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Zappitelli’s on Madison Closing at the End of the Year

Owner says that parking — and the neighbors — have been a problem.

The pizza shop that won in its first year of business is shutting its doors at the end of the year. 

Adam Carroll, the owner of , says that parking at the business has been an issue.

Complaints from the neighbors over parking haven’t helped either. 

“We’re in Lakewood, there’s not much parking and I have 15 employees,” he said, noting the meters’ 15-minutes-for-free button has been removed.

In addition, there’s not enough room for dine-in patrons, and the business has been cited for allowing customers to eat there, Carroll said. 

“(The neighbors) are doing everything in their power to get rid of us,” he said. “There’s nothing else I can do to make them happy. I have told the delivery drivers not to park next to the building, so they don’t.”

Carroll said the business will close at the end of the year, but he said would use the next few months to search out another location in Lakewood.

“We’re not giving up on this community,” he said. “I will be back in Lakewood. It won’t be Zappitelli’s, but we’ll be back. I want to serve food in Lakewood at a good price. I am just looking for a good space to move into.”

Carroll said he’s enjoyed serving the community — pointing out that he’s given more money back to the community than he’s personally earned in the venture.

“Everyone loves Zappitelli’s,” he said, adding that sales have held steady. “The summer has been tough, but we’re gearing up for a busy fall.”

The store, at 14201 Madison Avenue, .

Several pizza joints have tried their luck at the location in recent years — most recently .

