Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy Visits Indy Pizza Spot

Controversial media personality samples local fare during NCAA tournament stop.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a freshly baked pizza crust with bubbling cheese and pepperoni, shot in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a luxurious, high-fashion aesthetic.A media personality's visit to a local pizza joint sparks social media buzz and highlights the power of influencers in the restaurant industry.Indianapolis Today

Dave Portnoy, the founder and public face of sports and pop culture media company Barstool Sports, made a stop at Sam's Square Pie, a popular pizza restaurant in Indianapolis, during his visit to the city for the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament.

Why it matters

Portnoy's visit to the local pizza joint generated buzz on social media, as the outspoken media personality is known for his reviews of restaurants across the country as part of Barstool's 'One Bite' pizza review series. His endorsement, or criticism, can have a significant impact on a restaurant's popularity and business.

The details

Portnoy visited Sam's Square Pie, a family-owned pizza shop in downtown Indianapolis, and shared his thoughts on the local fare with his millions of social media followers. The restaurant expressed gratitude for Portnoy taking the time to try their pizza during his trip to the city for the NCAA tournament.

  • Portnoy visited Sam's Square Pie on April 6, 2026, during the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament in Indianapolis.

The players

Dave Portnoy

The founder and public face of Barstool Sports, a popular sports and pop culture media company known for its irreverent and controversial content.

Sam's Square Pie

A family-owned pizza restaurant located in downtown Indianapolis.

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What they’re saying

“Truly grateful for @stoolpresidente taking time to try our pizza while in town for the Final Four,”

— Sam's Square Pie

The takeaway

Portnoy's visit to the local pizza spot highlights the power of social media influencers in the restaurant industry, as his endorsement or criticism can significantly impact a business's popularity and success. The incident also underscores the growing importance of local food culture and community support for small, family-owned establishments, even in the face of national media attention.