Dave Portnoy, a polarizing figure known for his role with Barstool Sports and his famous pizza reviews, is stepping up to assist a New Jersey pizza institution devastated by fire. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Portnoy’s efforts are focused on aiding Al Santillo Jr., owner of Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza, a historic establishment with over 100 years of history, suffered a catastrophic fire in January. The fire primarily damaged the old ceiling, a long-standing concern for Santillo. While the iconic brick oven survived, much of the building did not. Santillo’s insurance claim was denied due to the building’s age, leaving him with insufficient funds to complete the reconstruction.
Portnoy has announced that all proceeds from his upcoming One Bite Pizza Festival will go towards rebuilding Santillo’s. “Every penny I make is going to Al Santillo,” Portnoy declared. “We need Santillo’s, we need Elizabeth, New Jersey, and we need this place built. Every cent from tickets that goes to me is going right to Al. We’re going to rebuild Santillo’s and get them going. This is for Al, the pizza community, and local business.”
The One Bite Pizza Festival will be held on September 14 at Randall’s Island Park in New York City. The inaugural event last year attracted over 5,000 fans. This year’s festival will feature an afternoon session from 12 to 4 p.m. and an evening session from 6 to 10 p.m. All proceeds from ticket sales will be directed towards the restoration of Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza.
Portnoy’s commitment to aiding the pizza community underscores the solidarity within the industry. Despite his contentious reputation, his efforts to support Santillo’s demonstrate a positive impact on local businesses. Once Santillo’s is rebuilt, it’s anticipated that Portnoy will return for another of his well-known pizza reviews, celebrating the revival of a beloved New Jersey pizza spot.
For those interested in attending the One Bite Pizza Festival and supporting the cause, tickets and additional information are available. This initiative promises not only to help rebuild a historic pizza place but also to bring the community together in support of a cherished local business.