Schwartz's - History

History

The deli has passed through several owners since its foundation:

1. Reuben Schwartz (1928–1971): Founded the "Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen" in 1928. Reuben Schwartz was described by many as a bad businessman and a supposedly nasty character (boozer, gambler, womanizer) whose family could not stand him.
2. Maurice Zbriger (1971–1981): A violinist and composer, Zbriger was eventually made a partner, and eventually, sole owner of Schwartz's, until his death in 1981. He took Reuben Schwartz into his home and created him 'manager for life.' Zbriger made Schwartz's a great success, and with the profits from the business, Zbriger spent many thousands of dollars organizing free concerts of his music. His story was documented in the National Film Board of Canada production The Concert Man.
3. Armande Toupin Chartrand (1981–1999): She began as a professional organizer and care-taker to Maurice Zbriger and through her service to him she was willed the delicatessen.
4. Hy Diamond (1999–2012): The only owner who has had a business background; for many years he was its accountant.
5. The Nakis and Angélil-Dion family (2012-present): The current owners of Schwartz's. A partnership consisting of Paul Nakis (whom is involved in the Baton Rouge Restaurant chain among others), his granddaughter Anastasia, René Angélil with his wife Celine Dion, and nephews Eric and Martin Sara (sons of Paul Sara, former owner––along with Angélil, of the Nickles restaurant chain). Dion and Angélil used to favor the Main Deli Steak House over Schwartz's.