Twice a week, before most of the city is even awake, the team at Meal Prep Ottawa is already deep in motion. It’s 4 AM on a Sunday, one of two major production days for Ottawa’s leading locally owned meal delivery service, and the kitchen is humming.
Founded by Denis Analytis in 2018, Meal Prep Ottawa (MPO) has become a go-to for busy professionals, athletes, and families who want fresh, macro-balanced meals delivered right to their door. With hundreds of orders placed weekly through its online platform, MPO offers ready-made meals tailored to a range of lifestyles and goals, from high-protein and athlete plans to keto, vegan, and carnivore options.
But while ordering is simple, the work behind the scenes is anything but.
“People see the meals neatly packaged and assume it’s all automated,” says Denis. “In reality, we have an entire team working for hours to make sure every meal is done right. It’s hands-on, high-effort, and every gram counts.”
The kitchen at MPO operates seven days a week. Every day involves planning, prep, and production, but Sundays and Wednesdays are where everything peaks. These are delivery days, and the entire operation is geared toward getting meals out the door on time and in perfect condition.
Staff work in designated zones, handling proteins, vegetables, grains, sauces, and specialty items. Nothing is frozen. Every meal is cooked fresh, portioned by hand, and built to meet the nutritional targets listed online.
Even now, as the company scales, Denis stays closely involved. He moves through the kitchen checking stations, sampling dishes, and troubleshooting on the fly. “I’m not someone who can just sit back. I care too much about the details.”
By late morning, packing begins. Meals are sealed in recyclable containers, labelled by plan and client ID, and sorted by delivery zone. From there, the logistics team loads up and gets ready for delivery routes across Ottawa, Gatineau, and surrounding areas.
Deliveries go out both in the early morning and afternoon, with drivers following tight schedules to make sure everything arrives fresh. For many customers, the delivery is just as reliable as the food itself.
A Montreal-born chef with Greek roots, owner Denis Analytis has transformed his culinary heritage into a thriving local business that nourishes Ottawa’s professionals and athletes.
Meanwhile, in the office, a small team handles order updates, special requests, and customer questions. With a growing subscriber base and a loyal following, MPO continues to run as both high-touch and high-scale.
Recently, the company launched a smart vending service, bringing fresh, ready-to-eat meals to high-traffic locations across the city. It’s a new way for customers to grab healthy food on the go, powered by the same quality standards that drive everything MPO does.
“What we do is more than just food,” Denis says. “It’s about trust. People count on us to simplify their lives. That means we show up on time, every time, with meals we’re proud of.”
From prep to plate, it’s a finely tuned system built on early mornings, teamwork, and care. Meal Prep Ottawa may only deliver twice a week, but the kitchen never stops.
Photography by Nicolai Gregory
