Dave Portnoy takes over social media for providing lifeline to struggling pizzerias

Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports and creator of the popular One Bite pizza review series, have provided a lifeline to many struggling pizzerias across the United States, aiding them to thrive in a difficult period.

Portnoy’s One Bite pizza reviews became a sensation on social media, with the host rating pizzas from across the country on a scale of 0 to 10.

Moreover, Portnoy, who's net worth is around $100 million, reviewed over 1,000 pizzerias, giving small businesses significant exposure, by the end of 2020. This became a vital help for the struggling restaurants.

His endorsement meant not only thousands of online views but also a steady influx of customers, often from outside the local area, who came specifically to try the pizza after seeing the review.

A shop named Louie & Ernie’s Pizza in the Bronx, New York, faced near closure due to COVID restrictions. After Portnoy gave the pizzeria an 8.1 rating, its business exploded.

The shop was able to gain customers and stay afloat, after the endorsed review which surged their sales in no time.

Furthermore, Dave Portnoy launched the Barstool Fund in December 2020, as an initiative to fund restaurants and small businesses that lacked the resources, allowing them to cover rent, utilities, and staff wages during the most critical months of the pandemic.

Notable beneficiaries include:

Joe's Pizza (New York City) – A landmark pizzeria that saw an influx of both locals and tourists after Portnoy’s review, boosting its visibility.

Mamma's Pizza (Florida) A local favourite that received both financial help through the Barstool Fund and a boost from Portnoy’s viral review.

Pete’s New Haven Style A pizza (Chicago) – With Portnoy’s endorsement, Pete’s saw an uptick in customer traffic and a surge in delivery orders.

Even after the immediate crisis of the pandemic, Portnoy's influence has continued to support pizza shops.

Beyond individual reviews, Portnoy’s influence has created a larger pizza culture, where fans of his reviews flock to shops he’s endorsed, even months or years later.

Recent Examples:

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven, Connecticut, saw a fresh influx of younger customers who discovered the pizzeria through Portnoy’s review.

Famous Original Ray’s Pizza in New York City, gained renewed attention as part of a resurgence in interest in New York-style pizza, boosted by Portnoy's endorsement.

TinyBrickOven in Baltimore, received $60,000 to save the restaurant from permanent closure.