The original Bill August 29, 2012 at 05:17 pm
Totally untrue John. You must be one of the neighbors who are mad because you can't park in front of your house sometimes. I have never had a problem with Zappetelli's. It is a great pizza and I get it delivered whenever I want.
Laurie Solomon August 30, 2012 at 01:08 am
No worries Peter - move to Lakewood, the people are truly warm, caring and compassionate people. It's a great community, you'll enjoy every minute of it!
Laurie Solomon August 30, 2012 at 01:09 am
Thanks M-F, just heard that Maria's AND Two Dad's have both been purchased. Just another indication that Lakewood is an awesome place to live AND work!
Laurie Solomon August 30, 2012 at 01:13 am
Yepper, the 15 minute for free parking was removed because the city didn't know what else to do to respond to the continuous complaints about parking at a meter that expired. Ours is the ONLY corner in Lakewood (to my knowledge) that has had the free parking removed, this will not affect any other street, or time for the free parking. Zapps has paid the dues, paid for parking and we'll now try to get that reversed. Hopefully we could resolve this by next week - just have to find the right department.
Laurie Solomon August 30, 2012 at 01:35 am
Thanks Bill - WOW John, that's pretty angry stuff there. I'm Adam's mom, so of course I'm going to take things a little more personal than Adam does - that's why I'm responding and he's probably not even thinking about it! Rather funny about the "haven't invested a dime in the storefront" how about replacing the windows that were full of BB holes (hardly an inexpensive move), the plants, the pictures, the paint - all for a restaurant that does NOT promote dine in eating. I'm also needing to comment on the unclean remark - we constantly clean, sweep, mop- Adam is certified in Serve Safe, AND the County Inspector has noted that it's a pleasure doing his UNSCHEDULED inspections because we CONTINOUSLY are violation free. Rest assured John, Zappitelli's is very clean & a safe place to eat! We're not BLAMING the neighbors or the parking for our leaving - it's just time to go. We're staying as long as we can-but we need a bigger place, where we can have dine in customers and we are in a friendlier environment (We are going to miss TOMMY'S PASTRIES!) and we are diligently looking for that place to be in Lakewood. I'm going to have to agree with Bill, you must be part of the unhappy neighbors. I am so proud of what Adam has accomplished in less than a year - a fantastic product, a wonderful following of people that believe in him, a true concern for the community, and continued success with his unbelievable culinary creativity! Way to go Adam, you've done an awesome job!
The original Bill August 30, 2012 at 09:05 am
Laurie I certainly hope you are able to find another location in Lakewood. Have you contacted anybody at city hall? I think Dru Siley is the person to talk to.
Peter Viiberg August 30, 2012 at 03:40 pm
Wow John so much hate!
Guess you like commenting to yourself.
Adam Carroll August 30, 2012 at 04:55 pm
Wow I didn't think your name was John. We just always called you mr moda. But next time Jim stops in for a pie I'll send him over to your store so you can give him the story of the century on our excessive meter violations. Maybe it will win him a Pulitzer !!!
The original Bill August 30, 2012 at 06:07 pm
Hey John just a FYI: Learn the difference between your and you're. Were'nt is not a word. Also try some punctuation.
ian king August 30, 2012 at 06:13 pm
hi - how about relocating by/at 117th and detroit. lots of empty storefronts there and lots of foot traffic all hours of the day, rta bus stops, cvs, etc. great location and lacking a nice takeout pizza place. right next to charter one bank would be great.
and if you did pizza by the slice takeout, i think you would be a huge hit, especially at lunch and nighttime.
The original Bill August 30, 2012 at 06:17 pm
To Peter and M-F: The Red Rooster at the corner of Detroit and Cohasset is closed so there certainly is a place for them there. Where the heck do you live M-F that you didn't know this?
The original Bill August 30, 2012 at 06:57 pm
Oh it definitely gets the point across, although not the one you are thinking
Michael August 30, 2012 at 07:26 pm
The old Red Rooster would be perfect. Big enough for a kitchen and a few dining tables, as well as a patio, plus plenty of parking.
Michael August 30, 2012 at 07:27 pm
This John character is making himself sound ridiculous.
Adam/Laurie - please consider the old Red Rooster location on Detroit. Big enough for a kitchen and dining area. Plus you could make an awesome patio out front and still have plenty of room for parking.
Gina J. August 30, 2012 at 08:12 pm
pizza bogo is going in to drug mart (old dots) spot. there is always room for good pizza in LW!
Peter Viiberg August 31, 2012 at 12:45 am
Yes the Red Rooster is now closed, and yes it would make a great location for Zappitelli's. It used to be an Amy Joy doughnut shop and during the summer they even had an ice cream shop.
The original Bill August 31, 2012 at 02:30 am
So Peter, why then are you asking "So where would they move to by the new Drug Mart?" if you already knew Red Rooster was closed? Just being argumentative?
