Inside Feleena’s: A Glebe favourite serving California-style Mexican

From a Cal-Mex pioneer to a Glebe staple, restaurateur Clyde Ross has spent nearly five decades shaping Ottawa’s dining scene. 

Clyde’s current restaurant, Feleena’s, has been open since 1992, but Clyde’s history in Ottawa’s restaurants is much longer.  

In 1977, Clyde opened Rosa Cantina near the University of Ottawa, introducing Southern California flavours to a city with limited exposure to Mexican cuisine. 

On the corner of Bank Street and Second Avenue, you’ll find Feleena’s, with a lively patio and a mural of Frida Kahlo covering the facade.  

From Los Angeles to the Glebe  

Originally from the east side of Los Angeles, Clyde came to Ottawa in 1969. When he moved here, he noticed one thing: the restaurant selection was fairly limited in Canada’s Capital.  

“When I first got to Ottawa, there was no Mexican food,” Clyde says. “I realized there was a gap, and no one else was doing it.”  

With his brother's support, Clyde decided to stop teaching and began exploring the idea of opening a Mexican restaurant, blending his upbringing in LA with his new home in Ottawa.  

Opening his first restaurant took time. Clyde began exploring Mexican restaurants across the United States, discovering how people have expanded into new markets.  

In Missouri, a restaurant owner sat with Clyde, advising him, “to be as close as you can to a university. Because young people like change.”  

When Clyde opened Rosa’s Cantina in 1977 near the University of Ottawa, it took one month to gain momentum. "Within one month, people were lined up down the street,” Clyde remembers.  

Rosa’s Cantina transitioned into Mexicali Rosa’s, which became a franchise and spread across Eastern Canada.  

In 1992, Clyde opened Feleena’s. Today, he can still be found greeting customers as the community enjoys Mexican dishes inspired by the foods of Clyde’s youth. What sets Feleena’s apart is a menu built on nostalgia, paired with a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

The flavours that keep people coming back 

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As a self-proclaimed fussy eater, it has taken Clyde a while to expand his palate. However, after his first bite of Mexican food, he was hooked. 

“The first time I had Mexican food, I was about 12 or 13, and I thought, 'This is really good!”  

 It is those same alluring flavours that are being served at Feleena’s. “We like to keep closer to California Style,” Clyde says.  

When he opened Feleena’s, Clyde knew he wanted to try something new. “It is still Mexican food,” he says. “But it’s a little different than what we had at Mexicali Rosa’s.” 

To sample one of Clyde’s favourites, try the Clyde burrito, which features a chilli inspired by the taco stands of East LA. Or try the Mexican flag enchiladas, which include one chicken, one beef, and one cheese enchilada and three of Feleena’s signature sauces.  

Part of what makes the food so memorable is the staff. In the kitchen, the staff have worked together for years. There is a family-like culture thanks to loyal staff and customers alike. “It’s like a family here,” Clyde says. 

A decor full of history

Beyond the food, Feleena’s is a vibrant spot with an interior that recalls Mexican cantinas. 

Clyde says his wife has curated the decor over the years. “My wife is totally responsible,” Clyde says. “She wanted to jazz it up.” 

With colourful lanterns hanging from the ceiling and large windows that let in natural light, Feleena’s is an inviting space, filled with visual intrigue.  

There are also personal touches that reflect Clyde’s childhood and upbringing in East LA, including family photos and shots of Clyde playing baseball. There is also a framed image of Charlie’s Taco Stand in Pico Rivera, California, from 1959, one of the first places Clyde had Mexican food.  

A legacy built on tradition 

At the height of Clyde’s businesses, he recalls that Mexicali Rosa’s had about 20 franchises across eastern Canada.  

Now, Feleena’s is Clyde’s focus. At 83 years old, Clyde has cemented a legacy and created a welcoming environment for Ottawans to enjoy. Clyde’s success as a restaurateur largely comes from his commitment to tradition.  

Clyde has come to understand the benefits of building a community, connecting with others, and learning from them. From learning from other experienced business owners to partnering with companies that provide dependable services, there is value in knowing who has your back.  

Thanks to commercial roadside assistance through a CAA Business Membership, Clyde knows exactly who to call when car trouble arises, which means he has more time to focus on Feleena’s. 

“As a busy restaurant, we rely on our vehicles for errands, supply runs, and business-related travel,” Clyde says. “Having confidence that support is available when we need it helps things run smoothly.” 

With 49 years in business, Clyde has navigated changing times and trends. Feleena’s is more than a small-business success story. It is a part of his legacy of introducing Ottawa to Mexican food.