Schwartz’s Deli, the iconic Montreal eatery famed for its smoked‑meat sandwiches, announced on Tuesday that it will no longer serve Cott’s black cherry soda. The change follows the introduction of new U.S. tariffs on imported goods, which have made the Canadian‑origin soda unavailable to the restaurant.
The deli has historically paired its signature smoked‑meat dishes with Cott’s black cherry soda, a combination that many patrons have come to expect. With the recent tariff measures enacted by the Trump administration, the import pathway for the beverage was disrupted, prompting Schwartz’s to seek an alternative.
Management confirmed that the establishment has opted for a locally produced cola as a replacement. The decision was driven by the need to maintain a soft‑drink offering that can be sourced within Canada, avoiding the complications introduced by the tariff regime.
The shift reflects broader impacts of the United States’ trade policy on Canadian businesses that rely on cross‑border supplies. While the tariffs target a range of imported products, their effect on a single soft‑drink brand has become evident at a high‑profile Montreal venue.
Schwartz’s Deli, located in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, continues to serve its core menu of smoked‑meat sandwiches, fries and other classic items. The restaurant’s reputation for quality food remains unchanged, and the new locally produced cola will be available alongside the existing beverage selection.
Patrons are expected to notice the substitution during their next visit, with the locally sourced cola now listed on the drink menu in place of Cott’s black cherry soda. The change underscores how international trade decisions can influence everyday consumer choices, even in establishments known more for food than for beverages.