Victim Of Pizza Parlor Graffiti Vandal Makes 'Lemonade'

PELHAM, NY — A wave of graffiti vandalism targeted pizza parlors in Westchester County recently, with anonymous "art" of a slice of pepperoni and pepper pizza — each one containing an image related to the business whose front was vandalized.

But one of the seven or so victims — Four Corners Pizza on Pelhamdale Avenue — decided to build up something from the crime.

"We want to make it clear that this is NOT okay. But instead of dwelling on negativity, we've decided to turn this into a positive opportunity for the pizza-loving community!" they said on Facebook.

In fact, owner Joe Del Balzo told Patch, it's a chance to revitalize an idea he had right before the pandemic, when he put a big chalkboard up inside.

"My goal had always been to get local artists and kids — but that didn't work out," he said. "Then this graffiti happened."

They put out a call on Facebook for community artists.

"Then somebody popped in and put something up," he said. "So cool, right?"

At the moment, the chalkboard wall has an Italian ice, a pizza guy gif, a rendering of Pizza the Hut from the movie "Spaceballs" and more.

The pizzeria invites artists to come and showcase their creativity on the chalkboard inside the store, transforming the act of vandalism into a celebration of art — and, of course, love for pizza.

What he wants next: baseball and other summer themes. "Fourth of July! Whatever's trending!"

"It just keeps going," Del Balzo said.

Four Corners Pizza has been on that site since 1969, and Del Balzo bought it in 2015.

"One of the guys who works here has been here since I was in the first grade," he said. "I left the area in 1990 for DC, and worked in the restaurant and wine business. I was looking to do something different and a buddy of mine saw the business was for sale. It was surreal to come back!"

Four Corners Pizza is at 902 Pelhamdale Ave. in Pelham. Stop by for a pie and grab a piece of chalk.