About Punch Pizza
Punch pizza was born from a love of authentic Neapolitan craft — wood-fired, hand-stretched, and made with the finest ingredients. Discover the people and passion behind every perfect pie in Minneapolis, MN.
Fired by Passion,
Rooted in Tradition
"We set out to make the most authentic Neapolitan pizza this city had ever tasted — and we never looked back."
Punch pizza was founded in 2000 with a single wood-burning oven, a small dining room on West Lake Street, and an unwavering belief that great pizza starts with great ingredients. Our founders traveled to Naples, Italy to study under master pizzaiolos, bringing back the techniques and traditions that would define every pie we make.
Over two decades later, Punch pizza remains a beloved Minneapolis institution — a gathering place where communities share meals, celebrate milestones, and taste the difference that true craft makes. Each pizza is hand-stretched, topped with San Marzano tomatoes and imported mozzarella di bufala, then baked in minutes at over 900°F in our custom wood-fired ovens.
We've grown into multiple locations across the Twin Cities, but our commitment has never wavered: every punch pizza is made to order, with love, by people who genuinely care about what ends up on your plate.
Our Core Values
These principles guide every decision we make — from sourcing ingredients to welcoming guests through our doors.
Craft & Quality
Every pizza is made by hand with premium imported ingredients — no shortcuts, no compromises. Quality is non-negotiable at Punch pizza.
Community First
We are woven into the fabric of Minneapolis. We source locally, hire locally, and give back to the neighborhoods that have supported us for over 20 years.
Sustainability
We're committed to responsible sourcing, minimal waste, and eco-conscious practices — because the best ingredients come from a healthy planet.
Hospitality
Every guest deserves a warm welcome and an exceptional experience. We train our team to treat every table like it's the most important one in the room.
Meet Our Team
Our passionate team of pizzaiolos, chefs, and hospitality professionals bring Punch pizza to life, one pie at a time.
Marco Rossi
Trained in Naples under Maestro Antonio Esposito, Marco brought authentic Neapolitan techniques to Minneapolis in 2000. He oversees every aspect of our dough and baking process.
Sofia Andersen
Sofia leads our menu innovation, blending classic Italian traditions with seasonal Minnesota ingredients. She holds a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu and over 14 years of fine-dining experience.
James Okafor
James ensures that every Punch pizza guest feels at home. With a background in hospitality management, he's the engine behind our seamless dining experience and community partnerships.
Leila Nguyen
Leila crafts our house-made desserts and artisan breads, from classic tiramisu to seasonal galettes. Her creative flair ensures that the final course is always unforgettable at Punch pizza.
Interested in joining our team? We're always looking for passionate people who share our love of great food.
View Open PositionsOur History
From a single oven on West Lake Street to a beloved Twin Cities institution — here's how Punch pizza grew into what it is today.
The First Oven
Punch pizza opens its doors at 3226 W Lake St, Minneapolis, with a single hand-built Italian wood-burning oven and a menu of eight classic Neapolitan pies. Lines form immediately.
Award-Winning Recognition
Minneapolis Magazine names Punch pizza the Best Pizza in the Twin Cities. National food publications take notice, and reservations fill weeks in advance.
Second Location Opens
Demand leads us to open our second pizzeria in St. Paul. The same hand-stretched dough, the same wood fire — a new neighborhood to love us.
Expansion & Community Roots
Punch pizza grows to five Twin Cities locations. We launch our local sourcing initiative, partnering with Minnesota farms for seasonal produce and dairy.
Catering & Events Program
We launch full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties — bringing the wood-fired experience directly to our guests' celebrations.
Two Decades of Pizza
Punch pizza celebrates 20 years. Despite the challenges of 2020, we adapt with contactless ordering, online delivery, and community meal programs supporting Minneapolis families.
Still Hand-Fired, Always Fresh
Punch pizza continues to serve Minneapolis and the Twin Cities with the same dedication to craft, community, and authenticity that lit our first oven over twenty years ago. Order now and taste the difference.