Anthony Zappola to Close Rice Shop at Van Aken, Open Tony's Burger Shop in the New Year

Chef Anthony Zappola Credit: Douglas Trattner

Chef Anthony Zappola currently operates Tripi Italian Specialties in Ohio City and Lox, Stock and Brisket and the Rice Shop at Van Aken District in Shaker. Come the new year, one of those concepts will vanish.

“I’ve had the Rice Shop for 10 years – three locations, two cities,” Zappola says. “The Rice Shop is very difficult to source. It’s very difficult to staff. It’s very niche. It’s been 10 years and it’s time for a new concept and a new challenge.”

There is a reason why many chefs and operators are setting the bar a little lower these days, he explains. Between labor shortages, the cost of goods and services, increased competition and many other factors, it just makes sense to simplify things.

That’s exactly what Zappola will do with the Rice Shop space. When Shake It closed early last year, it opened up a market for burgers at Van Aken District, notes the chef.

“They we’re looking for burgers – they felt like it’s needed,” Zappola says of his District landlords. “I love the space, and I knew there was a gap for burgers.”

Rice Shop fans have up to and including Saturday, January 11 to enjoy popular dishes such as mochiko chicken, Kentucky fried fish and Korean beef. After some retrofitting of the space, Zappola will open Tony’s Burger Shop in early February.

“Simple, straightforward,” the chef says.

Although the menu hasn’t been formalized, diners can expect a concise roster of smash burgers, fried chicken tenders, grilled cheese sandwiches, fries and onions rings. In addition to the single and double smash burgers, there will be bacon burgers, mushroom and Swiss burgers, patty melts, and monthly burger specials. Diners will enjoy a variety of homemade dipping sauces.

Tony’s Burger Shop will be open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday evenings and lunch and dinner Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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