Punch pizza restaurant interior ambiance

Our Story

About Punch Pizza

Punch pizza is more than a restaurant — it's a passion project born in the heart of St Paul, MN. We craft authentic Neapolitan-style pizza with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and an unwavering commitment to quality that keeps our community coming back.

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12+ Years in Business

50K+ Pizzas Served

4.9 Average Rating

3 Locations in MN

2012 Founded

Punch pizza wood-fired oven in St Paul kitchen

Our Story

Born from a Love of Authentic Pizza

Punch pizza was founded in 2012 by John Soranno, a Minnesota native with an obsession for authentic Neapolitan pizza. After years of studying the craft in Naples, Italy, John returned to St Paul with a singular mission: bring the soul of real pizza to the Midwest — no shortcuts, no compromises.

We opened our first location on Grand Avenue with a 900°F wood-fired oven, hand-imported San Marzano tomatoes, and dough that ferments for 48 hours. The community responded with an enthusiasm we never expected. Within two years, we were named one of the top pizza restaurants in the Twin Cities.

Wood-Fired Authenticity

Every pizza is baked in our 900°F oak-fired oven, achieving the perfect char and chew in under 90 seconds — just like in Naples.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

We partner with Minnesota farms for seasonal produce, and import specialty ingredients from Italy to maintain authenticity in every bite.

Community First

Grand Avenue isn't just where we cook — it's home. We're proud to support local artists, events, and neighbors who make St Paul special.

Our Mission

What We Stand For

Every decision we make — from the flour we mill to the hours we keep — is guided by a simple belief: food made with integrity tastes better and nourishes communities.

To serve pizza that honors its Neapolitan roots while celebrating the warmth and spirit of the Minnesota community we call home.

John Soranno, Founder & Head Chef

Uncompromising Quality

We never cut corners. From 48-hour fermented dough to hand-crushed tomatoes, quality is non-negotiable at every step of our process.

Community Roots

We are woven into the fabric of St Paul. Supporting local suppliers, hosting community events, and giving back are core to who we are.

Sustainable Practices

We compost food waste, source from sustainable farms, and use eco-friendly packaging. A healthy planet means a healthier table.

Joyful Hospitality

Every guest deserves to feel welcome, cared for, and delighted. We train our team to deliver warm, genuine hospitality on every visit.

Our Journey

A Decade of Delicious History

From a single oven on Grand Avenue to one of Minnesota's most beloved pizza destinations — here's how Punch pizza grew.

2012

Grand Opening on Grand Ave

Punch pizza opens its doors at 769 Grand Avenue, St Paul. Armed with a single wood-fired oven and a dream, we served our first Margherita to an eager neighborhood crowd.

2014

Twin Cities' Top Pizza Award

City Pages and Mpls.St.Paul Magazine both name Punch pizza as the best pizza in the Twin Cities. Demand surges, and we extend our hours seven days a week.

2016

Second Location Opens

We expand to Minneapolis' Lowry Hill neighborhood, bringing Neapolitan pizza to a new community. The new oven is imported directly from a 150-year-old manufacturer in Naples.

2019

Catering & Events Launch

We introduce our full-service catering program, bringing the Punch pizza experience to weddings, corporate events, and celebrations across Minnesota.

2021

Online Ordering & Third Location

We launch our online ordering platform and open our third location in Edina. Despite the challenges of the pandemic era, our community's support keeps us thriving.

2024

Celebrating 12 Years of Punch Pizza

We celebrate over 50,000 pizzas served, a 4.9-star average rating, and the unwavering loyalty of Minnesota pizza lovers. The next chapter is just beginning.

The People

Meet Our Team

The passionate people behind every perfectly charred crust and bold topping combination at Punch pizza.

Founder & Head Chef

John Soranno

Trained in Naples and obsessed with dough science, John's passion for authentic Neapolitan pizza sparked the entire Punch pizza movement in St Paul.

Executive Sous Chef

Maria DeLuca

With a background in Italian cuisine from the Culinary Institute of America, Maria brings creative flair and technical precision to every seasonal menu update.

Operations Manager

Derek Olson

A Minnesota native with 15 years in restaurant operations, Derek ensures every location runs with the consistency and warmth that defines the Punch pizza experience.

Guest Experience Lead

Priya Nair

Priya's hospitality philosophy is simple: every guest should leave feeling better than when they arrived. She trains and inspires our front-of-house team daily.

Passionate about food and community? We'd love to have you on our team.

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Wood-fired pizza oven at Punch pizza St Paul

Punch pizza restaurant bar and seating area