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Celine Dion’s hubby, Rene Angelil, part of group said buying legendary Montreal deli Schwartz’s

No visit to Montreal is complete without a visit to Schwartz's, the Jewish deli whose trademark smoked-meat sandwiches have been pleasuring palates and blocking arteries since 1928.

Now comes word that Quebec singing superstar Celine Dion's husband-manager is part of an investor group that has bought the legendary eatery for a reported $10 million.

Rumours about the impending sale to Rene Angelil, his cousin Paul Sara and others have been floating around for some time, but Huffington Post Canada reported the deal closed, citing sources.

Angelil is a fan of Schwartz's and pictures of him and his chanteuse wife are among the celebrities that adorn the humble-looking restaurant's wall.

The Montreal Gazette reported it will be business as usual as Schwartz's changes hands to the new investor group from current owner Hy Diamond.

Food writer Bill Brownstein wrote in the Gazette that the prime mover in the deal is Paul Nakis, whose other interests include the Baton Rouge restaurant chain and the Sir Winston Churchill pub, among others.

Diamond wouldn't comment on the deal but tried to quell some of the speculation about it.

"Some actually reported that Schwartz's was dissolved at the beginning of January," Diamond, who bought Schwartz's in 1999, told the Gazette. "That is absolute nonsense. Schwartz's is very much alive, as anyone who goes by will see."

Schwartz's has only one location, on the fabled Main, and Diamond has scotched any plans to expand or franchise the restaurant. It's unclear what any new owner's plans might be.

Romanian immigrant Reuben Schwartz first opened his deli a few doors down from its present location on Boul. Saint-Laurent. It changed hands several times before being acquired by Diamond, Schwartz's former accountant.

The succulent beef brisket used for its smoked-sandwiches is cured naturally for 10 days in the same smokehouse Schwartz's has used for 84 years, its walls permeated with accumulated spices from decades of use, writes Brownstein, who produced a book on the restaurant.

My mouth is watering for a Schwartz's smoked meat just writing this story. It's a good thing I live across the country because if I was a regular there my heart probably would not go on.

(CBC photo)