John Sorensen
Co-Founder & Head Pizzaiolo
Trained in Naples under third-generation pizzaiolos, John brings 25+ years of wood-fired expertise to every pie. His obsession with the perfect 90-second bake is legendary.
Our Story
About Punch Pizza
From a single wood-fired oven to Minneapolis's most beloved punch pizza destination — discover the passion, craft, and people behind every perfect pie.
25+
Years of Craft
Who We Are
Born from a Passion for Perfect Pizza
Punch Pizza began in Minneapolis with one obsessive goal: to bring the true taste of Neapolitan punch pizza to the American Midwest. Our founders traveled to Naples, trained under master pizzaiolos, and returned with a recipe philosophy rooted in simplicity, quality, and fire.
Since opening our doors on East Hennepin Avenue, we have served thousands of guests who share our belief that a great pizza starts with exceptional ingredients — imported San Marzano tomatoes, hand-stretched 00-flour dough fermented for 48 hours, and fresh mozzarella di bufala sourced directly from Italian farms.
Today, Punch Pizza stands as a cornerstone of the Minneapolis dining scene, but our values have never changed: honest food, warm hospitality, and the relentless pursuit of the perfect pie.
Our Mission
What We Stand For
Every choice we make — from sourcing to serving — is guided by four core principles that define Punch Pizza's identity.
Artisan Craft
Every punch pizza is hand-stretched, topped with care, and fired in our authentic wood-burning oven at 900°F for a perfectly charred, airy crust.
Fresh Ingredients
We source the finest seasonal produce locally and import premium Italian staples — no shortcuts, no substitutes, no compromises on quality.
Community First
Minneapolis is our home. We partner with local farmers, support neighborhood initiatives, and create an inclusive space for every guest who walks through our door.
Sustainability
From compostable packaging to waste-reduction programs, we are committed to reducing our footprint while delivering an exceptional dining experience.
Our Journey
The Punch Pizza Timeline
From a single oven to a Minneapolis institution — here are the milestones that shaped who we are today.
1998
The First Oven
Founders John and Maria Sorensen import a hand-built Neapolitan wood-fired oven and open the first Punch Pizza location on East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, with a menu of just five pies.
2003
Award-Winning Recognition
Punch Pizza is named "Best Pizza in the Twin Cities" by Minneapolis Monthly, bringing a wave of new guests and cementing our reputation for authentic Neapolitan punch pizza.
2008
Growing the Family
We open our second location in St. Paul, expand our menu to include seasonal specials, and launch our catering program to bring Punch Pizza to private events across the region.
2014
Farm-to-Table Commitment
We formalize our farm partnerships with five local Minnesota farms, pledging that 70% of our seasonal toppings come from within 150 miles of our kitchen — a commitment we exceed every year.
2019
Celebrating 20 Years
Punch Pizza marks two decades of serving Minneapolis with a special anniversary menu, a community mural project, and the launch of our loyalty program rewarding our most dedicated pizza lovers.
2024
Online Ordering & Beyond
We launch our new online ordering platform, making it easier than ever to enjoy authentic punch pizza at home. Our sustainability pledge reaches zero single-use plastics across all locations.
The People
Meet the Team
Behind every perfectly fired pie is a dedicated team of craftspeople, farmers-at-heart, and hospitality lovers who make Punch Pizza what it is.
Maria Sorensen
Co-Founder & Creative Director
Maria shapes the Punch Pizza experience from menu design to restaurant ambiance. Her background in Italian culinary arts infuses warmth and authenticity into everything we do.
David Park
Executive Chef
David bridges Italian tradition with Minnesota creativity, developing seasonal specials that celebrate local harvests while staying true to Neapolitan punch pizza principles.
Sofia Reyes
Front of House Manager
Sofia orchestrates the guest experience with genuine warmth and precision. Her hospitality philosophy — every visit should feel like dining in a friend's home — defines our culture.
Our Space
Come Visit Us
Step into our East Hennepin Ave location and experience the warmth of a real Neapolitan pizzeria in the heart of Minneapolis.
