Raci Erdem, owner of a Post Falls restaurant called The White House Grill and a nearby bistro and martini bar called The Oval Office, says he is expanding into the Spokane market with a White House Grill restaurant on the South Hill.

Erdem says he has leased an about 2,500-square-foot space at 4334 S. Regal and plans to open a restaurant there in September.

The newly leased space, located in The Village at Regal Pond retail center, formerly was occupied by Lazy Bones Barbeque and before that by a Wheat Montana retail store and deli.

The White House Grill specializes in Mediterranean-style cuisine, with dishes from Turkey, Greece, and Italy, and is known for its garlicky appetizers, salads, and entrees.

Erdem says he decided to expand to Spokane because many of his customers come from here. Also, he says he's been motivated by conversations he's had with people who planned to eat at The White House, but because the wait for a table was too long or the parking lot looked too full decided to eat elsewhere.

Erdem says he "fell in love with the building" where he plans to open the restaurant on Regal.

"I was driving by, and I loved the Italian concept there. The decision was made in two days. It's a beautiful location and a beautiful building," he says.

Erdem plans to upgrade the interior of the restaurant from what he describes as "really casual" to "really nice." He says he plans to offer the same menu at the new outlet as at The White House Grill in Post Falls, and also plans to serve Oval Office martinis.

Erdem hopes to be able to seat 80 to 100 patrons inside, with some outside seating.

The restaurant will employ 30 to 35 people, he says.