• Dave Portnoy, known for his “One Bite” pizzeria reviews, has teamed up with Slice as an equity partner.
• Slice offers technology, marketing, data insights and shared services to help independent pizzerias compete with the big chains.

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Slice, the innovative tech platform powering the largest network of pizzerias nationwide, today announced a strategic partnership with Dave “El Presidente” Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and creator of One Bite, the digital series in which Portnoy tastes and scores pizza in his “pizza reviews for the common man, by the common man.”

With more than 17,000 local pizzerias in its network—more than double the U.S. footprint of Domino’s—Slice’s core mission is to keep local businesses thriving by offering the same specialized technology, marketing, data insights, shared services and guidance that pizza franchises offer franchisees.

Portnoy, who has taste-tested and unapologetically reviewed pizzas from 1,000-plus independent pizzerias across the U.S., is teaming up with Slice as an equity partner.

Portnoy has not only become an authority in the pizza category, he has an “authentic passion for helping small businesses,” according to a Slice press release. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he created the Barstool Fund and has effectively raised over $41 million to support small businesses. He will use his market reach and loyal following to help Slice attract more pizzerias and capture a bigger share of the $47 billion dollar industry.

Related: Viral video and Yelp backlash deals harsh blow to pizzeria

“The team at Barstool has been exceptional to work with, and we’re looking forward to doubling-down on our partnership with Dave by welcoming him as an advisor and equity partner,” said Ilir Sela, founder and CEO of Slice. “Dave is an incredible businessman with an unmatched level of passion and authenticity. We’re thrilled to have him supporting our efforts to bring better resources to the independent pizzerias that deserve to thrive.”

“Slice has been partnering with Barstool for some time, which has given me the opportunity to get to know Ilir and understand his vision,” said Portnoy. “These guys at Slice are really helping small businesses, and that’s why I’m excited about this partnership. I want to get more money into the pockets of independent restaurant owners, and I firmly believe Slice has the tools, technology and expertise to grow their businesses.”