Montreal’s iconic Schwartz’s Deli announced on Tuesday that it will no longer serve its longtime black cherry soda, replacing it with a beverage produced in Quebec. The change follows an increase in the cost of the imported soda caused by recent U.S. tariffs, according to the deli’s management.
The decision was taken after the deli evaluated the price impact of the tariffs on the imported product. With the higher cost making the soda less affordable for the restaurant, officials opted for a locally sourced alternative that can be offered at current price levels.
Schwartz’s Deli, a historic sandwich shop in Montreal, is renowned for its smoked‑meat sandwiches and regularly draws long lines of both tourists and local patrons. The soda change is the first major adjustment to its beverage menu in recent years, and staff will begin serving the Quebec‑made drink immediately.
The U.S. government’s tariff measures have affected a range of imported goods, and the deli’s shift reflects the broader effect on businesses that rely on cross‑border products. By sourcing the new drink from within the province, Schwartz’s aims to maintain its menu offerings without passing increased costs to customers.
Customers visiting the deli can still expect the same classic sandwich experience, now paired with the new local beverage. The establishment has not indicated any further menu changes at this time.
The move underscores how international trade policies can influence everyday choices in local eateries, prompting businesses like Schwartz’s to adapt their supply chains in response to shifting economic conditions.