Tony’s Burger Shop Closes in Van Aken: What’s Next for Chef Zappola?

Tony’s Burger Shop is officially closed in Van Aken. Here’s what chef Anthony Zappola has cooking next in Cleveland.

Another burger bites the dust in Shaker Heights: Tony’s Burger Shop at Van Aken District has grilled its last patty. Chef Anthony Zappola, Cleveland native and the guy who actually made Rice Shop cool, is closing up shop so he can pour more love into his other hit spots.

Why Did Tony's Close?

After five years in the Van Aken hustle, Zappola decided not to renew the burger shop’s lease. Instead, he’s stepping back from the burger game to double down on his two thriving restaurants—Lox, Stock and Brisket and Tripi Italian Specialties. Call it a comeback from chef burnout: skipping the seven-day grind for more creativity in the kitchen, and maybe a nap or two.

Lease ended, and Zappola chose not to renew
Wanted to simplify (because running five places is too many for any normal human)
Focus shifting to his more popular, chef-driven concepts

The Chef Behind the Burger

Zappola made his Cleveland homecoming in 2018 after years working for Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio. Local foodies know him from:

The OG Lox, Stock and Brisket (first in University Heights, then upgraded to Shaker Heights)
Tripi Italian Specialties on Lorain Ave in Ohio City
The Rice Shop: first Ohio City Galley, then Van Aken (RIP to both)

His approach? Keep your diners excited, your menu tight, and your life balanced—Cleveland style.

What's Next for Lox, Stock & Tripi?

With Tony’s Burger Shop and the Willoughby location both shuttered, Zappola’s moving fast on his real passions:

Lox, Stock and Brisket is thriving in Van Aken Market Hall with big, bold flavors (it’s THE spot for pastrami in my DMs)
Tripi Italian Specialties is turning Mondays dark, shifting to a six-day week—rest assured, that means more energy for pop-ups and special events
Expect more: wine dinners with cicchetti, jazz nights, sandwich drop-ins

What Made Tony’s Burger Shop Different?

Let’s pour one out: Tony’s wasn’t your average burger stand. It sat at the crossroads of comfort and chef-driven edge, giving Van Aken a spot for:

Funky burgers with real culinary thought
Top-notch fries that deserved their own marriage proposal
A casual, walk-up vibe that kept things friendly and fast

When one door closes, your taste buds start wandering. Enter deli sandwiches, slow-cooked brisket, and sleek Venetian snacks in their place.

Where to Find Zappola’s Other Spots

Want to keep following Zappola's flavor trail around Cleveland?

Lox, Stock and Brisket: Van Aken Market Hall, Shaker Heights
Tripi Italian Specialties: 3928 Lorain Ave, Ohio City

Tripi even hosts the occasional wine dinner (think: jazz, craft beer, hand-rolled gnocchi). Zappola is doubling down on doing what actually makes him—and us—happy.

The Bottom Line: Chef-Driven Cleveland Eats Live On

Van Aken’s burger scene might be looking for a new champion, but Zappola’s next act is all about investing big where it counts. Want to show some local love? Grab a stacked sando at Lox, Stock or swing by Tripi for a taste of chef-driven Cleveland at its best.