QMI Agency

Celine Dion and Rene Angelil, Canada's pop-music power couple, are expanding their eatery empire with the purchase of Montreal's world-famous Schwartz's deli.

Weeks of rumours were made official in a statement by Angelil.

"I have so many fond memories of (visiting) this place with my friends, our families and with Celine over the years," said Angelil, whose picture is displayed on Schwartz's wall of fame.

The Hebrew-style deli has been the subject of a book, a film and a musical. No Montreal tourist book is complete without mention of this iconic eatery, which attracts people from around the world to its white-tiled, narrow dining area.

The deli is located on one of Montreal's famous streets, St. Lawrence Boulevard, home to many of the city's popular bars, clubs and restaurants.

It was opened over 80 years ago by Reuben Schwartz, a Jewish immigrant from Romania.

Many celebrities have eaten at the deli including Angelina Jolie and Jerry Lewis. The Rolling Stones asked for Schwartz's sandwiches to be delivered backstage during one of their Montreal shows.

Angelil said there will be some changes to the restaurant, but he said he and his partners will not be opening other outlets.

"We are not interested in a franchise brand or changing the essence of the restaurant," said Angelil. "This is a unique restaurant and we intend to keep it that way."

The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Angelil and his Grammy-Award-winning wife already own a chain of restaurants called Nickels.