Here's a piece of news that's bound to horrify more than a few smoked meat lovers all over the country: Céline Dion and her husband René Angélil are among the new co-owners of the famed Schwartz's deli in Montreal.
The 84-year-old Hebrew sandwich shop on St. Lawrence Boulevard is perhaps the most beloved purveyor of Montreal smoked meat. The Montreal landmark has been around since 1928, and in recent years, it has been celebrated with a 2006 book, Schwartz's Hebrew Delicatessen: The Story, plus a documentary called Chez Schwartz. Also, it's become a favourite stop for touring bands when they hit up the city.
Although the involvement of the mercilessly mocked Dion reduces the restaurant's cool factor, fans of Schwartz's will be pleased to learn that she and her husband aren't planning to alter it much.
"We are not interested in a franchise brand or changing the essence of the restaurant," Angélil said in a statement. "This is a unique restaurant and we intend to keep it that way."
In fact, the reason they bought the restaurant is because they're devoted fans of the product.
"I have so many fond memories of [visiting] this place with my friends, our families and with Céline over the years," Angélil explained.
The investors group (which refers to itself as "business families") also includes family members like Angélil's nephews.
We're guessing that most folks will probably swallow their pride and continue to patronize Schwartz's despite the new owners -- unless, of course, Dion decides to do a little self-promotion and plays a loop of her own hits over the deli's sound system.
The 84-year-old Hebrew sandwich shop on St. Lawrence Boulevard is perhaps the most beloved purveyor of Montreal smoked meat. The Montreal landmark has been around since 1928, and in recent years, it has been celebrated with a 2006 book, Schwartz's Hebrew Delicatessen: The Story, plus a documentary called Chez Schwartz. Also, it's become a favourite stop for touring bands when they hit up the city.
Although the involvement of the mercilessly mocked Dion reduces the restaurant's cool factor, fans of Schwartz's will be pleased to learn that she and her husband aren't planning to alter it much.
"We are not interested in a franchise brand or changing the essence of the restaurant," Angélil said in a statement. "This is a unique restaurant and we intend to keep it that way."
In fact, the reason they bought the restaurant is because they're devoted fans of the product.
"I have so many fond memories of [visiting] this place with my friends, our families and with Céline over the years," Angélil explained.
The investors group (which refers to itself as "business families") also includes family members like Angélil's nephews.
We're guessing that most folks will probably swallow their pride and continue to patronize Schwartz's despite the new owners -- unless, of course, Dion decides to do a little self-promotion and plays a loop of her own hits over the deli's sound system.
