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Montreal’s iconic smoked meat eatery Lester’s Deli has been sold

The famous Bernard Avenue eatery is changing hands, but what does it mean for Outremont’s favourite smoked meat sandwiches?

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Lester's Deli
Photograph: Lester's Deli / @lestersdeli / Facebook
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From famous delis to hidden diners, Montreal is known for some exceptional smoked meat (and poutine and bagels).

So when Lester’s Deli, an old school institution that’s held its own for more than 70 years against newcomers over the years, announced that the Outremont establishment was changing hands, it was cause for concern.

Where will we go for our smoked meat and poutine fix?

The good news: former owner Billy Berenholc has sold Lester’s to Montreal chef restaurateur Kevin Fung, who has plans for expansion throughout the country and internationally.

With downtown’s Imadake Izakaya (Montreal's first Izakaya concept restaurant) and Plateau spots Yokato Yokabai and Ichigoi Ichie under his belt, Fung is poised to take over the reigns of the famous smoked meat eatery—including Lester’s Trudeau airport kiosk and Mr. Smoked Meat.

Lester's Deli
Photograph: Paul Shio | Lester's Deli

And with the original staff said to remain intact — along with Berenholc consulting during the transition — the deli may have been sold, but the tradition is set to continue.

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