Renzo: A Neighbourhood Sandwich Shop with a Retro Flair in Montreal’s Mile-End

Words by Eric David

5195 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal

Known for its bohemian spirit, Mile-End, a Montreal neighbourhood packed with vintage shops and artist studios, has long been a magnet for food lovers bringing together artisanal bakeries, Italian-style cafés, and an endless roster of “fast-casual” restaurants. Renzo, a new sandwich shop designed by Ménard Dworkind Architecture & Design (MRDK), fits seamlessly into the area’s eclectic mix while carving out its own identity. Equal parts deli, diner and community hangout, it feels fresh yet familiar, having succeeded in capturing the area’s convivial energy while serving up a playful slice of nostalgia.

Branding for Renzo by Nouvelle idée.

The exterior of Renzo Sandwich shop on a sunny day. The building's facade features a light blue lower level with red trim and signage, and a brick upper level. A young man stands on the sidewalk next to two bicycles. The signage emphasizes "SANDWICH" with the name "Renzo" repeated in a stylized font, indicating a bold, graphic branding.

Photography by William Lapierre.

What makes MRDK’s work in the city’s hospitality scene so compelling is their talent for spinning layered narratives through design. More than mere backdrops for food and drink, their projects are both atmospheric and comfortable encouraging patrons to take their time and linger. From the cinematic allure of Miss Wong, a Chinese brasserie inspired by San Francisco and Vancouver’s Chinatowns, to Vesta, a pizzeria recalling the family-style Italian restaurants of 1970s North America, to Caffettiera Caffé Bar, which channels the exuberance of 1990s design, each project reads like a cultural remix. When it came to Renzo, the designers mined the city’s old-school diners and classic delis, filtering them through a contemporary lens of colour, materiality, and spatial rhythm.

The interior of Renzo Sandwich Shop features a long view of bright yellow booths and tables with chrome trim, set against warm wood-paneled walls. The distinctive retro aesthetic is enhanced by a patterned tiled floor and a prominent "RENZO SANDWICH MILE END" sign. Shelving units display products, and a service counter runs along the right side.

Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

The interior of Renzo Sandwich is captured, showcasing a row of bright yellow diner booths against warm wood-paneled walls. The space is illuminated by soft, modern globe lights. A prominent sign reads "Spécialité Québécoise," and the distinctive geometric pattern of the tiled floor completes the retro-diner aesthetic.

Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

A well-stocked display of beverages and packaged goods fills a large shelving unit and two refrigerated units at Renzo Sandwich Shop. Above the coolers, signs in red lettering read "PRODUITS FRAIS" and "BOISSONS." Several t-shirts with the "Renzo Sandwich" logo are displayed on the top shelf, showcasing the brand's merchandise.

Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

Stepping inside, the floor sets the tone with a custom mosaic tile in burgundy, beige, and blue, a dynamic pattern that feels playful without being loud. Overhead, the pale blue slatted ceiling introduces a gentle softness, as does the main counter clad in muted beige and and matching wall tiles, while dark oak panelling lends the walls richness and depth. The latter provide a warm backdrop against which the lemon-yellow banquettes pop. Paired with matching laminate tables, their chrome edges glinting softly under the utilitarian glow of vintage-style fluorescent lights, the lemon-yellow booths are pure diner nostalgia. A slim standing bar with retro stools, running between the counter and the seating area, further plays into the scheme’s retro flair.

Practicality meets character in the large custom cabinet at one end, housing fridges and shelves that blur the line between sandwich shop and specialty grocer. Stocked with local and imported goods, including Renzo’s own pilsner, it encourages browsing as much as grabbing a cold drink. Meanwhile, the open kitchen keeps the choreography of sandwich-making in view, a reminder that transparency and precision are part of Renzo’s ethos.

  • A close-up of a yellow diner table with a chrome trim, showcasing a sandwich wrapped in foil on a blue tray with a checkered pattern. The detail highlights the clean lines and materials of the furniture, emphasizing the retro design of the space.

    Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

  • A view of the interior of Renzo Sandwich, featuring bright yellow diner booths and tables. The warm wood-paneled walls, classic checkered tile flooring, and ambient lighting from globe-shaped sconces create a nostalgic and inviting atmosphere. A sign that reads "Spécialité Québécoise" adds a local touch.

    Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

A close-up captures a detail of the Renzo Sandwich Shop interior, focusing on a sleek, tan leather stool with a chrome base positioned at a bright yellow counter. The counter, edged with polished metal, meets wood-paneled walls, and a vintage brass napkin dispenser sits on the surface. The geometric tile floor below adds to the establishment's retro charm.

Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

A view of the counter seating at Renzo Sandwich Shop, with three sleek, modern stools with tan seats set against a yellow counter. The backdrop of rich wood paneling and the geometric tile floor contribute to the establishment's retro-modern design. Large windows offer a view of the exterior, reflecting the interior lights.

Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

  • An older man and a young boy sit opposite each other in a booth at Renzo Sandwich. Yellow banquettes and wood-paneled walls create a retro atmosphere. The table holds sandwiches and condiments. Above, a sign reads "Spécialité Québécoise," hinting at local flavors. The tiled floor adds a classic diner touch.

