Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and creator of the popular One Bite Pizza Review series, has provided a lifeline to many struggling pizzerias in the United States, helping them thrive through tough times.
of Portnoy One Bite Pizza The reviews became a sensation on social media, with hosts from across the country rating the pizzas on a scale of 0 to 10.
Additionally, Portnoy, who has a net worth of around $100 million, reviewed more than 1,000 pizzerias by the end of 2020, giving small businesses significant exposure. It became a major boon for struggling restaurants.
Its endorsement meant not only thousands of online views but also a steady stream of customers, often from outside the local area, who came specifically to try the pizza after seeing a review.
A shop called Louie & Ernie’s Pizza in the Bronx, New York, faced a near-shut down due to Covid restrictions. After Portnoy gave the pizzeria an 8.1 rating, his business exploded.
After the verified review the shop was able to gain customers and stay fast which increased their sales in no time.
Additionally, Dave Portnoy launched the Barstool Fund in December 2020, as an initiative to fund restaurants and small businesses that lacked the resources to cover rent, rent, and more during the most critical months of the pandemic. Will be able to cover utilities and staff wages.
Notable beneficiaries include:
Joe’s Pizza (New York City) – A historic pizzeria that saw an influx of both locals and tourists following Portnoy’s review, increasing its visibility.
Mama’s Pizza (Florida) A local favorite boosted by financial support from the Barstool Fund and Portnoy’s viral reviews.
Pat’s New Haven Style A Pizza (Chicago) – With Portnoy’s endorsement, Pat’s saw an increase in customer traffic and increased 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 return to the shops he endorses, months or even years later.
Recent examples:
Frank Pape Pizzeria Napolitana in New Haven, Connecticut saw a new influx of young customers who discovered the pizzeria through Portnoy’s review.
The famous Original Ray’s Pizza in New York City gained renewed attention as part of a resurgence of interest in New York-style pizza, fueled by Portnoy’s endorsement.
TinyBrickOven in Baltimore received $60,000 to save the restaurant from permanent closure.