A Passion for Bold,
Authentic Pizza
Punch Pizza was born from a single obsession: crafting the most flavorful, authentic pizza in Minneapolis. When our founders walked into a tiny kitchen on East Hennepin Avenue back in 2008, they carried one mission — to bring the bold, fire-kissed spirit of punch pizza to every table.
Using hand-picked ingredients, wood-fired technique, and recipes perfected over years of dedication, we built something special. Our dough is made fresh every morning. Our sauces are slow-cooked from scratch. Every pizza that leaves our kitchen carries the soul of that original vision.
— Marco Jensen, Co-Founder & Head Chef
Today, Punch Pizza is a beloved Minneapolis institution — a place where families gather, friends reconnect, and every bite feels like coming home.
Explore Our MenuOur Mission & Core Values
Every pizza we make is guided by the principles that have shaped Punch Pizza since day one — quality, community, and relentless passion.
Uncompromising Quality
We use only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients — locally sourced where possible, always chosen with care. No shortcuts, ever.
Community First
Punch Pizza is more than a restaurant — it's a neighborhood gathering place. We give back to Minneapolis and celebrate the community that raised us.
Sustainable Practices
We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint — from eco-friendly packaging to minimizing food waste in our kitchen every single day.
Bold Innovation
While we respect tradition, we're never afraid to experiment. Our seasonal specials and creative toppings keep the punch pizza experience exciting.
Meet Our Team
Our crew is the heart and soul of Punch Pizza. Each member brings passion, skill, and a genuine love for great food to every shift.
With 20+ years in the culinary world, Marco's obsession with wood-fired technique and bold flavors is the foundation of every punch pizza we serve.
Sofia built the systems and culture that make Punch Pizza run seamlessly. Her dedication to hospitality keeps guests coming back time and again.
David brings creative flair to our seasonal specials and signature sauces. His cross-cultural culinary training adds a unique dimension to our menu.
Aisha is the face of Punch Pizza in the community. From local events to catering coordination, she ensures every guest feels welcome and valued.
Interested in joining our passionate team?
View Open PositionsFrom a Single Kitchen to
Minneapolis Landmark
Sixteen years of bold flavors, loyal guests, and constant growth — here are the milestones that define Punch Pizza.
The First Kitchen Opens
Marco and Sofia open a small punch pizza kitchen on East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis. With just 8 tables and a secondhand wood-fired oven, the dream begins.
First Local Award
Punch Pizza wins "Best New Restaurant" from Minneapolis Monthly. The recognition brings a surge of new guests and the city begins to buzz about our bold flavors.
Menu Expansion & Catering Launch
We introduce 12 new signature pizzas and launch our catering service, bringing the Punch Pizza experience to corporate events and private celebrations across the Twin Cities.
Full Renovation & New Kitchen
A complete restaurant renovation brings a modern dining room, upgraded kitchen equipment, and our iconic open-fire pizza station — giving guests a front-row view of their pizza being made.
Community Partnership Program
We launch our "Punch for Good" initiative — donating meals to local shelters and sponsoring neighborhood events. Aisha joins the team to lead community engagement full-time.
Online Ordering & Next Chapter
We launch full online ordering and delivery capabilities, making our beloved punch pizza accessible to even more Minneapolis food lovers. Over 200,000 pizzas served and counting.