In the spirit of the holiday season, Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy stepped in to help a struggling pizza shop in Baltimore. On December 23, Portnoy posted a video on Instagram, showing him at TinyBrickOven. The shop’s owner, Will Fagg, explained that they were facing closure due to their inability to obtain a liquor license, which impacted their profits.
Portnoy, moved by the owner’s plight, immediately asked how much money was needed to keep the business afloat for a year. Without hesitation, he donated $60,000 to help save the shop. Fagg’s relief was evident as he realized the gravity of the situation had been turned around just before Christmas.
Describing the situation as a “Christmas miracle,” Fagg later shared his gratitude with CBS News on December 25. With Portnoy’s unexpected donation, TinyBrickOven was able to avoid closing its doors. Fagg expressed how overwhelming the support from the community had been, both financially and emotionally.
Portnoy’s video went viral, and TinyBrickOven experienced an influx of customers. The pizza shop saw a long line of people waiting to support the business, and donations poured in. Their fundraiser exceeded its $50,000 goal by December 24. Fagg couldn’t believe the level of support, calling it an incredible and humbling experience.
This act of kindness was not a one-off for Portnoy. Earlier this month, he visited other Maryland eateries, including Frank’s Pizza & Pasta and Pizza John’s, continuing his tradition of supporting small businesses through his popular pizza reviews. Portnoy, known for his One Bite app, has been advocating for local restaurants for years.
This generous act is just one example of Portnoy’s larger philanthropic efforts. Over the years, he has gained attention for his contributions to various causes, particularly those benefiting small businesses. His recent actions, including supporting TinyBrickOven, demonstrate his commitment to giving back during difficult times.
In addition to his charitable endeavors, Portnoy recently made headlines for his departure from the “BFFs” podcast. After becoming disinterested in the topics discussed, particularly regarding his cohost Brianna “Chickenfry” Lapaglia’s breakup with Zach Bryan, he announced his exit. However, the podcast will continue with Lapaglia and Josh Richards at the helm.
