The Moth Podcast Episode Summary: "Anthony the Hat" by Ritchie DiSalvo

Release Date: September 22, 2008
Host: Dan Kennedy
Storyteller: Ritchie DiSalvo

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Moth, Ritchie DiSalvo shares his transformative journey from managing a pizzeria to owning his own establishment, all while navigating the murky waters of local underworld dealings. Hosted by Dan Kennedy, the story titled "Anthony the Hat" delves deep into themes of ambition, trust, betrayal, and the quintessential American dream of self-reliance.

Background: The Pizzeria and Anthony the Hat

Ritchie begins by painting a vivid picture of his life as the manager of a popular pizzeria. Among the regular patrons was a man affectionately known as Anthony the Hat.

Ritchie DiSalvo [01:52]: "One of the regulars in this pizzeria that I used to manage was Anthony the Hat. Every time Anthony would come in for lunch, he would tell me, Richie, you run a great operation here. The place is always clean, food's great, take care of the people. Nice."

Anthony was not just a customer but a mentor figure who consistently encouraged Ritchie to pursue his dream of owning a pizzeria.

Ritchie DiSalvo [01:52]: "He says, someday you have to get your own place, you know, you need to have your own pizzeria. One day in the back of my mind, I'd be agreeing with him because that was my dream, to one day open my own pizzeria."

The Proposition: A Twisted Opportunity

After fifteen years in the pizzeria business, Ritchie's patience with his boss waned. During this period of frustration, Anthony approached him with a lucrative yet ethically questionable proposition.

Ritchie DiSalvo [02:30]: "Anthony comes in for his usual lunch... He says, Richie, I got this proposition for you. I want you to come and work for me. I'll take you under my wing, and I'll let you make some real money."

Anthony's venture involved setting up an operation downtown that included illegal sports betting and other illicit activities. Ritchie was tasked with managing the front operations and ensuring their clandestine activities remained undetected by the police.

Ritchie DiSalvo [03:10]: "Anthony tells me, all you need to do, Richie, is you look out for the police... make sure everybody has that little metal, plastic, waste paper basket filled with lighter fluid, and make sure everybody has matches."

Tempted by the promise of tripling his income, Ritchie agreed to join Anthony's enterprise.

Building the Dream: Ownership and Success

True to Anthony's word, Ritchie received a significant financial boost to launch his own pizzeria. This unexpected windfall marked the beginning of Ritchie's entrepreneurial journey.

Ritchie DiSalvo [05:45]: "He hands me a brown bag. I say, what is this, lunch? He goes, no... $38,000 in there. And that's going to be your pizzeria in a couple of minutes."

Ritchie established Desello's Pizza, introducing unique offerings like the "baby calzone," a novelty that set his pizzeria apart.

Ritchie DiSalvo [07:10]: "I named it Desello's pizza, Home of the baby calzone. I was the only one in Brooklyn or New York to make a little baby calzone from then and now."

The pizzeria quickly became a local favorite, tripling its business within months. Ritchie's dedication was evident in every detail, from neon signage to antique Coke bottles adorned with fresh flowers.

Ritchie DiSalvo [10:20]: "I put fresh flowers in the antique coke bottles every day. Give it a nice, homey look for the ladies and the kids. And it was nice. I was painting it up... It was my dream."

Challenges and Downfall: The Fragile Facade

Despite the initial success, unforeseen challenges loomed on the horizon. Seasonal fluctuations and the closure of a major client led to a steep decline in business.

Ritchie DiSalvo [13:00]: "The business started to take a downturn... I didn't plan on the fact that the summer was coming along. My business started to take a downturn, and it went down half."

As revenues dwindled, Ritchie struggled to meet his financial obligations, particularly with Bobby Cash, an associate linked to Anthony's operations.

Ritchie DiSalvo [14:40]: "I told Bobby, 'I don't have the $500 this week. Could you come next week?' He goes to me, 'Yeah, but don't let this happen too often.'"

The situation escalated when Bobby became physically aggressive, leaving Ritchie with no choice but to shut down Desello's Pizza and seek refuge with his sister on Long Island.

Confrontation and Resolution: Standing on His Own

Ritchie's attempts to distance himself from Anthony's influence were short-lived. He was soon confronted by Anthony and his entourage, leading to a tense and silent car ride that epitomized the fragility of their relationship.

Ritchie DiSalvo [15:55]: "The silence is deafening. And my heart is about to come through my chest because I knew he was just going to do that."

In a surprising turn, Anthony chose not to enforce the IOU, instead dismissing the debt with a mix of humor and veiled threat.

Ritchie DiSalvo [16:15]: "He rips it up. He goes, 'Richard, you're a stand-up guy. When you get the money, you take care of it. If you don't get it, don't worry about it.'"

This encounter was a pivotal moment for Ritchie, reaffirming his commitment to self-reliance and hard work.

Ritchie DiSalvo [16:50]: "I'll just stick to my guns. How I was brought up. If I want to make money, I'll do it. How I was raised to, that's work hard, do it yourself. Don't count on anybody."

Conclusion: Embracing Self-Reliance

Ritchie DiSalvo's story is a testament to the allure of easy money and the repercussions of entangling oneself in questionable ventures. Through his experiences with Anthony the Hat, Ritchie learns the invaluable lesson that true success is built on integrity, hard work, and self-reliance.

Ritchie DiSalvo [Final Words]: "Hard work in America will do the trick. That's my story."

Closing Remarks

Dan Kennedy wraps up the episode by highlighting Ritchie's contributions to the pizza industry, including his inventions like the baby calzone and cheese-filled pizza crust. He also promotes The Moth's mission and upcoming events, inviting listeners to engage and support the non-profit organization.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ritchie DiSalvo [01:52]: "Anthony the Hat... tell me, Richie, you run a great operation here. The place is always clean, food's great, take care of the people."

• Ritchie DiSalvo [02:30]: "I'll let you make some real money."

• Ritchie DiSalvo [05:45]: "This is my dream."

• Ritchie DiSalvo [10:20]: "Give it a nice, homey look for the ladies and the kids."

• Ritchie DiSalvo [14:40]: "I don't have the $500 this week."

• Ritchie DiSalvo [16:50]: "Hard work in America will do the trick. That's my story."

Reflection:

"Anthony the Hat" serves as a poignant narrative about the thin line between opportunity and peril. Ritchie's experience underscores the importance of staying true to one's values and the potential costs of deviating from ethical paths in pursuit of success. For listeners, his story is both a cautionary tale and an inspiration to persevere through challenges with integrity.