Tony's Burger Shop Is Coming to Downtown Willoughby
by Douglas Trattner | May. 22, 2025 | 5:00 PM
Douglas Trattner
Erie + Vine (4027 Erie St.), a new bar in Willoughby that is replacing the short-lived Dukes n' Boots, is on pace to open the first week in June. When it does, chef Anthony Zappola will unveil the second location of his popular Tony's Burger Shop concept that opened this past winter at Van Aken District.
Zappola says that he had worked with the building owners years ago at Ballantine in the same city. He describes the arrangement as mutually beneficial, with him being the food operator and his new partners running the bar side of things.
Dante Boccuzzi opened Dukes ‘n Boots in 2023, but it closed last summer after little more than a year. The bar has undergone a full transformation, says Zappola, including new interior design, kitchen equipment and other features.
Like the original in Shaker Heights, Tony’s Burger Shop at Erie + Vine will offer single and double smash burgers, specialty burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, fries and onion rings. Everything is made with Zappola's chef-driven attention to detail.
Zappola added that he plans to further expand his Tony's concept in the near future.
For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.
Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, publishing 12 times a year with immersive features, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.
Douglas Trattner
For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.
Trending
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
