Dave Portnoy's Generous Donation Saves Baltimore Pizzeria

posted 2/26/2025

A struggling Baltimore pizzeria, TinyBrickOven, has received a much-needed lifeline thanks to Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports. Known for his popular One Bite pizza reviews, Portnoy visited the veteran-owned pizzeria, gave it a glowing review, and later donated $60,000 to help keep the business afloat.


TinyBrickOven, located in downtown Baltimore, is owned by Will Fagg, a Navy veteran who poured his heart into making high-quality, handcrafted pizzas. However, like many small businesses, the shop faced financial struggles, especially in the wake of economic challenges and rising costs. Fagg was on the verge of closing the pizzeria when Portnoy stepped in.


After his visit, Portnoy not only praised TinyBrickOven’s pizza but also learned about the owner's struggles. Moved by the story, he personally donated $60,000, an amount that Fagg says was enough to turn things around. The donation sparked a surge of support from the local community, with customers lining up to try the pizza that had earned Portnoy’s seal of approval.


This act of generosity is part of Portnoy’s broader efforts to support small businesses, particularly in the food industry. He has previously used his platform to highlight and assist struggling restaurants and pizzerias across the country, often using his massive online following to drive attention and business their way.


For TinyBrickOven, the future now looks much brighter. Thanks to the unexpected support, the pizzeria can continue serving its beloved customers, proving that a single act of kindness can make a world of difference.

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