‘I’m gonna cry’: Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy donates $60K to struggling Baltimore pizzeria

BALTIMORE — Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is making Christmas a little brighter for one Baltimore pizzeria.

TinyBrickOven a local veteran-owned pizza spot in the Federal Hill neighborhood was set to close on December 25 without financial help, according to a sticker on the pizza box.

Portnoy was wrapping up a day of filming his viral pizza reviews when he stumbled upon TinyBrickOven.

Owner Will Fagg was working behind the counter and was stunned when Portnoy walked in. Fagg explained that the business was shutting down because of cash problems and not being able to acquire a liquor license.

“We can’t get our liquor license here,” Fagg told Portnoy in a video uploaded on Monday. “Our politicians gave this market down here their liquor license, but they won’t give us ours… it’s really disappointing.”

Portnoy stepped outside, took one bite, highly complimented the pizza and became even more upset that the business was closing.

“Can I ask you something? How much money do you need to stay open for like a year?” Portnoy questioned.

“That’s a really good question. I’m not sure,” Fagg said.

“Well, if there’s somebody super rich right in front of your face who’s in the pizza business, and by serendipity is like, ‘What do you need to stay open for a year,’ you’ve got to give him some figure, because then he’s going to walk away,” Portnoy added.

“I know it. Listen, I think we could probably get our liquor license and continue to stay open if we had $60,000,” Fagg said.

“Done,” Portnoy said.

“Done? Oh my gosh. That’s unbelievable!” Fagg said.

The viral pizza review has been viewed over 12 million times on Portnoy’s X page since it was posted.

The two then went inside to exchange information and according to the New York Post, the business has exploded since.

Portnoy rated the pizza a 7.9 out of 10.

Those interested in donating to Tiny Brick Odven can click the link.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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