Most Interesting People 2019: Anthony Zappola

Why he’s interesting: The Solon native has been back in Cleveland for just over a year, and he’s already opened two popular restaurants to local acclaim. In April, he debuted Lox, Stock and Brisket, a modern take on a traditional Jewish deli in University Heights and then in October, he opened the Rice Shop, his Asian concept at the Ohio City Galley.

Craigslist Consumer: Cleveland’s Rice Shop is based on Zappola’s first restaurant, a small spot in Las Vegas located in a building he bought off Craigslist. “It was originally a Chinese takeout place, and they were just doing bad fried rice.” Still, the space came with a wok and a fryer, so he bought it the day he checked it out, paying by cashier’s check.

Italian Insight: Zappola moved to Florence, Italy, at age 18 to study at Scuola di Arte Culinaria Cordon Bleu. “I always thought I was Italian until I moved to Italy. I realized that I’m Italian-American, which is completely different.”

Superstar Mentor: Before his move to Cleveland, Zappola spent most of his career working for celebrity chef Tom Colicchio of the popular TV show Top Chef. “When you thought you were great, he would quickly tell you that you’re not, but when you thought you were failing, he would let you know that you weren’t failing, either.”

Exceeding Expectations: Zappola didn’t do much marketing for Lox, Stock and Brisket and thought he could ease into the business. “I literally thought no one was going to come for, like, a month.” He didn’t even test his recipes until 48 hours before opening day. When he opened his doors, he was shocked to find a line outside. Today, the deli’s best-seller is the Upper East Side, made with cured brisket, yellow mustard and house-made pickles on rye.

South Meets West: Zappola hates the phrase “Asian fusion.” “If you were a Southern home cook and we threw you into an Asian market, what would you do with those ingredients? That’s how I try to approach it.” The Rice Shop’s Kentucky Fried Fish, for example, is cod cooked in the style of fried chicken.

LeBron Love: He credits the Cavs’ 2016 NBA Championship, in part, with his decision to return home. “I’m about as big of a LeBron fan as you’re going to find. Both on the court and off the court, there’s no way you can argue with me that anybody’s better than him.” 

Interesting Fact: 6: Number of positions Zappola held at restaurants owned by celebrity chef and former boss Tom Colicchio before striking out on his own.