Crafted with Passion,
Served with Pride
From a small wood-fired dream in Minneapolis to a beloved neighborhood institution — we've been punching flavor into every pie since 2003.
A Pizza Story Born in Minneapolis
Punch Pizza was founded in 2003 by John Soranno and his family with a singular obsession: to bring the authentic Neapolitan pizza experience to the heart of Minneapolis. Trained under the rigorous standards of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, John returned from Naples with one mission — to make the most honest, most delicious pizza he possibly could.
"Great pizza isn't complicated — it's flour, water, salt, yeast, and an unwavering commitment to doing it right."
We source the finest San Marzano tomatoes from Italy, use 00-grade flour imported directly from Naples, and age our dough for a minimum of 72 hours before it ever sees the inside of our 900°F wood-fired oven. Every single pizza is hand-stretched to order and cooked in under 90 seconds.
Over two decades later, that founding philosophy remains unchanged. We now serve the entire Minneapolis community from our Lake Street location, catering to thousands of families, events, and celebrations every year — still one pizza at a time.
Our Core Values
Authenticity
We follow the original Neapolitan methods exactly — certified by the AVPN — because authenticity isn't a marketing word, it's a way of cooking.
Quality Ingredients
Every ingredient is chosen with intention — from imported San Marzano tomatoes to locally sourced toppings from Minnesota farms we trust.
Community First
Punch Pizza was built for Minneapolis. We support local suppliers, hire local talent, and give back to the neighborhoods that made us who we are.
Genuine Hospitality
We treat every guest like family. Whether it's a casual Tuesday dinner or a special occasion, our team is here to make every visit memorable.
How We Got Here
Two decades of wood-fired passion, community love, and relentless pursuit of the perfect pizza.
The First Pie
John Soranno opens the first Punch Pizza on Grand Avenue, St. Paul. Armed with an authentic Neapolitan recipe and a hand-built wood-fired oven, the restaurant earns instant praise from local food critics.
AVPN Certification
Punch Pizza receives official certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, becoming one of only a handful of certified Neapolitan pizzerias in the entire Midwest — a distinction we still hold today.
Expanding to Minneapolis
Demand drove us across the river. We opened our flagship Minneapolis location on W Lake Street — instantly becoming a neighborhood staple and gathering place for the community.
Third Location & Catering Launch
A third location opened in Northeast Minneapolis. We also launched our full-service catering program, bringing authentic Neapolitan pizza to weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations across the Twin Cities.
Community Resilience
During a challenging year for all restaurants, Punch Pizza launched free meals for frontline workers and families in need. We served over 5,000 free pizzas across Minneapolis — because community always comes first.
Still Punching
Over 500,000 pizzas served, three beloved locations, and the same unwavering commitment to quality that started it all. We're still here, still fired up, and still making the best Neapolitan pizza in Minneapolis.
Meet Our Team
Great pizza is made by great people. Our team brings together decades of culinary expertise, community passion, and an uncompromising love of the craft.
John Soranno
Founder & Head Pizzaiolo
AVPN-certified and trained in Naples, John has devoted over 20 years to perfecting Neapolitan pizza. His philosophy: respect the dough, honor the tradition, feed the community.
Maria Soranno
Co-Founder & Director of Operations
The organizational force behind Punch Pizza, Maria ensures every location delivers the same quality and warmth. Her attention to detail keeps our kitchen and team running flawlessly.
Marco DeLuca
Executive Chef
With roots in Campania and experience in some of New York's finest kitchens, Marco brings an elevated approach to our menu development while staying true to Neapolitan tradition.
Sofia Reyes
Head of Catering & Events
Sofia has coordinated over 500 events across the Twin Cities — from intimate backyard parties to large corporate functions — always delivering the Punch Pizza experience on time and in style.
Interested in joining our team? We're always looking for passionate people.
Get in Touch