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Deli Mulls New Sandwich to Welcome New 'Late Show' Host Stephen Colbert

 Comedian Stephen Colbert, seen here testifying before Congress on immigration issues, was tapped to succeed longtime host David Letterman on the "Late Show," the network said.
Comedian Stephen Colbert, seen here testifying before Congress on immigration issues, was tapped to succeed longtime host David Letterman on the "Late Show," the network said.
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MIDTOWN — The deli made famous on "The Late Show with David Letterman" is contemplating a new sandwich in honor of new host Stephen Colbert following Wednesday's announcement that the show is staying in the city.

The show will continue to broadcast out of the Ed Sullivan Theatre after David Letterman steps down in 2015, according to a joint statement Wednesday afternoon by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and CBS Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves.

“It’s good because I know California really wanted the Late Show to move over there after the Tonight Show left,” Hello Deli owner Rupert Jee said. “It’s a relief.”

The shop's current menu includes a turkey-and-ham combination with sweet peppers called The Letterman. The Shaffer, named for the Late Show bandleader, is a chicken cutlet and American cheese on a hero roll.

Jee wasn't saying what he would stack on Colbert's sandwich.

Dann Thomas, 36, was waiting in line to see a taping of the show Wednesday while visiting from Toronto.

“It’s a pinnacle place to go to in the city,” Thomas said. “There’s so much history in the theater, with The Beatles and everything.” 

The show employs about 200 people, according to the announcement.

CBS will be eligible to receive $11 million in performance-based tax credits to keep the show in New York.

It can also get up to $5 million in grants to offset the cost of renovations to the theater.

Letterman announced his retirement on April 3 and comedian Colbert was named his successor the following week.

"Simply being a guest on David Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career,” Colbert said in a statement. “I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead.”