Current:Home > NewsMassachusetts pizza place sells out after Dave Portnoy calls it the worst in the nation -FinanceMind
Massachusetts pizza place sells out after Dave Portnoy calls it the worst in the nation
View
Date:2025-04-15 06:29:59
A Massachusetts pizza place is seeing booming sales after businessman Dave Portnoy branded the joint as the "worst" in the U.S. during a viral feud with the owner.
Portnoy, the founder of sports and popular culture blog Barstool Sports, got into an on-camera dispute with Dragon Pizza owner Charlie Redd while Portnoy filmed his review of their pizza, which he called a "floppy mess" and gave it a 6.4 out of 10 rating.
Portnoy posted the review on his Instagram and YouTube channel, "One Bite Pizza Reviews," last week, labeling the in Somerville, Massachusetts joint "The Worst Pizza Place in America." He also shared footage of his expletive-filled exchange with Redd.
In the review, Portnoy criticized the pizza's heavy parmesan, saying "this is an acquired taste. If you get this, know you’re going to get hit with a left, right in the face with parmesan.”
See the top 50 pizzerias in the US:Ranked by Italian pizza experts: NYC leads with 9
"Dave, enjoy your pizza as any customer, but I don't appreciate what you do coming in and judging a business with one bite," Redd told Portnoy in the video as he recorded the review. "I hope you enjoy your pizza, but I don't appreciate what you do to small businesses."
Portnoy told Redd that his reviews actually help "so many small businesses" so he could peacefully say that the "pizza was trash" and referred to Redd as a clown.
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Portnoy and Dragon Pizza for comment.
Dragon Pizza sees booming business
Redd's business appears to have profited following the negative review.
On Monday, Dragon Pizza thanked the community for "Another Day SOLD OUT" in an Instagram post. On Tuesday, the account announced its closure to get through the rest of the week.
"We are completely sold out and need a day to prepare for the rest of the week. Thank you to our amazing staff and supporters. Couldn’t do it without y’all," the Tuesday caption read.
More:Shake Shack launches new 'Hot Menu' featuring hot chicken sandwich, spicy burger
Despite the success, Redd does not view the situation as a positive experience telling Boston.com that he received death threats following the video's exposure.
"It’s kind of new terrain for me. It’s mental,” Redd said. “But I don’t want to give him credit for complicating my life. We’re running our pizza shop, and everyone is happy. I’m receiving death threats. I’ve received threats at my home. I’m receiving tons of all sorts of different attacks in many different ways."
Regardless of the negativity he told the outlet that they're going to keeping doing what they do.
"We’re in this no matter what,” Redd shared. "We’re going to go back to making pizza and making people happy.”
veryGood! (8)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- World War II veteran reflects on life as he turns 100
- Is Veterans Day a federal holiday? Here's what to know for November 11
- Younghoo Koo takes blame for Falcons loss to Saints: 'This game is fully on me'
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- Todd Golden to continue as Florida basketball coach despite sexual harassment probe
- Jordan Chiles Reveals She Still Has Bronze Medal in Emotional Update After 2024 Olympics Controversy
- Tennessee fugitive accused of killing a man and lying about a bear chase is caught in South Carolina
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Brush fire erupts in Brooklyn's iconic Prospect Park amid prolonged drought
Ranking
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Are Ciara Ready and Russell Wilson Ready For Another Baby? She Says…
- Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
- NFL Week 10 injury report: Live updates on active, inactive players for Sunday's games
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Are Ciara Ready and Russell Wilson Ready For Another Baby? She Says…
- 'Heretic' spoilers! Hugh Grant spills on his horror villain's fears and fate
- AIT Community Introduce
Recommendation
Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
The charming Russian scene-stealers of 'Anora' are also real-life best friends
NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Bobby Allison dies at 86
Steelers shoot for the moon ball, but will offense hold up or wilt in brutal final stretch?
What to watch: O Jolie night
Timothée Chalamet Details How He Transformed Into Bob Dylan for Movie
Diddy's ex-bodyguard sues rape accuser for defamation over claims of 2001 assault
These Yellowstone Gift Guide Picks Will Make You Feel Like You’re on the Dutton Ranch