Co-Founder & Head Chef
John Puck
Trained in Naples under a third-generation pizzaiolo, John brings 25+ years of wood-fire mastery to every pie he crafts.
Our Story
About Punch pizza
Authentic Neapolitan punch pizza crafted with passion in St Paul, MN since 2002. Every pie is fired in our wood-burning oven using ingredients we believe in.
2002
Year Founded
Our Story
How Punch pizza Began
Punch pizza was born out of a dream — and a trip to Naples, Italy. Our founders John and Martha Puck returned from a journey through Southern Italy utterly transformed by what authentic Neapolitan pizza could be: thin, charred crust, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and a wood fire hot enough to cook a pie in 90 seconds flat.
They brought that tradition home to St Paul, Minnesota, opening the first Punch pizza on Grand Avenue in 2002. The neighborhood embraced it immediately. Word spread that something genuinely different had arrived — not just pizza, but a philosophy of quality that showed in every ingredient, every rise of the dough, every perfectly blistered bite.
"We don't just make punch pizza — we honor a centuries-old tradition and bring it to your table with love and integrity."
Two decades later, Punch pizza continues to thrive on the same principles: use the finest imported and locally sourced ingredients, train every pizzaiolo in the art of Neapolitan technique, and create a welcoming space where every guest feels at home.
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Values
Every decision at Punch pizza is rooted in a commitment to quality, community, and authenticity. These aren't just words — they guide us every single day.
Our Mission
To serve the most authentic, ingredient-forward punch pizza in the United States — and to do so in a way that respects the Neapolitan tradition while celebrating our Minnesota community.
Our Vision
A world where every pizza lover has access to real, honest, wood-fired pizza made with care — not shortcuts. We believe great food is a right, not a privilege.
Our Promise
Every pie leaves our oven with the same attention to detail as the first one we ever made. Your experience matters to us — from the first bite to the last crumb.
Core Values
The Principles We Live By
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Fresh & Authentic Ingredients
We import San Marzano tomatoes and 00 flour from Italy, and partner with local Minnesota farms for seasonal produce.
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Community First
Punch pizza is woven into the fabric of Grand Avenue. We sponsor local events, hire locally, and give back to our neighborhood.
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Uncompromising Quality
We never cut corners. If it doesn't meet our standard, it doesn't leave our kitchen — period.
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Sustainability
Eco-friendly packaging, zero food-waste programs, and a wood-burning oven optimized for minimal emissions.
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Passion in Every Pie
Every pizzaiolo on our team genuinely loves what they do. That energy translates directly into your food.
Our Journey
A History of Punch pizza
From a single oven on Grand Avenue to a beloved St Paul institution — here's how we got here.
2002
The Beginning
Grand Avenue Opens Its Doors
John and Martha Puck open the very first Punch pizza at 769 Grand Ave, St Paul. A single wood-burning oven, 10 tables, and a line out the door on opening day.
2005
Recognition
Best Pizza in the Twin Cities — City Pages
Just three years in, Punch pizza earns its first major award. The recognition confirms what regulars already knew: this is something special.
2009
Expansion
Second Location Opens in Uptown Minneapolis
Demand pushes us to expand. Our Uptown Minneapolis location brings authentic Neapolitan punch pizza to a whole new audience while keeping the same quality standards.
2013
Innovation
Seasonal Menu Program Launched
We introduce our rotating seasonal menu, partnering with Minnesota farmers to celebrate local ingredients — a move that deepens our community roots and earns national food press attention.
2017
Sustainability
Zero-Waste Kitchen Initiative
Punch pizza launches a comprehensive sustainability program — composting, locally sourced packaging, and a partnership with local food banks for daily surplus donations.
2022
Milestone
Celebrating 20 Years of Punch pizza
Two decades of wood-fired pizza, thousands of loyal guests, and a community that feels like family. We celebrated with a week-long anniversary event and our first catering program launch.
The People Behind the Pies
Meet Our Team
Each member of our team brings skill, heart, and a genuine love for great food. Together, we make every Punch pizza experience memorable.
Co-Founder & Operations
Martha Puck
The heart of Punch pizza's operations, Martha ensures every guest experience is warm, seamless, and unforgettable from first visit to last.
Executive Pizzaiolo
Marco Ricci
Born in Salerno, Italy, Marco joined Punch pizza in 2008 and has been stretching, topping, and firing perfect Neapolitan pies ever since.
Head of Catering & Events
Sofia Hernandez
Sofia brings Punch pizza's wood-fire magic to weddings, corporate events, and private parties all across the Twin Cities metro area.
Want to join our team? We're always looking for passionate people.
Get in Touch
Ready to Taste the Difference?
Experience Authentic Punch pizza Today
Come visit us at 769 Grand Ave, St Paul, or order online. Real ingredients, real fire, real flavor — that's the Punch pizza promise.
Location
769 Grand Ave
St Paul, MN 55105
Phone
+1 612-223-7200Hours
Mon–Fri: 11am–10pm
Sat–Sun: 11am–11pm