Our Story

Crafted with Passion, Served with Pride

From a small family kitchen to one of St Paul's most beloved pizza destinations — we've spent over a decade perfecting every slice.

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12+ Years Open

50K+ Pizzas Made

4.9 Avg Rating

30+ Menu Items

Punch Pizza kitchen with fresh ingredients being prepared

Punch Pizza interior dining room with warm ambiance

Our Origin

A Family Recipe That Started It All

Punch Pizza was born in 2012 when founders Marco and Elena Rosetti left Naples, Italy with a handwritten family cookbook and a dream: to bring the soul of true Neapolitan pizza to the American Midwest.

They found their home at 769 Grand Avenue in St Paul — a neighborhood brimming with character and community. From day one, the response was overwhelming. Word spread quickly about the blistered, wood-fired crusts, the San Marzano tomato sauce, and the freshly pulled mozzarella that made each pizza sing.

"We don't just make pizza — we tell a story through every ingredient, every fire, every bite."

Over a decade later, Punch Pizza has grown into a beloved St Paul institution, but our commitment to quality, tradition, and community remains exactly as it was on day one.

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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Core Values

Every decision we make — from sourcing ingredients to training our team — is guided by these principles.

Fresh & Local

We source the freshest ingredients from local Minnesota farms and trusted Italian importers. No shortcuts, no compromises.

Authentic Craft

Our dough is hand-stretched and fired in a traditional wood-burning oven at 900°F — the only true way to achieve Neapolitan perfection.

Community First

We're proud to be part of the Grand Avenue neighborhood. We sponsor local events, support schools, and give back to the community that gave us everything.

Made with Love

Every pizza is made to order with genuine care. We treat every customer like a guest in our own home — because that's exactly how we see it.

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Our Journey

A Decade of Delicious History

From a humble debut to a St Paul landmark — here are the milestones that shaped Punch Pizza.

2012

The Grand Opening

Marco and Elena Rosetti open Punch Pizza on Grand Avenue with a 6-pizza menu and a 12-seat dining room. Opening night sells out within an hour.

2014

First Award & Expansion

Punch Pizza wins "Best Pizza in the Twin Cities" by Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. We expand the dining room and introduce our beloved weekend brunch menu.

2016

Wood-Fired Oven Upgrade

We import a hand-crafted Stefano Ferrara oven from Naples — the same brand used by Italy's top pizzerias — elevating our crust to new heights.

2018

Online Ordering & Delivery Launch

We launch our own delivery service to bring Punch Pizza to homes across St Paul. Our online ordering system goes live, making it easier than ever to enjoy our pizza.

2021

Community Resilience

Through the challenges of the pandemic, we pivoted to community support — donating 5,000+ pizzas to healthcare workers and local food banks across the Twin Cities.

2024

50,000 Pizzas & Counting

We celebrate our 50,000th handmade pizza and launch our revamped menu featuring seasonal specials, new vegan options, and an expanded gluten-free selection.

The People

Meet the Team Behind Every Slice

Our passionate crew brings decades of culinary expertise, warmth, and genuine love for great food to everything they do.

Marco Rosetti

Co-Founder & Head Pizzaiolo

Trained in Naples under three generations of Rosetti family pizza tradition. Marco shapes every dough by hand and oversees all pizza craftsmanship.

Elena Rosetti

Co-Founder & Operations Director

Elena brings warmth and precision to every aspect of the restaurant — from menu planning to customer experience. She's the heart and soul of Punch Pizza.

James Chen

Executive Chef

James blends Italian tradition with creative flair to develop our seasonal specials and new menu items. A James Beard-nominated chef with 15 years of experience.

Sofia Alvarez

Customer Experience Manager

Sofia ensures every visit to Punch Pizza leaves you smiling. She leads our front-of-house team with infectious energy and an unrelenting focus on hospitality.