About Punch Pizza
Punch pizza has been crafting authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza in the heart of St Paul, MN since 1996. Our passion for quality ingredients and traditional techniques makes every bite unforgettable.
A Passion for Authentic Pizza
Punch pizza was founded in 1996 with a simple but powerful belief: that great pizza starts with great ingredients, a blazing-hot wood-fired oven, and a genuine love for the craft. What began as a single restaurant on Grand Avenue in St Paul, MN has grown into a beloved institution across the Twin Cities.
We source our San Marzano tomatoes from Italy, our mozzarella from local Wisconsin dairies, and our toppings from trusted regional farmers. Every dough is hand-stretched and every pizza slides into a 900°F wood-fired oven for that perfect char and chew that keeps our guests coming back time after time.
- Hand-crafted dough made fresh daily
- Imported San Marzano tomatoes & buffalo mozzarella
- 900°F authentic Neapolitan wood-fired ovens
- Locally sourced toppings from regional farms
- Sustainable practices & eco-friendly packaging
Our Core Values
Fresh & Natural
We use only the freshest, all-natural ingredients — no artificial preservatives, no shortcuts, ever.
Made with Love
Each pizza is hand-crafted with care and passion by our skilled artisan team who take deep pride in their work.
Community First
We are proud members of the St Paul community, partnering with local farms and supporting neighborhood causes.
Sustainability
From compostable packaging to waste-reduction programs, we strive to protect the planet for future generations.
The Punch Pizza Timeline
From a single oven on Grand Avenue to a Twin Cities institution — here's how we grew.
The First Oven Fires Up
John Sorrano opens the original Punch Pizza on Grand Avenue, St Paul, with a single wood-fired oven imported directly from Naples, Italy.
Second Location Opens
After five years of packed dining rooms and rave reviews, Punch Pizza expands to a second location in Highland Park, MN.
Best Pizza in Minnesota
Minneapolis-St Paul Magazine names Punch Pizza the best pizza in Minnesota, cementing our reputation as the region's premier Neapolitan pizzeria.
Catering & Events Launch
We expand our services to include full-scale catering for weddings, corporate events, and private parties across the Twin Cities metro.
Online Ordering Goes Live
Punch pizza launches its digital ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests to order their favorite pizzas for delivery and pickup.
Six Locations & Going Strong
Today, Punch Pizza operates six thriving locations across the Twin Cities, with more than 500,000 guests served and a legacy of authentic craft pizza that continues to grow.
Meet Our Team
Passionate, dedicated, and obsessed with making the perfect pizza — meet the talented individuals who make Punch Pizza extraordinary every single day.
Trained in Naples, Italy, John brought authentic Neapolitan pizza craft to St Paul and turned a dream into a Twin Cities institution.
Maria leads recipe development and seasonal menu creation, blending traditional Italian flavors with fresh Midwestern ingredients.
David oversees daily operations across all six locations, ensuring every guest receives the exceptional Punch Pizza experience.
Sofia leads our front-of-house culture and community outreach programs, making sure every visit to Punch Pizza feels like home.
A Place to Gather
Walking into Punch Pizza means stepping into a warm, inviting space designed for sharing great food with the people you love. Our dining rooms blend contemporary design with the rustic warmth of wood, stone, and the mesmerizing glow of our open ovens.
Whether you're here for a quick lunch, a leisurely family dinner, or a special celebration, we've created an atmosphere where every moment feels memorable. Our welcoming team is always ready to make your experience extraordinary.
