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Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy back on the South Shore for a ‘One Bite’ pizza review

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Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy back on the South Shore for a ‘One Bite’ pizza review

QUINCY – Celebrities don’t faze Michael Reza. They’re just like any other customer.

So when Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy came into Bravo Pizzeria on Wednesday to review a slice of their plain cheese pizza, the owner of the 11-year establishment treated him like he would anyone else.

“He was fine. He was cordial,” Reza said the following day, curious by how news of Portnoy’s visit spread so fast.

Portnoy can be considered a polarizing figure, but his “One Bite” pizza reviews have a large following that, once posted on YouTube, often drive customers to the pizzerias featured in those videos.

Last December, Portnoy – who is from Swampscott and spends his time between Miami and his $42-million home on Nantucket – rated at least four South Shore pizzerias between 7.7 and 8.1. Portnoy’s popularity also inspired a Pembroke restaurant to create their own “Miss Peaches” pizza, named after his rescue dog, and raise money for local animal shelters. 

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This week, Portnoy stepped in front of the pizza shop at 531 Washington St. in a Boston Red Sox hat to give his trademark review. Ultimately, it was a 7.4 out of 10, Reza said.

He came back in to chat with Reza, telling him he came by because of the good reviews (it has 4.7 stars on Google and 4.4 stars on Yelp) and that it was a “pretty good” rating and a “pretty good” pizza.

“I’m assuming he liked the pizza. If he didn’t like it, he wouldn’t continue eating it,” Reza said.

The pizzeria owner also offered Portnoy a slice of their sicilian pizza, which Bravo is known for. 

In the past, Reza made it a point to never make a fuss over celebrity customers who would just want to enjoy a slice or pie in peace.

But – upon the insistence of Reza’s daughter – he took a selfie with Portnoy.

Reviews continued down the South Shore

Portnoy also made a stop on Thursday at Mamma Mia’s original location, which has been in Kingston for 50 years. People were running from the street to follow him into 134 Main St., said Bonnie Owens, marketing director for Viscariello Hospitality Group.

“We’re thrilled he came to the original spot,” Owens said, adding that the restaurant’s sauce recipe hasn’t changed since it opened.

Overall, Portnoy rated their cheese pizza a 7.8.

Hannah Morse covers growth and development for The Patriot Ledger. Contact her at hmorse@patriotledger.com.

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