Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports and the man behind the viral “One Bite” pizza reviews, has taken on a new role as a holiday hero for a struggling Baltimore pizzeria.
Tiny Brick Oven, a veteran-owned establishment in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, was on the verge of closing its doors forever—until Portnoy stepped in.
During a mid-December pizza tour through Maryland, Portnoy visited several well-known eateries, including Pizza John’s in Essex and Angeli’s Pizzeria in Little Italy, according to The Baltimore Banner.
But it was his stop at Tiny Brick Oven that captured the spirit of Christmas and shone a harsh light on the neglect small businesses face under Democrat-led policies in cities like Baltimore.
Owner Will Fagg shared the devastating news with Portnoy: the shop would close permanently on Christmas Day.
“We’re getting ready to close, man. We can’t get our liquor license here. It’s been like crazy… we’re just not making any money, man. The thing is, our politicians gave this market down here their liquor license, but they won’t give us ours,” Will told Portnoy.
Years of financial strain, compounded by the lack of a liquor license and the absence of meaningful support from city officials, had pushed Tiny Brick Oven to the brink.
On his website, Will shared a heartfelt message to his customers:
I must share the most devastating news of my life: Tiny Brick Oven is scheduled to close permanently on Christmas Day. My heart is shattered, not just for myself, but for all of us. This isn’t just the end of a business; it feels like the end of a shared dream. Truly, Tiny Brick Oven is a family-run restaurant because you all have become my family.
Whenever I needed support, you were there. Together, we’ve shared unforgettable memories, fed those in need, and proved that kindness and determination can achieve the impossible. I am forever grateful for the love you’ve shown me.
Despite our relentless efforts and your amazing support, Senator Bill Ferguson and Delegate Luke Clipinger have ignored us. Senator Ferguson even dismissed our plight, claiming we’re no different than any other business. But we are different—you know it, and I know it. We are different because of you.
This is a call to action. If Tiny Brick Oven has ever meant something to you, I’m asking for your help one final time. Please go to tinybrickoven.com/support and make your voice heard.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for everything.
The local favorite is known for his thin-crust pies and “pay-it-forward” program for the needy. You can join the Pay-It-Forward program here.
Some of the community events they have hosted are:
- Fundraiser for Frank May disabled veteran – November 2020
- Serving Free Thanksgiving Dinner – Nov 2020
- Raising money to help with Rockys Recovery, after a vicious dog attack – Oct 2020
- Feeding the homeless – Sept. 11, 2020
- Free pizza kitchen September 14, 2020
- Fed DPW – July 17, 2020
- Raising money for Maryland Food Bank – May 2020
- Host a volunteer event for the staff of Washington DC VA Medical Center
- And much more!
After scoring the pizza a respectable 7.9 out of 10 and praising Fagg’s infectious Christmas spirit, Portnoy pledged to cover the $60,000 needed to keep the shop afloat and help secure a liquor license.
“I’m going to cry, man. I’m going to cry. You have no idea, the whole neighborhood is so crazy wanting us to stay open. We do the Pay-It-Forward program. I mean, we’ve fed the homeless so many times. We’ve done all these things, and our politicians just turned their back on us. I was really disappointed,” Will said.
Portnoy responded, “Well Karma then, this is good timing for us to come in.”
Watch:
Barstool Pizza Review – TinyBrickOven (Baltimore, MD) pic.twitter.com/hDqhclD45D
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 23, 2024
