Alpenland Delicatessen, an Island institution for over 37 years, is up for sale.

The busy lunch spot has been at the same location in the very center of the Mercer Island Town Center, at 2707 78th Ave. S.E., since 1974. Linda and Tony Gadola have owned the business for 14 years and are just the second owners. Two of their longtime employees are former owners, Gunter and Katrin Bonnofsky.

The front door opens into a deli right out of Old Europe, from the delights in the glass case, the boxes of imported treats on the shelves, to the camaraderie of the folks behind the counter. The business specializes in German recipes, but has other European-based products from cheese to chocolates to handmade nutcrackers that fill the restaurant every holiday season. Alpenland is particularly well known for its round German pretzel rolls sold on Thursday and Friday mornings, delivered freshly baked from a bakery in Tacoma. Loyal customers come year-round for its sausages, sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts.

To learn more, call Mark Peizer of Lange Peizer Commercial Real Estate at (206) 909-3314.