Matthew Ianniello was an integral part of the Genovese crime syndicate until the late 1990s. He joined the family in the 1950s after serving as a decorated soldier in the South Pacific. Ianniello entered the restaurant business as co-owner of Matty's Towncrest in the Times Square section of New York City. Later Matthew was an important investor in Manhattan night clubs for gays and transsexuals. The gay entertainment field was first introduced to mob business with venues opened by Mafia boss Carlo Gambino.