Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, renowned for his viral “One Bite” pizza reviews, became an unexpected savior for a struggling Baltimore pizzeria this holiday season. Tiny Brick Oven, a veteran-owned gem nestled in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, was on the verge of shutting down permanently on Christmas Day. But Portnoy’s visit turned their story into a Christmas miracle.
During his pizza tour of Maryland in mid-December, Portnoy visited several well-known establishments, including Pizza John’s in Essex and Angeli’s Pizzeria in Little Italy, as reported by The Baltimore Banner. However, it was his stop at Tiny Brick Oven that became a defining moment—highlighting not only the pizzeria’s plight but also the broader struggles of small businesses in cities like Baltimore.
Owner Will Fagg shared his heartbreak with Portnoy during the visit: “We’re getting ready to close, man. We can’t get our liquor license here. It’s been crazy… we’re just not making any money. The thing is, our politicians gave this market down here their liquor license, but they won’t give us ours.” Years of financial struggles, compounded by bureaucratic roadblocks and a lack of support from city officials, had pushed the beloved eatery to the brink.
On Tiny Brick Oven’s website, Fagg penned an emotional farewell to his loyal customers, underscoring the gravity of the situation:
“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 Clippinger 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.”
Tiny Brick Oven has long been cherished for its thin-crust pizzas and its heartwarming “pay-it-forward” program, which has provided meals to those in need. Over the years, it has hosted numerous community events, including fundraisers for disabled veterans, Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless, and food drives for the Maryland Food Bank. Despite its philanthropic efforts, the restaurant’s future seemed grim—until Portnoy arrived.
After sampling the pizza and giving it a commendable 7.9 out of 10, Portnoy was moved by Fagg’s unrelenting Christmas spirit and his unwavering dedication to the community. Portnoy pledged to cover the $60,000 needed to keep the restaurant afloat and assist in securing the elusive liquor license.
Fagg’s emotional reaction was immediate: “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.”
Portnoy’s response was succinct but profound: “Well, karma then. This is good timing for us to come in.”
Barstool Pizza Review – TinyBrickOven (Baltimore, MD) pic.twitter.com/hDqhclD45D
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) December 23, 2024
The story of Tiny Brick Oven underscores the challenges faced by small businesses in cities like Baltimore, where bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of political support can stifle even the most community-driven enterprises. Fagg’s struggles with acquiring a liquor license highlight a systemic issue that many small business owners encounter, further exacerbated by economic hardships in Democrat-led urban centers.
Portnoy’s act of generosity has not only saved Tiny Brick Oven from closure but has also reignited hope for a business that has become a cornerstone of its community. As the restaurant reopens its doors and looks to the future, Fagg’s gratitude and resilience serve as a reminder of the enduring power of kindness and community support.
For Portnoy, this wasn’t just another pizza review—it was a chance to make a tangible difference. And for Tiny Brick Oven, it was nothing short of a Christmas miracle.
