Well, Well, Well
John Ribson, owner of The Well Hamilton Inc., hails from Hamilton, Ontario, with roots tied to the community’s essence. The inception of The Well began with a serendipitous encounter—a drive past his childhood haunts led to the purchase of 161 Wellington St North, formerly the Wellington House. With a vision of fostering inclusivity, John transformed this space into a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, aiming to offer a safe, vibrant environment. The arduous yet heartfelt restoration of the building laid the foundation for The Well’s ethos of providing a sanctuary for all.
From the initial Hamilton location sprouted the idea of expanding The Well into a franchise, enabling others to partake in this venture. Fuelled by a commitment to empowerment, The Well emerged not just as a thriving business but as an LGBTQ+ company, fostering entrepreneurship within communities. With two bustling establishments in Hamilton and Toronto’s gay village and plans for further expansion in Windsor and Waterloo, The Well’s journey is poised to transcend borders, aiming to spread its brand and values across Canada and the US, inviting suggestions and partnerships for future growth.
The Well
Socialized