Pizzeria Baci owner Chris Weisman broke down in tears after receiving an impressive score from Dave Portnoy.
Pizzeria Baci owner Chris Weisman experienced a deeply emotional moment during a visit from Barstool founder Dave Portnoy in Montrose, New York, on October 6. Weisman watched as his unique sourdough crust earned a high rating, bringing a culmination of years of personal struggle to the surface, according to information published by dexerto.
The business owner admitted he briefly considered serving a deliberately average pie to avoid overwhelming crowds, but ultimately decided to showcase his authentic craft. Weisman spent years overcoming severe health battles, financial hardship, and operating a secret pizza setup before finally establishing his brick and mortar shop five years ago.
Portnoy awarded the Montrose pizzeria an 8.1 rating, leaving the solo operator visibly overwhelmed by the recognition. While the internet personality joked about continuing to talk through the tears, Weisman later clarified that the emotional release stemmed from his ongoing health journey rather than just the score itself.
Overcoming Cancer, Heart Attacks, and Financial Hardship
Weisman shared the harrowing backstory of his culinary career, which began a decade ago after receiving a stage three cancer diagnosis and a one year life expectancy. During his hardest moments, he relied on food stamps and searched couch cushions for gas money to survive.
He initially started selling pizzas from the back of a local bar, constructing an unauthorized backyard oven complete with a trap door to hide it from the health department. In addition to beating cancer, Weisman has survived three heart attacks and a severe knee injury that forced a four month closure.
The Story Behind Pizzeria Baci and Unique Dough Preparation
Despite community support that included an $18,000 GoFundMe campaign organized by a loyal customer, Weisman still operates Pizzeria Baci entirely on his own. He arrives at the shop as early as 3am daily to prepare the dough because he refuses to refrigerate it.
Before the evaluation, Weisman confessed to Portnoy that he contemplated sabotaging the One Bite review to protect his solo operation. Instead, he presented his authentic sourdough creation, which earned praise for its ultra-crispy crust and unique flavor profile.
Dave Portnoy Awards an 8.1 Rating in Montrose
Portnoy struggled to properly describe the unusually crisp texture before finalizing his impressive 8.1 score. The high rating immediately overwhelmed Weisman, who broke down on camera while reflecting on his difficult journey through illness and recovery.
Addressing followers on Facebook afterward, Weisman emphasized that his tears were tied to a stressful week dealing with ongoing cancer and heart issues. Despite the expected surge in attention, he only hired a single assistant to help cut pizzas and confirmed the shop will remain preorder only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the owner of Pizzeria Baci?
The owner of Pizzeria Baci is Chris Weisman, a solo operator and cancer survivor who runs the pizza shop in Montrose, New York.
What score did Dave Portnoy give Pizzeria Baci?
Dave Portnoy awarded Pizzeria Baci an impressive 8.1 score during his One Bite pizza review video posted on October 6.
Why did the pizzeria owner cry during the review?
Chris Weisman broke down in tears due to the overwhelming emotional weight of his personal struggles, including battling stage three cancer, heart attacks, and past financial hardship.
How does Pizzeria Baci handle dough preparation?
Chris Weisman arrives at the shop at 3am every day to make fresh dough because he strictly avoids refrigerating it.
