Jimmy's Famous Seafood post after USA hockey victory sparks national buzz

Baltimore restaurant's celebratory tweet after US hockey win over Canada goes viral

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A post from Baltimore's Jimmy's Famous Seafood celebrating the U.S. men's hockey team's victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics has gone viral, sparking national attention for the restaurant. Co-owner John Minadakis described the scene at the restaurant as "insane" with people "jumping up and down, hugging strangers" after the win. However, not everyone was as enthusiastic online, prompting the restaurant to post a viral tweet in response. The attention has brought the Small Business Administration to visit the restaurant.

Why it matters

Jimmy's Famous Seafood's viral tweet highlights the passion and pride that can emerge around major sporting events, especially when a national team defeats a rival. The restaurant's response also touches on the sometimes polarized nature of online discourse, where celebratory posts can prompt criticism. The national attention the restaurant has received underscores how a single social media post can unexpectedly propel a small business into the spotlight.

The details

After the U.S. men's hockey team defeated Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, co-owner John Minadakis said the scene at Jimmy's Famous Seafood in Baltimore was "insane," with customers "jumping up and down, hugging strangers." However, the restaurant's celebratory tweet about the win prompted some negative reactions online. Minadakis said he took issue with an article published by HuffPost that he felt was critical of the restaurant's enthusiasm. The viral tweet has since brought the restaurant national attention, including a visit from the federal Small Business Administration.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team defeated Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The players

Jimmy's Famous Seafood

A Baltimore restaurant that gained national attention for a viral tweet celebrating the U.S. men's hockey team's victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

John Minadakis

The co-owner of Jimmy's Famous Seafood who described the scene at the restaurant as "insane" after the U.S. hockey win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jimmy's Seafood was insane. Everybody was jumping up and down, hugging strangers... it just felt like a scene out of a movie.”

— John Minadakis, Co-owner, Jimmy's Famous Seafood (WBAL)

“You have someone telling you, you shouldn't celebrate.”

— John Minadakis, Co-owner, Jimmy's Famous Seafood (WBAL)

What’s next

The Small Business Administration has visited Jimmy's Famous Seafood following the viral attention, but it's unclear if any further actions or events are planned.

The takeaway

Jimmy's Famous Seafood's viral tweet celebrating the U.S. hockey team's victory over Canada underscores how a single social media post can unexpectedly propel a small business into the national spotlight, for better or worse. The restaurant's response highlights the passion and pride that can emerge around major sporting events, as well as the sometimes polarized nature of online discourse.