Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports renowned for his viral pizza reviews, recently awarded an impressive 9.2 out of 10 to a new pizzeria in Little Italy called Ceres. The establishment, located at 164 Mott St. and operated by chefs Jake Serebnick and Julian Geldmacher from Eleven Madison Park, has become a hotspot, drawing eager customers who are willing to wait in lengthy lines for a taste of their acclaimed pizza.
Portnoy described Ceres’ offerings as “spectacular” and labeled the pizza a “must-have” in Manhattan, leading to significant buzz and high demand. Just days after the review, the pizzeria faced overwhelming crowds, with customers told to follow a new time-slot system for ordering, as $6 slices and $40 whole pizzas quickly sold out. Previous reviews highlighted the meticulous techniques employed by the chefs, including a crust made with wild yeast that showcases their culinary skills.
As customers lined up for hours, some expressed frustration over the increased popularity brought by Portnoy’s endorsement. Online commentary included sentiments from longtime fans who lamented the longer wait times created by the newfound wave of pizza lovers. Despite this, numerous visitors were eager to experience what they saw as a potentially top-tier slice of pizza, echoing sentiments from previous reviews that emphasized the quality and taste of Ceres’ offerings.
Many customers shared their journeys to Ceres, recounting how they had adjusted their schedules to secure their orders. Some described the pizza as among their best-ever experiences, agreeing with Portnoy’s high accolades. One customer even highlighted the sense of community among those waiting, with some offering slices to others who were turned away after the pies were sold out for the day.
The owners of Ceres, despite dealing with a seismic uptick in customers, have remained committed to their craft, showcasing the dedication that led to their initial success. Though they will be closed from May 16 to May 20, excitement continues to grow for when they reopen, inviting even more culinary enthusiasts to savor what many have already deemed one of Manhattan’s finest slices.
This interesting dynamics of success illustrates not only the power of social media influence on local businesses but also how such establishments can foster a sense of community among their customers, turning a wait into a shared experience that enhances the joy of enjoying a great pizza.