March 3 2012
Another slow day on the photo taking front. Only managed to walk up Saint Laurent boulevard after brunch and grab a few shots outside Schwartz’s restaurant.
Schwartz’s smoked meat restaurant has been a Montreal tradition since it was founded in 1928 by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania. The restaurant (also known as the Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen) has been in the same location on boulevard Saint-Laurent for its entire 84 year history.
Whatever the weather, the queue of people outside every weekend waiting for a table speaks volumes for this world famous eatery – today was no different.
Schwartz’s famed eatery on Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Schwartz’s restaurant on boulevard Saint-Laurent
Regular line-up at Schwartz’s restaurant
Despite a few changes in ownership, the only major change that has occurred over the 84 years was in 2008 when a take-out location opened next door. The new take-out can be seen in the left hand side of the above picture – seems like people still prefer to queue for a table though.
However, the current owner (Hy Diamond) is reported to be negotiating the sale of the restaurant to a consortium for $10 million. Since the consortium consists of; René Angélil (husband and manager of singer Celine Dion), Paul Sara (former owner of the Nickles restaurant chain), and Paul Nakis (involved with the Baton Rouge Restaurant chain and other restaurant/pub franchises), many locals are concerned that the restaurant will be franchised.
I wanted to get some shots from inside, but will return at a less busy time…and more to the point at a time not straight after having had brunch like today.
To view images in gallery format, simply click on one of the images below.
Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.
– Martin