Marcus Rivera
Founder & Head PizzaioloWith 20+ years of culinary experience and a passion born in Naples, Marcus crafts every signature recipe at Punch pizza from scratch.
Our Story
About Punch Pizza
Handcrafted wood-fired artisan pizza with bold flavors, fresh local ingredients, and a passion for the craft — right here in St Paul, MN.
15+
Years of Flavor
Our Story
Born From a Love of Real Pizza
Punch pizza was founded in 2009 in the heart of St Paul, Minnesota, with one simple belief: great pizza starts with great ingredients. What began as a single wood-fired oven on Grand Avenue has grown into a beloved neighborhood institution known for bold, authentic flavors that pack a serious punch.
Our founder, inspired by the artisan pizza traditions of Naples, Italy, spent years perfecting our signature dough recipe — slow-fermented for 72 hours, stretched by hand, and fired at 900°F in our custom-built wood-burning oven. Every pizza that leaves our kitchen is a reflection of that obsession with quality and craft.
Today, Punch pizza is more than a restaurant. It's a gathering place for families, friends, and food lovers who believe that a truly great meal can bring people together. We source our produce locally, support Minnesota farmers, and cook every pizza to order — because you deserve the real thing.
15+
Years Open
50K+
Pizzas Made
30+
Menu Items
4.9
Avg Rating
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Fresh & Local
We partner with Minnesota farmers and local producers to source the freshest seasonal ingredients for every pizza we make.
Wood-Fired Craft
Our 900°F wood-burning ovens create that unmistakable char and crisp crust that only authentic high-heat firing can deliver.
Community First
We're proud to be a St Paul institution. We give back to our neighborhood, support local events, and treat every guest like family.
Uncompromising Quality
From our 72-hour fermented dough to hand-selected toppings, every detail matters. We never cut corners on quality.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Our passionate crew of pizza artisans, kitchen veterans, and hospitality professionals work together every day to deliver an experience worth coming back for.
Sophie Lane
Executive ChefA graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Sophie oversees our kitchen and leads the development of seasonal specials and sides.
David Chen
Operations ManagerDavid keeps everything running smoothly — from supplier relationships to daily service quality — ensuring every visit is exceptional.
Anika Patel
Guest Experience LeadAnika's warmth and dedication set the tone for every interaction at Punch pizza. She's the reason guests feel at home the moment they arrive.
Interested in joining our team of pizza lovers?
View Open Positions
Our Journey
The Punch Pizza Story
From a single oven in St Paul to a thriving neighborhood favorite — here's how we got here.
2009
Grand Opening on Grand Ave
Marcus Rivera opens the first Punch pizza location at 769 Grand Ave, St Paul, with a single custom-built wood-fired oven and a 6-pizza menu that immediately earns rave reviews.
2012
Best Pizza in St Paul Award
City Pages names Punch pizza the "Best Pizza in St Paul" — a recognition that cements our place as a Twin Cities institution and brings guests from across Minnesota.
2015
Local Sourcing Commitment
We formalize our farm-to-table partnerships, sourcing 80% of our produce from within 150 miles of St Paul. Sophie Lane joins as Executive Chef and expands the seasonal menu.
2018
Online Ordering Launch
We launch our online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy Punch pizza from home. Catering services are expanded to serve events across the Twin Cities.
2021
Community Kitchen Program
During a challenging year, we launch our Community Kitchen initiative — donating over 5,000 pizzas to local shelters and healthcare workers across St Paul and Minneapolis.
2024
New Oven, New Menu
We install our second high-performance wood-fired oven and launch an expanded menu featuring new seasonal pizzas, artisan salads, and house-made desserts. The best is yet to come.