Peter Viiberg August 31, 2012 at 03:52 am
Again WOW John!
Yes I have read all your comments. It is obvious and sad you really have a personal problem and agenda here. I did visit their facebook page and website page and was looking for as you stated "thier tired of you,re lies tired of you're defamation of character comments on line i.e facebook,website. Dont worry they bookmarked them for all to view." I'm still looking perhaps you can post the bookmarks. I must say Thank You because for months I have driven by saying I need to stop and try this new place. I visited Zappitelli's for the first time today for lunch with my daughter what a great experience wonderful people and GREAT Pizza. My daughter especially enjoyed the fresh baked bread, she ate two. FYI They must have figured out how to clean, because everything was spotless or perhaps the problem really is, your glasses needed cleaning. You seem to be fixated on the parking meters and the 15 minutes of free parking, best I can calculate that works out to 12.5 cents. If times are that tough for you it's OK Zappitelli's will pay for your parking. If you cleaned your glass perhaps you could read the white pieces of paper you refer too posted in their window, which informs you of this.
Peter Viiberg August 31, 2012 at 04:00 am
Your right John it's all a conspiracy by those of us that use the word WOW.
We will be having our secret meeting tonight everyone remember the the secret knock and don't forget your secret decoder ring.
Peter Viiberg August 31, 2012 at 04:03 am
Thank you Bill you were so kind not to mention John's spelling abilities.
Peter Viiberg August 31, 2012 at 04:08 am
Bill
John did miss your point. I'm sure the problem is lack of sleep, or perhaps it was clouded by the truth.
Peter Viiberg August 31, 2012 at 04:25 am
Bill
My post was on the 8th at that time I was not aware that the Red Rooster was officially closed. When I last spoke with Sam (the owner) he told me it would was inevitable.
Adam Carroll August 31, 2012 at 04:54 pm
Oh but John, your ranting and grammar (or lack thereof), is entertaining. Please let us know where you will go.
M-F Schreiber August 31, 2012 at 05:56 pm
@ Bill "Where the heck do you live M-F that you didn't know this?" I live down the street from Peter! We have been aware of Red Rooster's fate for some time as we shopped there until it shuttered. Don't think the facility is big enough for a dine-in pizza parlor and it would be overshadowed by the Drug Mart facade going up across the way. There also can't be more than 10-15 parking spaces there now.
@ Michael "The old Red Rooster would be perfect. Big enough for a kitchen and a few dining tables, as well as a patio, plus plenty of parking" Red Rooster is a convenience store so it would take some restructuring to make it a dine-in pizza parlor. Don't know where you would put an outdoor patio without giving up needed parking. And, let's not forget GSM students hanging out in your parking lot after school...could increase business, but then again become a nuisance.
Jake J. August 31, 2012 at 08:57 pm
What's funny is that "Mr. MODA's" real name is Tim not John so maybe people really just don't like your establishment.... Stop being so cocky and maybe try and fix your failing business.
Peter Viiberg August 31, 2012 at 09:30 pm
Glad you think it funny that someone is messing with another persons hard work in starting a new business.
There is nothing like a coward that makes up lies and hides. Stand up like a man. It is John or who ever they really are, that has been harassing Zappitelli's since May.
Laurie Solomon August 31, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Dear Lord, let's just stop this painful banter. Fact - Customers love to order Zappitelli's because it is a wonderful place to order food, with high quality product and people that care to serve it. Another Fact - some people just don't care for it. Enough said. The posts are getting ugly and it is just very uncomfortable for me to read these (they all come through my cell phone too, draining on me AND my cell battery). I don't care what John's real name is, or who is writing these negative statements - nobody knows what happens in someone elses business. I'm truly laughing at the conjuctures of Zappitelli's failures, please let me enlighten you all. Zapp's is strong, Zapp's has a following, Zapp's is just tired of being in this spot. For those of you that enjoy our food and company, please come back, check out our website, get on our e-mail list, stop in and say hi. For those that don't. Um, don't. Enough said. John, Jake - whomever, you are truly defeating your purpose of 'foiling' the Zappitelli reputation by the notes you are posting. I say - WOW, quit while you're behind. Colin - can we please cancel this God awful interaction?
Laurie Solomon August 31, 2012 at 10:50 pm
with that being said, thanks Peter for being a Zapp's supporter
Peter Bruce Photo August 31, 2012 at 10:51 pm
I am with you Laurie,kill it
Peter Bruce Photo
Peter Viiberg September 1, 2012 at 01:51 am
My apologize Laurie I could not just ignore the negative posts. My best to you and Adam.

