Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy brought an early Christmas present to a veteran-owned pizzeria that was looking at closing its doors forever.
The struggling Baltimore eatery, Tiny Brick Oven, was on the brink of closing after financial strains and efforts to get approved for a liquor license took their toll. Owner Will Fagg explained to Portnoy that Christmas Day would be the closing day for the establishment which boasts a “pay-it-forward” program for the needy and has hosted various community events and fundraisers over the years.
“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,” the owner told Portnoy, who does “One Bite” pizza reviews and was on a pizza tour through Maryland.
“Tinybrickoven has always been a family-run restaurant, owned by the community because you are our family. Since we opened, we’ve shared so much together—feeding the homeless, supporting veterans, raising funds for Thomas Johnson, cheering for the Orioles and Ravens, and even trying out for Shark Tank,” the shop’s website told customers as the closing was announced.
“But now, that home is in danger of disappearing. This isn’t by choice; it’s because Senator Bill Ferguson and Delegate Luke Clippinger refuse to approve our liquor license—while businesses just a few blocks away are granted theirs. Though we’ve done everything we can, their refusal may mean the end for us, despite the law allowing them the power to help,” the message continued.
“Please, reach out to Senator Bill Ferguson and Delegate Luke Clippinger to show your support for keeping our family-run, community-owned restaurant alive,” the pizzeria urged customers.
But Portnoy soon stepped in and a Christmas miracle unfolded.
As we were driving out of Baltimore to our hotel in DC, Dave found TinyBrickOven on the OneBite app. He asked if it was on our way, but it wasn’t. He said let’s just do it anyways, looks like it could be good pizza to review. A One Bite Christmas Miracle
— Austin Jenkins (@AustinJenkins07) December 24, 2024
He gave the pizza a 7.9 out of 10 rating, saying it was a “very good, thin, New York-kinda style” pizza. Commenting that “there’s no way this place should be going out of business, none,” Portnoy then pledged to give the shop $60,000 to help it stay open and finally get its liquor license.
Barstool Pizza Review – TinyBrickOven (Baltimore, MD) pic.twitter.com/hDqhclD45D
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 23, 2024
The stunned owner expressed his gratitude and so did many on social media.
Santa Dave changing people’s lives .
Just like that, we’ll keep a Pizza store open in Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/tqRDd5mpqP
— PORTNOY ON SOLANA – PARODY (@portnoyonsol) December 23, 2024
Wow..This was one of the most wholesome One Bites I’ve ever scene..the guy has the energy, love of the pizza, upbeat for a place that was going out of business..Once again Maryland/DC politics and regulations almost screwed over a small business but Dave to the rescue.
— Johnny St.Pete (@JohnMcCloy) December 23, 2024
This is really cool. Thanks to @stoolpresidente for his support and highlight of TinyBrickOven and to @BillAckman for his donation to the GoFundMe. Small business like this have suffered these last few years, but here’s to a prosperous 2025 for TBO ! https://t.co/wLdHPpim1C
— Stephanie Bice (@stephaniebice) December 24, 2024
DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW
Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!
Frieda@bizpacreview.com
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
- 221 DEAD people received federal housing aid in Colorado— Trump admin. demands answers - December 18, 2025
- Cruise Line official pushes back on ‘nonsense’ drink package limit - December 18, 2025
- Border Patrol Chief and progressive mayor clash during street confrontation - December 18, 2025
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.
BPR INSIDER COMMENTS
Scroll down for non-member comments or join our insider conversations by becoming a member. We'd love to have you!
