Schwartz, meet Celine.
The most famous deli in Montreal is now in the hands of an investor group that includes Canadian songstress Celine Dion.
Dion and her husband, Rene Angelil, confirmed Monday they are part of a consortium that purchased Schwartz's Deli for an undisclosed amount of money.
"It's the most unique restaurant in the world and we're thrilled to be a part of it," Angelil said in a news release.
Schwartz's Deli, renowned for its flavourful smoked-meat sandwiches, has been a draw for native Montrealers and tourists alike for more than eight decades. Speculation about the sale of the eatery, rumoured to have cost $10 million, have abounded for weeks.
There have also been concerns about preserving the deli's reputation as a hole in the wall where patrons can pull a stool up to the wooden countertop and devour some smoked turkey on rye, perhaps even with a pickle on the side.
Angelil once owned the Nickels smoked meat chain, but he's promised not to franchise the legendary delicatessen or tamper with the elements that have put it on the map.
"Of course, we'll make a few improvements as necessary, but we're not interested in diluting the brand by franchising, or making the deli something that it isn't," he said.
Deli manager Frank Silva told CTV Montreal on Tuesday that his new bosses understand that authenticity is key.
"From what we've talked about … nothing's going to change," he said.
He added that the deli already has photos of Dion and her husband on the wall: "We have some pictures already, so there might be a few more."
Also in on the deal is restaurateur Paul Nakis, who is involved in the Baton Rouge steakhouse chain and Montreal's Sir Winston Churchill Pub. In a prepared statement, his granddaughter Anastasia said she was honoured to be part of the venture.
She went on to call Schwartz's longevity "a true testament to the quality of its product, the loyalty of its customers, and the word-of-mouth that has opened the doors to constant growth."
Angelil's nephews Martin and Eric have also been named as part of the investor group.
All members of the consortium, which referred to themselves as "business families" in the release, have promised to uphold the standards of previous owner Hy Diamond.
Earlier reports have suggested that Diamond, the shop's owner since 1999, wanted to sell the restaurant because he was in ill health.
The little deli on Montreal's St. Laurent Boulevard was founded in 1928 by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania. It's garnered international attention, particularly for its "secret blend of fine herbs and spices" and method of preparing smoked meat without preservatives.
In a statement, Angelil recalled his first experience at Schwartz's in 1961 and said he and his family members have been regular patrons ever since. He also acknowledged Diamond's work as former owner.
"Not only do we want to thank him for his dedication, but we want him to be proud of our efforts to continue along the same path."
