Our Story

About Punch Pizza

Punch pizza has been delivering bold flavors and fresh, handcrafted pizza to Minneapolis since 2009. We believe every slice should be an experience worth savoring.

15+
Years in Business
200k+
Happy Customers
50+
Menu Items
4
Twin Cities Locations
Punch pizza chefs crafting fresh Neapolitan pizza in Minneapolis kitchen
2009 Est. Minneapolis

Born from a Passion for Bold, Authentic Pizza

Punch pizza was founded in Minneapolis in 2009 with a single obsession: to craft the most flavorful, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza in the Twin Cities. Our founder, a lifelong pizza enthusiast who trained in Naples, Italy, wanted to bring the true art of wood-fired pizza to Minnesota.

"Every pizza we make is a love letter to the craft — fresh dough, San Marzano tomatoes, and locally sourced toppings, fired at 900°F for that perfect char."

From a single location on East Hennepin Avenue, Punch pizza quickly grew a devoted following who came back again and again for that distinctive punch of flavor. Today, with four Twin Cities locations and a loyal community of pizza lovers, we remain true to our roots: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a deep respect for the craft of pizza-making.

We source our ingredients from trusted local and regional farms, keeping our menu seasonal and our food honest. No shortcuts, no compromises — just exceptional punch pizza, every single time.

Our Mission & Values

Everything we do at Punch pizza is guided by a set of core values that have shaped us since day one and keep us honest every day.

Fresh & Local

We source our produce, cheeses, and meats from trusted local farms and regional suppliers, keeping every ingredient as fresh as possible.

Craft & Quality

Our dough is made fresh daily, our sauces are hand-prepared, and every pizza is wood-fired to order. Quality is never an afterthought at Punch pizza.

Community First

We're proud to be a Minneapolis institution. We support local events, partner with community organizations, and give back to the neighborhoods we serve.

Sustainability

From compostable packaging to energy-efficient ovens and waste-reduction programs, we're committed to operating in a way that's good for our planet.

Our Mission

To serve the best punch pizza experience in the Twin Cities — using fresh, honest ingredients, time-honored techniques, and a genuine passion for the craft — in a way that nourishes our customers, our community, and the planet.

Our History

From a single oven on East Hennepin to a beloved Twin Cities institution — here's our journey.

2009

The First Oven Ignites

Punch pizza opens its doors at 210 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis. The wood-fired oven fires up for the first time, and the neighborhood quickly takes notice of the extraordinary Neapolitan-style pizza coming out of it.

2011

Voted Best Pizza in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Magazine names Punch pizza the city's best pizza two years in a row. Lines begin forming out the door, and the buzz spreads across the Twin Cities food scene.

2013

Second Location Opens in St. Paul

Due to overwhelming demand, we expand to St. Paul, bringing our signature punch pizza to the east side of the river. The new location sells out its first week in business.

2016

Farm-to-Table Partnership Program

We launch our formal local sourcing program, partnering with 12 Minnesota farms to supply seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses, and heritage-breed meats directly to our kitchens.

2019

10th Anniversary & Third Location

We celebrate a decade of punch pizza with a third Minneapolis location in Uptown. Our menu expands to include seasonal specials, craft salads, and house-made desserts alongside our signature pizzas.

2022

Online Ordering & Delivery Launch

Punch pizza launches a dedicated online ordering platform and delivery service, making it possible for Twin Cities residents anywhere to enjoy our wood-fired pizza fresh from our kitchen to their door.

2024

Fourth Location & 200K Customers Served

We open our fourth Twin Cities location and celebrate serving over 200,000 happy customers. The Punch pizza family keeps growing — and the dough keeps rolling.

Meet Our Team

Our talented and passionate team is the heart of Punch pizza. Every pizza is a reflection of their dedication, creativity, and love for the craft.

Marco Vitelli
Founder & Head Pizzaiolo

Trained in Naples, Italy, Marco brought the true art of Neapolitan pizza-making to Minneapolis. His obsession with perfect dough and bold flavors is the soul of Punch pizza.

Sofia Chen
Executive Chef

Sofia leads our culinary team with a passion for seasonal ingredients and bold flavor pairings. She designs the rotating specials menu that keeps our regulars coming back.

James Okafor
Operations Manager

James keeps all four Punch pizza locations running seamlessly. With a background in hospitality, he ensures every customer has a consistently excellent experience.

Amara Diallo
Community & Sustainability Lead

Amara drives our local sourcing partnerships and sustainability initiatives. She's the bridge between Punch pizza and the Minneapolis community we love.

Love what we do? Come experience it firsthand.

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Taste the Punch pizza Difference

Fresh dough, bold toppings, wood-fired perfection. Experience what Minneapolis has been raving about since 2009.

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