Needham Pizza Spot Gets Unexpected Boost from Famous Visitors

A pizza shop in Needham, Massachusetts, is experiencing a sudden surge in customers after an unplanned visit from a well-known internet personality and a famous football fan. The owner of Gianni’s Deli and Pizza had no idea who her guests were when they walked in last Tuesday. The visitors were Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, and Ann Michael Maye, the wife of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Portnoy is known for his one-bite pizza reviews, and this time, he brought along Maye, who is popular among Patriots fans for her holiday-themed TikTok videos. They tried a slice of cheese pizza from Gianni’s, with Maye rating it an 8. 1 and Portnoy giving it a 7. 7. Both agreed that the pizza was quite good.The owner, Aida Rasla, was overjoyed by the visit and the unexpected attention it brought to her shop. She mentioned that the visit came at a crucial time, as she has been dealing with a difficult living situation after her home was damaged by water last year. The shop has seen a significant increase in customers since Portnoy posted the review video. Rasla also shared that she is a Patriots fan and was thrilled to meet Maye. Portnoy praised the shop, describing it as a great neighborhood spot with delicious sandwiches and pizza. He also highlighted Rasla’s warm hospitality and the shop’s rich history, with recipes passed down from her Italian family. This unexpected visit has not only brought more customers to Gianni’s but has also shed light on the hard work and dedication of local business owners. It’s a reminder of how a simple act of trying out a local pizza place can make a big difference.