Frank Schiavone, the 37-year-old owner of Francesco’s Pizzeria in Rhode Island, is determined to make his restaurant the top pizza spot in the state. To achieve this, he took a bold step by putting up a sign that read ‘We Want Portnoy’ in front of his restaurant, calling out Dave Portnoy, the influential founder of Barstool Sports, to review his pizza. This move came ahead of Portnoy’s visit to Providence for Barstool Sports’ Rough N’ Rowdy amateur boxing event on Thursday.

Portnoy, known as the most important pizza influencer in the country, holds significant sway in the culinary world. A positive review from him can be a game-changer for a business, as seen with Jeff’s Pizza in East Providence, which experienced a surge in demand after receiving a high score from Portnoy.

Portnoy, who granted exclusive access to The Journal on his pizza journey in the state, emphasized the impact of his reviews, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with his influence. He highlighted the shift in his approach, aiming to maintain fairness and avoid causing harm to businesses.

Portnoy’s rise as a pizza influencer traces back to a playful debate with Barstool Sports personality Dan “Big Cat” Katz in 2013. The debate led to a challenge where Portnoy ate at different pizza locations, giving quick reviews and setting the stage for his influential role in the pizza industry.

When Portnoy visits a city, pizza shops anticipate his surprise visits, recognizing the potential impact on their business. His reviews have become a significant factor in shaping the reputation and success of pizzerias, highlighting the growing influence of social media in the culinary landscape.