THE INFLUENTIAL: Fired Up: Will Fagg’s TinyBrickOven Heats Up the Home Pizza Game

When it comes to pizza, Will Fagg knows his dough. The chef and founder of Baltimore’s TinyBrickOven has been serving up wood-fired perfection for years, but his latest venture is set to bring the art of pizza-making to homes across the country. This May, Fagg will launch his highly anticipated TinyBrickOven—a portable, high-performance pizza oven designed to transform anyone into a master pizzaiolo.

The compact oven promises to cook a Neapolitan-style pizza in under two minutes, blending speed with quality in a way that most home ovens simply can’t replicate. Designed for both beginners and seasoned chefs, it offers a temperature range that rivals commercial models, making it versatile enough for any kind of pizza—from classic Margheritas to inventive, topping-heavy creations.

The oven is more than just a product—it’s a symbol of resilience. Designed with input from pizza enthusiasts and culinary professionals alike, the oven incorporates features that streamline the pizza-making process without sacrificing quality. The compact design makes it perfect for patios and small kitchens, while its robust construction ensures it can handle everything from quick weeknight dinners to elaborate pizza parties.

Fagg isn’t stopping at hardware. His passion for teaching is just as strong as his love for pizza, and he’s combining both through hands-on classes at his shop on Light Street. These classes are designed to teach participants everything from stretching dough to mastering the perfect bake, with plenty of tips and tricks to take home.

Inside TinyBrickOven’s cozy yet bustling kitchen, participants are guided step-by-step through the pizza-making process. They learn how to knead dough until it’s silky smooth, how to craft a tomato sauce that sings with freshness, and how to layer toppings with an eye for balance and flavor. The environment is welcoming, with a camaraderie built over shared flour and cheese. Each session ends with a communal meal, where participants get to enjoy the fruits of their labor together.

The classes attract a diverse crowd. There are the foodies looking to refine their culinary skills, the home cooks searching for a new hobby, and even the occasional professional chef eager to learn from a seasoned pro. Fagg’s teaching extends beyond Baltimore. Through his website MyPizzaSchool.com, he offers virtual classes that make his expertise accessible to a global audience.

The online platform offers everything from live tutorials to pre-recorded masterclasses, each one delving into different aspects of the pizza-making process. Participants receive ingredient lists, recipe cards, and access to a community forum where they can share their progress and ask questions. The community is supportive—it’s not just about learning from the instructor, but from each other too.

With the oven launch just around the corner, Fagg is all in. The buzz around TinyBrickOven is building, and pre-orders are already stacking up. It’s a stark contrast to a few months ago when the future of the shop seemed uncertain. Now, Fagg is looking at production schedules and planning for expansion.

As part of the launch, Fagg is planning a series of pop-up events where he’ll demonstrate the oven’s capabilities. Attendees will get the chance to see the oven in action, try their hand at making their own pizzas, and, of course, taste the results. The goal is to show how easy and enjoyable the process can be.

The road to this moment wasn’t easy. Last December, TinyBrickOven was on the verge of closing. Sales were down, and the restaurant’s inability to secure a liquor license had placed it at a disadvantage against competitors. Then, Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports walked in.

Portnoy’s impromptu review on his One Bite Pizza Reviews channel turned everything around. His $60,000 donation not only saved TinyBrickOven from closing but also sparked a surge of support from the community. It was a turning point that allowed Fagg to move forward with his plans for the oven launch and teaching programs.

For Fagg, the future isn’t just about keeping the doors open—it’s about growth. The oven launch, the classes, and the continued success of TinyBrickOven are all part of a larger vision. It’s not just about the business—it’s about sharing a passion for pizza with as many people as possible.

With a fresh start and a fiery passion, TinyBrickOven’s story is one of grit and generosity. The brand isn’t just serving pizza—it’s serving inspiration. And as the new ovens roll out and more students step into the kitchen, it’s clear that the best slice is yet to come.