    Photography by William Lapierre.

  • Several hands hold generously filled sandwiches wrapped in paper. Two cans, one with a maple leaf design and another branded "RENZO," sit on a bright yellow surface. The close-up emphasizes the food's textures and ingredients, highlighting the hearty, satisfying nature of the sandwiches.

    Photography by William Lapierre.

  • An older man wearing a cap and glasses sips a "BRIO" soda while holding a sandwich. He gestures with his middle finger, adding a touch of playful defiance. The scene is set in the retro-styled interior of Renzo Sandwich, with wood paneling and tiled walls visible. A side container of fries completes the casual meal.

    Photography by William Lapierre.

  • A hand holds a bottle of "SAUCE ORIGINALE RENZO" over a large sandwich, ready to add a topping. The sandwich, wrapped in foil, is piled high with meats and vegetables. The scene captures a moment of preparation and indulgence, characteristic of a classic sandwich shop experience.

    Photography by William Lapierre.

  • A man with tattoos sits at a yellow-topped diner table, eating a sandwich. The interior features wood-paneled walls, tiled floors in a geometric pattern of brown and blue, and a pennant displaying "MANIC." A small waste bin and a canned beverage sit on the table, evoking a midcentury-modern, retro vibe.

    Photography by William Lapierre.

A man in a flat cap and sunglasses poses, holding a cigar. He wears a light grey t-shirt with "SANDWICH" in bold yellow lettering, beneath which is "RENZO MILANO." The background shows wood paneling and a yellow booth, consistent with a vintage diner aesthetic.

Photography by William Lapierre.

A young man sits in a yellow booth at Renzo Sandwich Shop, engrossed in his phone. A can of "Renzo" soda and a foil-wrapped sandwich rest on the table before him. The retro interior, with its wood paneling and a vintage "MANIC" pennant, creates a casual and nostalgic atmosphere.

Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

If the interiors establish the mood, Renzo’s branding completes its identity. Conceived by local creative agency Nouvelle idée, Renzo’s graphic language borrows cues from iconic Montreal delis, Little Italy butcher shops, and the sporty nostalgia of vintage baseball teams. Its hand-drawn logo and pared-down typographic system carry a utilitarian clarity, while the colour palette strikes a balance between the classic and unexpected. Hand-painted framed posters on the walls, baseball bats and triangular pennant-style banners, another nod to baseball’s heritage, add a playful graphic layer that reinforces the shop’s easy-going, neighbourhood feel.

Just as the interiors blend diner familiarity with contemporary sharpness, the branding stitches together vintage references that feel refreshingly light-hearted. The result is a venue that feels like it’s been here for decades, just waiting to be rediscovered—a favourite spot that you never felt you were missing out on, that is of course, until it actually opened.

  • A collection of vintage-inspired decor adorns a wood-paneled wall in Renzo Sandwich. A pennant reading "CARABINS" hangs above a wooden baseball bat featuring the "Renzo" logo. Below, a framed graphic print with bold typography and abstract shapes adds an artistic, retro flair to the space.

    Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

  • A vibrant collage of Renzo Sandwich branding elements, including circular stickers detailing sandwich ingredients and logos with the distinctive "Renzo" script. A triangular element promoting "KEY LIME PIE" and other circular labels with the shop's address add to the visual narrative of the brand's identity.

    Branding for Renzo by Nouvelle idée.

  • A person's back is shown wearing a white t-shirt with bold blue lettering advertising "SANDWICHS CHAUDS & FROIDS BOISSONS PRODUITS FRAIS." The name "Renzo" is displayed in a distinctive script. Below, smaller text details operating hours and contact information, with a blue apron visible.

    Photography by William Lapierre.

  • A close-up shot of a menu board inside Renzo Sandwich shop. The menu, predominantly in blue sans-serif font, lists various sandwiches with ingredients. Above the menu, a light blue, slatted ceiling and a white light fixture suggest a retro diner aesthetic.

    Photography by William Lapierre.

  • A tattooed hand reaches into a refrigerated display case, selecting a can of "Renzo" pilsner. The case is stocked with various beverages, including Coca-Cola and Fresca. The retro styling is evident in the machine's design and the selection of drinks, suggesting a nostalgic approach to branding.

    Photography by William Lapierre.

  • This image showcases the retail display at Renzo Sandwich Shop, featuring wooden shelves stocked with various canned goods, sauces, and packaged snacks. Two large, illuminated refrigerators are filled with beverages. T-shirts with the shop's branding hang above the coolers, emphasizing the brand's presence and offerings.

    Photography by Mathieu Levesque.

A man with curly hair and a blue apron stands with his arms crossed in what appears to be the back of the Renzo Sandwich shop. The interior features wood-paneled walls, a slatted ceiling, and yellow booths. A sign reading "RENZO SANDWICH" is visible, along with various posters and pennants, contributing to a retro, casual atmosphere.

Photography by William Lapierre.

Two boys, one with his arm around the other, sit at a diner table, each holding a drink. They are seated in yellow booths, against a backdrop of wood-paneled walls and tiled surfaces. A pennant bearing the letter "M" hangs on the wall, contributing to the vintage, casual atmosphere of the space.

Photography by William Lapierre.