Bellingham’s newest restaurant will be the first of its kind in Washington.

Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen, a national franchise, is slated to open at 107 E. Stuart Road near Wal-Mart.

Owner and local franchisee Michael Tan said the 1,400-square-foot space is under construction and should be open by September. Tan is planning to hire 15 employees to operate the deli from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Of all the possible franchise opportunities out there, Tan said he chose Gandolfo’s because it offers healthy and affordable food, which are both very important to him.

“When I retired in 2003, my cholesterol level went up to 300 because I had been traveling a lot and eating airplane food,” he said. “I went to see my doctor and he told me to go on a diet. Then I started making sandwiches in the morning for my two boys who went to Sehome High School at the time. I was influenced to eat better by the sandwiches I made for my kids. Now my cholesterol level is 140.”

This will be the first Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen in Washington. There are seven in Idaho, one in Oregon and four in California.

For more information, visit www.gandolfosdeli.com.