John Sorrano
Co-Founder & Executive Chef
Trained in Naples and obsessed with dough fermentation, John's palate and perfectionism are the soul of Punch. He still works the oven on Friday nights.
Our Story
Crafted With Passion, Served With Pride
From a small dream in St Paul to a beloved neighborhood institution — discover the people, ingredients, and love behind every Punch Pizza.
Certified Authentic
Neapolitan Pizza
2003
Est. in
St Paul, MN
St Paul, MN
Our Story
View Our Menu
Where It All Began
Punch Pizza was born from a simple yet powerful conviction: pizza made with the finest ingredients and time-honored Neapolitan technique can change the way people think about food.
In 2003, founders John Sorrano and Shelly Johnson opened the first Punch Pizza on Grand Avenue in St Paul, MN. After traveling extensively through Italy and falling in love with the simplicity and perfection of true Neapolitan pizza, they returned home determined to bring that same magic to the Twin Cities.
"We wanted to strip away the gimmicks and get back to what pizza is supposed to be — perfectly charred crust, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and pure flavors that speak for themselves."
Two decades later, Punch has grown into one of the most celebrated pizza destinations in the Midwest, earning a fiercely loyal community of regulars who return week after week for that wood-fired perfection.
20+
Years of Craft
500K+
Pizzas Served
4
Locations
12
Award Wins
Mission & Vision
What Drives Us Every Day
Three pillars guide everything we do — from sourcing ingredients to training our team and serving our guests.
Source the Best
We partner with trusted farmers and importers to source the finest ingredients — San Marzano tomatoes from Italy, fresh-milled flour, and locally grown produce from Minnesota farms.
Honor the Craft
Every pizza is hand-stretched and cooked in a 900°F wood-fired oven for 90 seconds. No shortcuts. Our dough ferments for 48 hours to develop the complex flavor that makes Punch unique.
Serve the Community
Punch is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We invest in our neighborhood, support local charities, and build spaces where everyone feels like a regular from day one.
Our Values
The Principles Behind Every Slice
Our values aren't just words on a wall — they're the daily decisions that shape our food, our culture, and our relationships.
Uncompromising Quality
We never substitute ingredients or cut corners. Quality comes first, always — even when it costs more.
Sustainability
From compostable packaging to local sourcing, we work to reduce our footprint at every step.
Genuine Hospitality
Every guest deserves warmth and care. We hire people who love people — and train them to show it.
Curious Innovation
We respect tradition but aren't afraid to explore. Seasonal menus and creative specials keep us fresh.
Our History
Two Decades of Pizza Perfection
Every great story has milestones. Here are the moments that shaped Punch Pizza into what it is today.
2003
Grand Avenue Opens
John Sorrano and Shelly Johnson open the first Punch Pizza location at 769 Grand Ave in St Paul. The wood-fired oven is lit for the first time — and the neighborhood takes notice immediately.
2005
First "Best Pizza" Award
Minneapolis–St Paul Magazine names Punch Pizza the Best Pizza in the Twin Cities — our first of twelve awards and recognitions over the next two decades.
2008
Second Location Opens
Growing demand leads to our Edina location on France Avenue, bringing the Punch experience to the south metro. Same wood-fired oven, same obsessive quality.
2012
AVPN Certification
Punch becomes one of the first restaurants in the Midwest to earn certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, validating our commitment to authentic Neapolitan tradition.
2016
Minneapolis Expansion
Punch crosses the river with a new location in Northeast Minneapolis, bringing wood-fired Neapolitan pizza to a vibrant arts and dining neighborhood hungry for authenticity.
2023
20 Years & Still Punching
We celebrate two decades with a community block party on Grand Avenue, a limited anniversary menu, and profound gratitude for the thousands of guests who've made Punch part of their story.
Our Team
The People Behind the Pizza
Our team is our greatest ingredient. Meet the passionate individuals who show up every day to make Punch exceptional.
Shelly Johnson
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Shelly's warmth and vision for hospitality turned a single pizzeria into a community institution. She leads operations across all four locations with tireless energy.
Marco Bellini
Head Pizzaiolo
Born in Napoli and trained at Starita, Marco joined Punch in 2009 bringing old-world technique and a contagious love for teaching others the art of the perfect pizza.
Priya Nair
Pastry Chef & Desserts Lead
Priya brings a creative flair to Punch's dessert menu, crafting seasonal sweets that complement our savory flavors and give guests one more reason to linger a little longer.
We're always looking for passionate people to join the Punch family.
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