterranean-inspired Med Supper Club and the high-end dessert haven Delysées Luxury Desserts, have expanded the group’s reach. With Med Supper Club, which opened in late 2023, Dreammind Group raised the bar for upscale dining in Ottawa. The lavish design, Mediterranean-inspired menu, and exclusive atmosphere have made it a destination for Ottawa’s elite. Med is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that rivals the opulence of venues in Miami or Las Vegas. For Mahmoud, Med is a crown jewel, the culmination of years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Med Supper Club
Not far behind Med’s success was the opening of Delysées Luxury Desserts, a sweet shop that offers decadent, hand-crafted desserts in a luxurious setting, transporting guests to Paris. And if that weren’t enough, Mahmoud continued to push forward with the opening of Happy Days Burgers and Poutine, a 50s-inspired burger spot that offers 100% Halal options with a promise to use nothing but fresh ingredients. It has quickly gained a following at Lansdowne.
But the latest chapter in Dreammind’s story might be the most transformative yet: the acquisition of Strathmere, a 200-acre property housing three heritage banquet halls and the opening of a holistic wellness spa, the Strathmere Wellness Retreat
Mahmoud’s journey to Strathmere is emblematic of his approach to business—bold, ambitious, and full of vision. Known for its sprawling 200-acre property just outside Ottawa, Strathmere has long been a popular wedding venue, located just 20 minutes from the city’s downtown. Under Mahmoud’s leadership, a new holistic wellness retreat, designed to offer visitors an immersive and rejuvenating experience, has been added to the estate.
With a focus on relaxation, rejuvenation, and wellness, the spa offers a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life. Guests can enjoy world-class spa treatments, mindfulness workshops, and farm-to-table dining, all set against the backdrop of Strathmere’s lush landscapes and historic charm. The facilities, including hot tubs, nature trails, and seasonal swimming pools, provide the perfect environment for those looking to reconnect with themselves and nature. Whether it’s a day of relaxation or an extended wellness retreat, Mahmoud’s Strathmere project is designed to offer an unparalleled experience.
Strathmere Country Retreat and Wedding Venue
The banquet facilities will also receive the Dreammind treatment, with renovations and updates in all of the spaces, as well as enhancements in service, bar, and food offerings.
For Mahmoud, the transition from nightlife to wellness was a natural evolution. His approach to business has always been about creating experiences that resonate deeply with his clientele, whether it’s a night out on the town, a quiet weekend retreat in the countryside, or saying “I DO” with beloved family and friends, who may have spent some time at Dreammind bars at one point in their lives!
Strathmere is more than just a new venture for Dreammind; it’s a symbol of the company’s growth and adaptability in an ever-changing industry.
Looking ahead, Mahmoud shows no signs of slowing down. While the opening of Med and the acquisition of Strathmere mark significant milestones, rumours suggest that more projects are in the works. Whether it’s another luxury venue or a new take on hospitality, one thing is clear: Abbis Mahmoud continues to shape Ottawa’s entertainment and hospitality scene with his unique blend of vision, ambition, and unrelenting drive. From nightlife to wedding bells, Dreammind Group’s journey is just beginning!
