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

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 .