Montreal Institution Takes Vegas Expansion Bet Lester's Deli, a Montreal deli establishment spanning more than 75 years, has opened its first location outside Canada in Henderson, Nevada. The 1590 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway outpost represents the brand's first U.S. expansion under new ownership. The deli specializes in Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches, which differ from American barbecue in preparation: whole beef is cured with spices, slow-smoked, steamed until tender, and hand-sliced to order. Signature menu items include Le Maurice ($23)—smoked meat, swiss cheese, creamy coleslaw, house Russian, and marble rye—and Avenue Bernard ($22), featuring smoked meat, smoked turkey, swiss cheese, and house maple mustard on marble rye. Classic Poutine costs $13. To preserve authenticity, the Las Vegas location imports its smoked meat directly from Montreal. The menu also features items unique to the Nevada market, including Le Boeuf, layered with roast beef, roasted garlic and horseradish aioli, cheddar, pickled onions, dressed arugula, and fried jalapenos on a pretzel bun.
New Ownership, Local Leadership Kevin Fung, a Montreal restaurateur, acquired the historic brand with plans for national and international expansion. The Las Vegas outpost is co-owned by Jean-Francois and Melissa Blais, both Canadian expats and longtime Vegas residents. Jean-Francois, a Cirque du Soleil artist and current Musical Director for Mad Apple, has performed on the Las Vegas Strip for over 20 years. Melissa brings extensive hospitality experience in food and beverage, hotel management, and special events. "Lester's Deli has always been about more than just great food — it's about tradition, community, and creating memorable experiences," said Jean-Francois Blais. "We're proud to bring a true taste of Montreal to Las Vegas and introduce a new audience to the tradition and heritage behind Lester's Deli." The location offers dine-in, takeout, and full-service catering.
Why It Matters
For Vegas hospitality operators, the opening signals broader appetite among dining concepts to export regional deli traditions to convention and tourism destinations. The smoked-meat-as-import strategy—sourcing the core product from origin rather than replicating it locally—establishes a differentiation model worth monitoring as other regional brands contemplate U.S. expansion.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
