ATLANTA, GA — (Marketwire) — 02/16/10 — According to “Save the Deli” author David Sax, there is no comparison between an ordinary sandwich and one from a New York delicatessen. No one knows that better than Dan Pool who discovered Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen in, of all places, Salt Lake City, Utah. It took one bite into a Gandolfo’s sandwich for Pool to invest and ultimately become owner and CEO. The company’s tag line today, “One Bite… and You’re There” isn’t just a consumer line. Pool uses it as the basis for his recruitment strategy, working the brand’s magic most recently to land former Moe’s Co-Founder and Raving Brands executive Seth Salzman as its new Chief Operating Officer.

“We believe our food speaks volumes about the potential of our brand and the distinction between the crowded sandwich category and a New York deli experience,” explains Pool. “So when Seth was on our radar as a potential COO, we simply exposed him to our product and let our food speak for itself. As a New Yorker, I knew that our Pastrami on Rye was going to be the sandwich that hooked him, so I just ordered one up and put it in front of him.”

Started in the late 19th century by Jewish descendents who brought recipes with them from Europe and Russia to New York City, the first deli sandwiches were sold out of carts on the city streets. Due to its popularity and the commitment of using the freshest meats and ingredients, these famous recipes were eventually combined with the former German/American delicatessens to become what is viewed today as an authentic New York deli.

Known not only as a place to grab a bite to eat, but also as a place to gather and socialize, Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen is the nation’s only “authentic” franchised delicatessen. Looking for the right talent to scale the business beyond its current 45 locations located largely in the Western United States, Gandolfo’s is ready to expand across the nation with the addition of Salzman. As COO, Salzman will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of all company and operations functions.

Prior to joining Gandolfo’s, Salzman spent more than seven years as a founding partner of Raving Brands. While with Raving Brands, he was involved with brand development and operations serving as senior vice president and chief brand head of Boneheads Piri Piri Chicken and Grilled Fish, The Flying Biscuit Cafe ©, Monkey Joes, and as a co-founder of Moe’s Southwest Grill. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Salzman earned his bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from the State University of New York and brings a New York state of mind to the brand.

“I haven’t been this excited about the potential of a restaurant concept since my days at Moe’s,” notes Salzman. “The difference is we are not another sandwich company like Moe’s was not just another burrito brand. We have an opportunity to bring back the flavor, culture and history of the New York deli through Gandolfo’s. Having considered a number of other concepts to join in the last year, as Dan says, ‘One bite and I was there.'”

Gandolfo’s, an authentic New York delicatessen, offers a classic deli style menu with items ranging from the freshest sandwiches to soups, salads and desserts. Specialty sandwiches include the Rocky Balboa, Big Apple, Rockafella Ruben, and more, and they are complemented with the freshest salads and vegetables.

About Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen

Founded in 1989 by New York native Craig Gandolf, Gandolfo’s New York delicatessen is the nation’s only “authentic” franchised delicatessen. Gandolfo’s has spent the last 20 years spreading the love of authentic New York deli’s across the country by providing the freshest deli meats and vegetables on top of its selection of homemade breads. Menu items range from sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts. For more information, visit the website at  www.gandolfosdeli.com, Facebook at  www.facebook.com/gandolfosdeli  or Twitter at  www.twitter.com/gandolfos.