Chipp Pizzeria Closes! Russian Restaurant To Move In

It is shocking – and revolting – how many businesses we’ve been writing about lately that haven’t survived a year. The latest example is Chipp Neapolitan Pizzeria (2971 Ocean Avenue), which opened November 2010 and is now shuttered.

The writing was on the wall, of course. Or at least on Craigslist. The restaurant, which was co-owned by Lenny “The Russian” Veltman of Donald Trump’s The Apprentice, looked like it was off to a good start, with an original idea for the neighborhood and a classy – if controversial – product. But just seven months after opening, we spotted a for sale announcement on Craigslist. At that time, co-owner Rus Gor told us that a dispute between the partners led to the sale.

And sell it has! When we stopped by yesterday, both Veltman and Gor were there – along with the new owner. The newbie didn’t want to chat at the time, but Veltman said it would be a Russian-Uzbeki restaurant. We didn’t get the ultimate sale price, either, but the asking price back in June was $250,000 for a 10-year lease, equipment and furniture.

Regardless, we’re glad Chipp didn’t go out of business, but closed at the discretion of its owners. And we wish those owners the best of luck in their future endeavors, and look forward to welcoming our new neighbor at that location.