Technology

Slice partners with Barstool Sports founder

October 12, 2021

Tech platform Slice has announced a strategic partnership with Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and creator of One Bite, the digital series in which Portnoy tastes and scores pizza. Portnoy will 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, according to a press release.

Slice, which has 17,000 local pizzerias in its network, offers the same specialized technology, marketing, data insights, shared services, and guidance that pizza franchises offer franchisees. Portnoy has not only become an authority in the pizza category, he has an authentic passion for helping small businesses.

Inspired by the economic hardship many businesses faced as a result of Covid-19, Portnoy created the Barstool Fund and has effectively raised over $41 million to support small businesses. His effort to help small businesses doesn't end there. The founder of Barstool Sports 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.

"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," Ilir Sela, founder and CEO of Slice, said in the release. "Dave is an incredible business man 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," Portnoy said in the release. "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."