SOMERVILLE, MASS. — More than a year after a viral feud with Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, Dragon Pizza remains embroiled in controversy, battling a wave of online harassment and fake reviews that show no sign of abating. The small pizzeria, which became infamous after Portnoy’s scathing pizza review escalated into a public spat with the owner, has since been the target of relentless trolling.
The ordeal began in August 2023, when Portnoy reviewed Dragon Pizza as part of his popular “One Bite” pizza review series. He deemed the restaurant’s pizza mediocre, sparking a heated exchange with the owner that quickly went viral. While the initial backlash was immediate, Dragon Pizza has faced a prolonged fallout in the form of social media harassment, false reviews, and targeted trolling campaigns.
The attacks have persisted into 2024, with fake reviews flooding platforms like Facebook. One commenter claimed, “I’ve had better pizza at Chuck E. Cheese,” while others criticized the food, service, and even the owner’s demeanor. The fake reviews are often accompanied by nonsensical text and repeated phrases, reflecting the coordinated nature of the trolling.
Owner Charlie Redd and his team have pushed back against the campaign, urging local supporters to report the fake reviews. In a recent social media post, the business expressed gratitude for the help from the community. “THANKS to ALL our neighbors and friends for reporting the hilarious garbage fake reviews that the trolls have been sending to our account for the last year. It has been a HUGE boost to our rating and morale, so keep pounding,” the post read.
It has been similar to digging a hole at the beach, for each bad review removed, there are dozens more added.
Despite the trolling, some of the reviews have crossed into overtly offensive and false territory. In one particularly shocking comment, a reviewer made a racist allegation, claiming they were kicked out of the pizzeria “because I Asian,” and accused the restaurant of using “kitty litter” in its food—claims that are baseless and appear to be intended solely to provoke outrage.
The persistent attacks have created an atmosphere of tension and defiance at the pizzeria. Supporters of Dragon Pizza have rallied to its defense, posting positive reviews and calling out trolls for their behavior. However, the incident highlights the lasting impact that viral controversies can have on small businesses, particularly when they become the subject of online mob harassment.
Portnoy, who has a devoted online following, has largely moved on from the incident. However, the feud left a lasting imprint on Dragon Pizza, which has been forced to contend with the lasting effects of Portnoy’s influence and the aggressive online culture that surrounds his brand.
For now, Dragon Pizza continues to serve its local community in Somerville while navigating the fallout of the feud that refuses to fully fade. The restaurant’s defiant tone suggests they are determined to withstand the online attacks, but the saga serves as a reminder of the challenges small businesses can face in the age of social media virality.