Horizons expand for Zappias
By John Zornow

Zappia Vending is celebrating 50 years in business by expanding its horizons. When the late Anthony Zappia, founder of the company, was operating a catering business at Commercial Enterprises, he purchased a number of food vendors to compliment his operation.

Thus was born the Zappia Vending Company.

The company has undergone many changes over the years. Vending of tobacco and confections is a constantly evolving business.

Anthony's son Frank joined the business in 1970, after graduating from LeMoyne College. The family management team now consists of Jim, Robert, and Patricia, and Frank's daughter, Kari.

Pictured front are Patricia Zappia and Kari Durham; (back) Robert Zappia; David Howard, Jim Zappia and Frank Zappia. Under the leadership of Dave Howard, a new food service division has been established. Howard came to Newark as a manager of the Perkins Restaurant and later was head of food service at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital.

The food service division will offer a new concept known as "Zappiteria." This consists of a step-by-step service, creating or converting cafeteria space in an existing factory or similar situation, into a full-service operation run in partnership with the customer.

Flexibility is stressed in a "Zappiteria" operation. Surveys are done to determine at which point clients will use the facilities to the fullest, instead of bringing food from home, or leaving the plant to patronize a deli or other option.

Branded items are offered, as well as upscale entrees for all three mealtimes. Some of the organizations currently using Zappia food service are Cadbury Beverages, Huntsman and, within a month, Garlock in Palmyra.

Catering is also provided, using the same quality control and service provided by a single company.

Frank Zappia, President and CEO of Zappia Vending and Food Service, says he has specialized expertise in vending, food service and catering, and he is ready to use supplier partnerships combined with high standards of operation to grow and prosper in Newark.

top of page
return to index

Copyright © 1998
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513
All Rights Reserved