BAMM’s Snack Shack: A little family restaurant with a big heart

By Liz MacKenzie

BAMM’s owners, Matt and Ashley Atton, are escapees from the dreary routines and pressures of office work. In Matt’s case, it offered a return to being a chef, far away from the mania of five-star hotel fine-dining management. Their breakaway plan took shape when Tugal, the Portuguese soccer hangout at the corner of Coburg and Heney Streets, slowly withered away during Covid.  

Could this be the perfect location for their Mom and Pop restaurant? It was set up (modestly) as a restaurant . . . well, it had a bar, some stools, and was licenced. And it was just around the corner from their Heney Street home. Owning their own restaurant would offer the flexibility to spend time with their kids, put Matt into his own kitchen, and provide a venue to develop their community spirit. 

So began BAMM’s Snack Shack, the funky neighbourhood hangout showcasing Matt’s cooking prowess, the couple’s creativity, and their community spirit. The family has thrived and so has BAMM’s. They celebrated their second anniversary just last month. 

BAMM’s commitment to feeding our community is solid. All meat is halal, and there are vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Everything on the menu is safe for nut allergy sufferers. The house rule is “no nut will ever enter BAMM’s kitchen.” It’s an extension of their home: one that is welcoming and warm. On social media, they make it clear – come with peace and honesty and you’ll be greeted with love and compassion. 

Matt’s a creative cook and his servings are generous. A BAMM burger is high and juicy, and the Hot Dawgs are well dressed. Popcorn Mac and Cheese with a Dorito crust is rich and creamy. Grilled Crispy Tofu will please the vegans. Mat’s menu is always changing with new and quirky surprises.

You may ask . . . why might there be dog at the front door, refusing to go for walkies? Ah ha! Because dogs know that Ashley has dog treats and they drag their owners to BAMM’s door and won’t budge till they get their share. 

And, about that herd crowding in at 11:10 on a Thursday or Friday. Rock concert? No, that would be De La Salle students rushing for their hit of Matt’s massive donuts, brined fries, poutine and three-, six-, or nine-ounce juicy halal BAMM burgers. Lunch hour for the students is only 45 minutes but Ashley and Matt can serve 20+ of these appetites on legs and have them heading back to class, stuffed, in half an hour.

From Thursday to Saturday, monster donuts are the stars of the show. Baking day starts at 4:00 a.m. The marvels are ready by 9:00 and mostly gone by noon. Don’t dally if you want a donut.  And don’t miss Ashley’s terrific latte, espresso, or chai tea to go with it. 

The “back room” is a living room-lounge that hosts community events, popups, book readings and Tuesday night craft and art workshops. And, of course, everyone is welcome. Drop in to see what’s coming up or visit them on Instagram.

Community is a BAMM’s priority. Behind the counter is a “pay it forward” board. When you leave a little extra money at the cash, a patron without cash can eat. You will find BAMM’s at community events, as silent auction donors and as a partner with the Bytowne Cinema. Show your movie ticket receipt and get a 10% discount on your dinner. Be sure to check out their skateboard paintings at Beyond the Pale’s fundraiser for Operation Come Home and The Ottawa Mission.

March 15 was a day to remember. Ashley’s contribution to the community was recognized with a King Charles III Coronation Medal. Only 100 medals were given to Canada so having a Lowertown neighbour singled out for such an honour is something we should all celebrate.

Ashley and Matt are on a roll with BAMM’s. Lowertown welcomes their caring and creativity and has rewarded them with loyalty and support. The next years will be full of surprises. Stay tuned!