The Heart Behind
Punch Pizza
Born from a deep love of authentic Neapolitan tradition, Punch Pizza has been bringing the art of wood-fired punch pizza to Minnesota since 2001. Every pie we make carries our promise — simple ingredients, masterful technique, unforgettable flavor.
A Passion for Punch Pizza,
Rooted in Naples
Punch Pizza was founded in 2001 by John Soranno, who fell in love with true Neapolitan pizza during his travels through southern Italy. Inspired by the simplicity and soul of pizza crafted in Naples — where the craft has been perfected over centuries — he returned to Minnesota determined to bring that same authenticity to the Twin Cities.
From the very first day, Punch Pizza has used only certified Neapolitan techniques: hand-stretched dough, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and traditional wood-fired ovens burning at over 900°F. That dedication to craft is what defines every punch pizza we serve.
Wood-Fired at 900°F
Our hand-crafted ovens fire each pizza in under 90 seconds, creating the signature charred crust that defines authentic Neapolitan tradition.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
We partner with Minnesota farms and trusted Italian importers to ensure every topping — from fresh basil to aged cheeses — meets our exacting standards.
AVPN Certified Neapolitan
Punch Pizza is proud to be recognized by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the gold standard for authentic Neapolitan pizza worldwide.
Our Mission & Core Values
Everything we do at Punch Pizza starts with a simple mission: to serve the most authentic, delicious Neapolitan punch pizza possible — crafted with honesty, care, and community at the center.
Made with Passion
Every pizza is crafted by hand with the same love and attention that inspired our founding. Passion is the secret ingredient in every pie.
Pure Ingredients
We source only the finest ingredients — fresh, seasonal, and free from artificial additives. Real food, real flavor, real punch pizza.
Community First
Punch Pizza is more than a restaurant — we're a gathering place. We give back to the Minnesota communities that have welcomed us for over two decades.
Relentless Quality
From the first stretch of dough to the final slice, we never compromise on quality. Every guest deserves the very best punch pizza experience.
The Punch Pizza Story Through Time
The First Flame
John Soranno opens the first Punch Pizza in St. Paul, MN — a small dining room with a hand-built wood-fired oven imported from Naples. The punch pizza that started it all.
AVPN Certification
Punch Pizza becomes one of the first restaurants in the Midwest to earn official recognition from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana — certifying our methods as truly authentic.
Expanding the Family
Growing demand from loyal punch pizza fans leads us to open our second and third locations across the Twin Cities, bringing the wood-fired experience to more neighborhoods.
Farm-to-Table Commitment
We formalize our partnership with Minnesota local farms, committing to source seasonal vegetables, cheeses, and proteins directly from regional producers for all punch pizza menus.
Eagan Location Opens
The newest chapter begins with the opening of our Central Park Village location in Eagan, MN — bringing our beloved punch pizza tradition to the southern Twin Cities suburbs.
Over 1 Million Pizzas Served
A milestone we celebrate with humility: over one million punch pizzas crafted and served since 2001. Thank you Minnesota — this is your achievement as much as ours.
Meet Our Team
Every great punch pizza starts with great people. Our team of passionate artisans, chefs, and hospitality professionals is dedicated to your experience from the moment you walk in.
John's Italian travels sparked a lifelong obsession with Neapolitan pizza. He built Punch Pizza from a single oven and a dream, and still personally oversees quality at every location.
Trained in Naples and Milan, Maria brings 15+ years of culinary mastery to Punch Pizza. She leads our seasonal menu development and ingredient sourcing program.
Marcus keeps every Punch Pizza location running seamlessly. With a background in hospitality management, he ensures that every guest receives a consistently exceptional punch pizza experience.
Sofia's artistry with dough is unmatched. She manages Punch Pizza's signature 72-hour fermentation process and trains all new pizzaioli in the authentic Neapolitan hand-stretch technique.
The Values That Shape Every Punch Pizza
Our values aren't words on a wall — they're the daily decisions we make in the kitchen, at the counter, and in our community.
Integrity in Every Ingredient
We never cut corners. Every ingredient is selected with care and every pizza is made with honesty — no fillers, no shortcuts, no compromises.
Community & Connection
Punch Pizza is a neighborhood institution. We support local farmers, participate in community events, and believe great food brings people together.
Sustainability Matters
From compostable packaging to energy-efficient ovens, we're committed to reducing our footprint while maximizing the flavor of every punch pizza.
Craft & Continuous Learning
Our pizzaioli train regularly with Neapolitan masters. We believe there is always more to learn in the pursuit of the perfect punch pizza.
