Montreal Deli Schwartz’s Switches Iconic Black Cherry Soda to Local Alternative

Sun Sep 06 2026 07:45:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Schwartz’s ends decades‑long black cherry soda supply after distributor cuts production over rising aluminum costs, choosing a local option that customers welcome.

Schwartz’s, Montreal’s celebrated sandwich shop, has stopped serving its signature black cherry soda after facing a supply struggle that stretched for eight years. The distributor’s decision to reduce production due to escalating aluminum costs made the soda increasingly scarce. The deli’s management decided to replace the out‑of‑stock cans with a locally‑produced version, a move that has been largely well received by regulars. While the switch marks the end of a familiar taste, it also opens a door for local beverage makers to step into an iconic niche. The change highlights how supply chain shifts and material price spikes can force even long‑standing establishments to adapt profoundly.

Why the famous Montreal sandwich shop had to swap its soda

Schwartz’s, a staple of Montreal’s food scene, has carried the iconic American black cherry soda for decades, allowing customers to finish their classic pastrami sandwich with the fizzy, sweet drink that many affectionately call the “Schwartz’s special.”

The soda’s long‑term availability, however, has been threatened since the distributor began cutting back production ten‑year ago. The primary driver has been a dramatic rise in the cost of aluminium, the thin metal used for the soda cans. According to the distributor, combining aluminium price hikes with increasingly stringent environmental regulations meant that the black cherry soda was no longer a viable product to keep on the shelves.

Schwartz’s found itself unable to keep up with orders. The deli tried to prolong the transition with bulk shipments and limited re‑stocking, but the cans eventually vanished from the shop’s condiment row. In response, the restaurateur started evaluating alternative drinks. After tasting several local brands, the team settled on a Quebec‑produced black cherry soda that not only matched the flavor profile but also carried a sustainable packaging promise.

Customers—who expected to see the original soda in their daily routine—have largely embraced the new version. “It’s the same taste, but now I’m also supporting a local business,” said one frequent patron. This reaction has motivated the cold‑press espresso bar and other food vendors to ask about the new soda’s availability, making the switch a local success story.

The change underscores the impact of material‑price volatility on food‑service supply chains and illustrates how Canadian hospitality brands can pivot quickly to keep quality and traditions alive. The story also stands as a reminder that an iconic product can evolve, revealing new opportunities for domestic producers.