Anthony Messina Frank Sangiuliano Pastificio Deli Local Business Success Story Award
by John Nacchio
I
n 2004, Anthony Messina and Frank Sangiuliano blazed a trail that led to the opening of Pastificio Homemade Pasta Co., a popular neighborhood deli in the Packer Park Shopping Center. In addition to their signature sandwiches, award-winning meatballs and savory Italian delicacies, they put their stamp of approval on their own line of homemade pastas made daily in an on-site kitchen below the store. Pastificio exemplifies flavorful food selections but is also a unique blend of history, tradition and passion. Two entrepreneurs opened a storefront deli with a simple idea that has distinguished them among many rivals. They formed a partnership marinated with hard work, precision craftsmanship and insistence on quality with an enthusiastic dash of creativity and personality. The New York Times spotlighted their
Q&A Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
AM: I never really had that “I wanna be a...” moment in life. I kinda found myself along the way. FS: When I was young, I always had an interest in building and helping my Dad fix stuff. And I always had an interest in food/cooking. I was a laborer/carpenter for 16 years. I was part of the first Pastificio 27 years ago (Ritner Street) and now 13 years later, Pastificio (Packer Avenue).
Q: What was your first job? AM: Selling the Sunday newspaper outside Holy Spirit Church. FS: Matteo’s Italian Specialty Store on Ritner Street. That is where I learned to make the fresh mozzarella.
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Pope-shaped mozzarella during the Papal visit to Philadelphia and the seasonal Santa Claus cheese is a media favorite during the holidays. Sports figures, celebrities and TV reporters frequently stop by for something that echoes the taste and traditions of Italy. For their loyal following of neighborhood customers, their luscious lineup is a culinary tribute to foods past, present and future. Yes, pasta’s tale has more than 500 years of history behind it and Pastificio has risen to the top of an established market of contenders with its delicious selection of homemade specialties including fettucini, ravioli, gnocchi and cavatelli. Along with a variety of homemade sauces and award-winning meatballs, Messina and Sangiuliano live up to the famous slogan that propelled them into a first generation marketing frenzy: “Got balls?”
Q: What was your favorite pastime as a kid? AM: Playing basketball in the schoolyard. FS: I played sports and just hung out with my friends. Q: What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you? AM: Life is about relationships. FS: In the happy moments, praise God. In the difficult moments, seek God. In the quiet moments, trust God. In every moment, thank God. Q: What’s the best advice you ever gave?
AM: Let your haters be your motivators. FS: “Be humble, be hungry and always be the hardest worker in the room.” Q: Favorite song from way back
Anything that takes me back to my grade school days. (Biggie Smalls, Stevie B.) FS: “Moments in Love” by Art of Noise.
Q: What is your best memory from summer 2017?
AM: Florida with my family. FS: An island getaway with my wife and our weekends at the shore with my family.
Q: What do you consider your happy place/your favorite place in the whole world? AM: The beach...nothing like the sand between your toes and the sound of the ocean. FS: the Top of the Eiffel Tower with my wife and kids (trip of a lifetime 2016). My happy place is just an ordinary Saturday night hanging out with my family.
AM: Pretty much all old
Q: Who are your Philadelphia-based idols?
school rap and freestyle music.
AM: I really don’t have any
that always makes you smile?
| rowhome magazine | October / November / December 2017
idols but if there is someone I had to pick, it would be my mom. She was a widow at a young age. Being an Italian immigrant with no secondary school education, she did everything she could to make sure me and my brother had everything we needed to become successful adults. FS: I don’t really have an idol but I do admire my parents for everything they’ve done in their lives. They have an incredible work ethic (obviously where I get it from). They are both retired yet work every day at Pastificio. That is something I will always cherish and am very fortunate to have them by my side every day.
Q: What lesser-known landmark would you recommend a tourist visit in Philly? AM: Spruce Street Harbor Park. It’s fairly new to the
city so I don’t think many people know much about it. FS: Magic Gardens (1020 South Street).
Q: Tell us something no one knows about you. AM: If I tell you then everyone will know. FS: Well, I’m a private person but I don’t have all the answers. In my life, I failed as much as I’ve succeeded. I love my wife, I love my life and I wish you my kind of success. Q: What’s your favorite home-cooked meal? AM: A nice dish of pasta, any pasta! Especially if it’s from Pastificio! What did you expect me to say? FS: I love all the holiday dinners but we have a Valentine’s feast every year with our kids and it’s one of my favorites! Lamb chops, coconut shrimp, fried lobster tails...the list goes on and on!
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