Poutine Towers is inspired by Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal, Quebec. In 1928, Reuben Schwartz opened up the deli on Saint-Laurent Blvd after immigrating from Romania. Since then it’s been pasted through four other families; it’s been run by The Nakis and Angélil-Dion family since 2012. Schwartz’s is one of few original delicatessens and still prepares smoked meat the old fashion way, in house, maintaining it’s almost century long popularity.

The BIG FOOD series was developed after the artist painted a mural for a local business called Simple Burger in 2021. The people behind this family-owned spot inspired them to develop a larger series about small businesses, immigrant culture and the love language of food.

Small businesses work above and beyond to operate their shops and produce meals. Behind all of them are people working tirelessly devoting themselves to their businesses. Food feels a lot more precious when we see all the work that has gone into it.

Food is also a love language. It falls under “Acts of Service” and yet it could be entirely its own. Many cultures use food as a form of care and to develop stronger bonds with loved ones. It is what builds our cultures and gives us space to belong to, especially for folks away from their homes. Food paves the way for our communities and often defines what home feels like.

The BIG FOOD series is an unlimited illustration series and will continue to speak to these themes and represent a vast array of cultures and people. As of 2023, the series is comprised of eight illustrations, each inspired by a specific small business or story.