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casaderayray June 18, 2013 at 03:28 pm
Where is Storer...East, West, or South of Lakewood?
Regina Milsaps June 18, 2013 at 04:26 pm
It runs east from West 67th to West 34th between Clark to the North and Denison to the South. ButRead More you could look it up on Google maps for a better idea of just how far it is from West 117th and Madison.
Timothy M Bradford June 19, 2013 at 09:52 am
Regina, I appreciate your enthusiasm regarding my listing! If you would like to talk please feelRead More free to give me a call. Casaderayray, Storer is east of Lakewood, west of W. 25th, south of Ohio City. The heading was "just outside of Lakewood" due to the fact that I have other listings much farther out, like Painesville and Euclid. It is a great home with many, many updates - it's worth looking at! If you would like more information please contact me directly at 216-227-3523.
taryn.osborn June 14, 2013 at 01:42 pm
I won't make it there before 2pm, but if you don't sell your drum set...I am interested!
State Rep. Nickie J. Antonio
Sarah Henderson June 12, 2013 at 07:16 pm
I am so glad to hear about this project for those in our community who struggle with mental illness.Read More Thanks for sharing this information, Nikki.
Colin McEwen (Editor) June 8, 2013 at 03:53 pm
Here's the follow up.Read More http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/groups/breaking-news/p/three-injured-after-car-crashes-through-the-exchange
Paul Grimm June 6, 2013 at 09:31 am
They are turning it into a Discount Drug Mart - should open this summer.
jim June 6, 2013 at 10:45 am
i think you are mistaking or being goofy...but sullivans is "was" at the corner ofRead More chesterland and madison, not on detroit.
William Bridgeman June 8, 2013 at 04:06 pm
They are supposed to be reopening in early July as Brew 211, as sports bar with a lot of large flatRead More TVs and basic bar food. The big wood booths are leaving. Sullivan's as we knew it is gone.
Maggie Rader June 6, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Again, while I am very grateful for the outcome for my Mom, I also have a lot of compassion for theRead More other residents. The move for my Mom is only temporary, since the South Westerly will come under the same guidelines within a couple of years. This can only be changed by an act of Congress. I have already written letters to the politicians involved, particularly Marcy Kaptur -- Ohio Congressional District 9. Hopefully, all concerned will do the same.
Duane Hoyt June 7, 2013 at 08:25 am
Marcy doesn't care about Lakewood. Dennis Kucinich wouldn't allow this to happen, but thanks toRead More Republican (Kasich) redistricting, Dennis had to run against Marcy, and he lost. Remember this when Kasich runs against local Lakewood man Ed Fitzgerald runs for Governor.
Ron Dodson June 8, 2013 at 07:10 pm
Members of Congress tack on amendments to bills all the time that only benefit a handful of theirRead More constituents. If there was ever a time for a pork barrel move, this would be it. You're right Duane, this would have never gotten this far if Dennis was still next door to the Westerly.
Lidia Trempe June 15, 2013 at 10:06 am
After two weeks of being lost in Cleveland, Mordecai has come home!! He had traveled 3 miles fromRead More where he was lost. A huge thank you to Eve, who lured him out of a huckleberry bush with hot dogs! He looks great and hasn't lost too much weight, and is being showered with bacon and steak. We hope to be able to pay this forward as much as we've been helped, thank you everyone for your time, thoughts and hard work!! https://www.facebook.com/lostinlakewood
Megan Rozsa (Editor) June 17, 2013 at 10:55 am
I'm so happy he's home now! Thanks to everyone who helped keep an eye on him by sharing this post!Read More :) Patch in action!
Mary Beth Moore June 17, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Thank goodness he is back home with Lidia and fam, where he belongs - yay!!! And the outpouring ofRead More community support for this sweet puppy was amazing. Thankful for this awesome community too!
Sandy June 4, 2013 at 09:21 pm
thank you for your support. I have notified 3 tv stations, 3 senators, the mayor. I am just hopingRead More that my postings will reach someone with power and know-how.
April Stoltz June 4, 2013 at 10:49 pm
So I think an important part of any action is to get those residents who are being evicted and areRead More willing and able to picket in front of the Westerly, out there, with signs, supporters and the media. Are any of the residents willing to do that, or their families/friends? The oldest could sit in chairs with signs. Signs could say things like "The Westerly is throwing grandma to the curb" or "Evicted by Big Money". I'm just shooting from the hip here but you get the idea. I would come out as a supporter. I have few contacts in that building, but the two that I do have are activists. Could you organize something like this with your contacts? Look out Westerly, you will be on the news and it won't be pretty.
Valerie Salstrom June 5, 2013 at 12:41 am
They can't ask these seniors to move at this point in their lives. This just does not sit well withRead More me at all. How can the bank and IRS be okay with this? Something definitely needs to be done to allow these people (who have done NOTHING wrong by the way) to stay right where they are.