If you're used to ordering your favorite Zippy's products via the Internet, you'll have to find another way to satisfy your craving starting Oct. 15 when the local restaurant chain shuts down its online store.

Zippy's this week sent e-mails to its www.Zippys.com customers, notifying them of its plan to close at noon on that day. The restaurant has operated its online store for about 10 years.

"Unfortunately, due to the escalating cost of production and shipping, it is becoming financially unfeasible for our operation to continue its service," the e-mail read.

Zippy's officials could not be reached for comment yesterday. It was not known if the closure would result in any layoffs.

To commemorate the closing of the online store, Zippy's is holding a buy-one, get-one free promotion on certain items.

The Web store has been a convenient way for Hawai'i expatriates and others to maintain a steady supply of their favorite Zippy's products. In addition to a variety of chili items, the online store features frozen soups, lau lau, poi, manapua, Portuguese sausage, cakes, Napple turnovers and cookies.

Nonperishable items, such as T-shirts and gift baskets, also are sold through the store.

The www.Zippys.com e-mail stated that Zippy's products will be available at select Marukai stores in Los Angeles, and other locations in California and Nevada.

Zippy's operates 24 restaurants on O'ahu and recently opened a location in Kahului on Maui.