2-Hour Lines At This MA Pizzeria After Dave Portnoy Review

CHELMSFORD, MA — Joanie's Pizza in Chelmsford became an overnight sensation after Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy called it his "new official fav pizza in Mass" last month.

The joint has always been well-reviewed in its three years since opening, but it often takes just a little star power — and a viral moment — to breathe new life into a business.

Not only did Portnoy feature Joanie's Pizza in a nearly four-minute "Barstool Pizza Review" video, he followed up with a statement on X, which has been viewed by 3.6 million people, that drove home his point: that Joanie's is the best and he 'doesn't care if others have scored higher in the past.'

In the video, Portnoy stands outside the humble storefront of the pizza shop around which his "entire MA trip was built."

"Their menu is on like, paper towel-type looking stuff," Portnoy said. "Very strange."

But looks can be deceiving. Portnoy opens the pizza box and immediately begins pumping his fists.

"Yes," Portnoy says. "When you think pizza, and my legacy ... this is what I want my pizzas to look like."

At first concerned that the pizza was sprinkled with parmesan, which he doesn't typically care for, Portnoy takes a bite and away all his cares melt like the cheese on top of the pie.

Though his show is called "One Bite Pizza Reviews," Portnoy quickly takes several.

"How doesn't this place have a line around the corner?" he asks. "This is spectacular. Not good. Not great. Spectacular."

Portnoy gave the pizza an official 8.4 out of 10 rating — saying it would be even higher without the dusting of cheese on top — and that it made his whole trip.

"I don't even care what happens the rest of the month," Portnoy says.

In the weeks following Portnoy's glowing review, Joanie's has seen lines out the door every day, owners and husband and wife Dan Rodriguez and Anne Thompson told Boston.com.

"It’s really cool when people like your pizza," Rodriguez told the outlet. "Especially someone who … he eats pizza every day. It’s very flattering."

Just before Christmas, Joanie's employees shared an Instagram post saying that, with the help of family, friends, and customers, they had been making "an absolutely insane amount of pizza."

"The last week has kicked our butts, but we feel incredibly fortunate," the post said.

According to customers who shared comments under the post, Joanie's has been selling out of pizza all the time. Joanie's employees said they are "working on" finding ways to keep up with their smashing success.

"I’m so happy for you all to have this business and know it will take a little time to get things well-oiled again," one customer wrote. "But keep it up, it’s worth it!"

Joanie's makes its now-famous pizza with dough using "high-quality, freshly-milled flours, yeast, water, and salt," according to its website. "That's it."

"We’re MA natives who can’t help but love a crispy NY-style crust," Joanie's says. The rest of its menu, which includes sandwiches and desserts, is also "made with high-quality ingredients for maximum enjoyment."

Joanie's Pizza is located at 83 Parkhurst Road in Chelmsford.

It's closed on Sunday and Monday, open from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and open from 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.