Our Story

About Punch pizza

We are a passionate team of pizza craftsmen dedicated to delivering authentic punch pizza experiences rooted in tradition, fired in stone, and served with heart in Woodbury, MN.

Punch pizza stone oven and authentic pizza making

12+ Years of Craft

Who We Are

Crafting Punch Pizza Since 2012

Punch pizza was born from a simple belief — that great pizza deserves great ingredients, real fire, and genuine passion. Since opening our first location in Woodbury, MN, we've been dedicated to the art of Neapolitan-inspired craft pizza.

Our founders, Marco and Elena Rossi, brought their family recipes and love for authentic Italian pizza-making traditions from Naples to Minnesota. Every dough is hand-stretched, every sauce is slow-simmered, and every pie is fired in our wood-burning stone ovens at 900°F to achieve that signature crispy-yet-chewy crust that punch pizza fans know and love.

We source locally whenever possible, partnering with Minnesota farms for seasonal toppings and regional suppliers for our cheeses. Our menu celebrates both timeless classics and bold, creative combinations — always made fresh, always made with love.

12+ Years Open

50K+ Happy Guests

30+ Pizza Varieties

View Our Menu

What Drives Us

Mission, Vision & Philosophy

Three pillars that guide everything we do at Punch pizza

Our Mission

To craft exceptional punch pizza using time-honored techniques and premium local ingredients — delivering an authentic, memorable dining experience to every guest, every time they walk through our doors in Woodbury, MN.

Our Vision

To be the most beloved pizza destination in the Twin Cities — a place where community gathers, traditions are celebrated, and every bite tells the story of passionate craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality.

Our Philosophy

Pizza is more than food — it's connection. We believe in slow fermentation, honest ingredients, and the kind of hospitality that makes guests feel at home. Every pie we make is a reflection of care, creativity, and culinary pride.

What We Believe

Our Core Values

These principles shape our culture and guide how we treat our guests, team, and community every single day.

Fresh Quality Ingredients

We never compromise on ingredients. Every tomato, every herb, every piece of cheese is chosen for its flavor, freshness, and provenance — supporting local suppliers wherever we can.

Authentic Craftsmanship

Our dough ferments for 48 hours. Our ovens reach 900°F. Our pizzas are hand-stretched to order. No shortcuts, no compromises — just the time-honored art of true pizza-making.

Community First

Punch pizza is woven into the fabric of Woodbury. We sponsor local events, partner with community organizations, and take pride in being a gathering place for neighbors and families.

Sustainable Practices

We compost our kitchen waste, source seasonal local produce, use eco-friendly packaging, and continually look for ways to reduce our environmental footprint responsibly.

Punch pizza interior and authentic dining experience

Our Journey

A Decade of Delicious History

From a single oven to a Woodbury institution — here's how Punch pizza grew

2012

The First Oven Lit

Marco and Elena Rossi opened the original Punch pizza location at 8300 City Centre Dr, Woodbury, MN. With just one stone oven and a dream, they served their first Neapolitan-style pies to a small but enthusiastic local crowd.

2014

First Local Recognition

Punch pizza was awarded "Best Pizza in Woodbury" by the Minnesota Dining Guide, drawing attention from food lovers across the Twin Cities and putting our craft pizza on the map.

2016

Delivery & Catering Launch

We expanded our service with local delivery and a full-scale catering program for events, weddings, and corporate gatherings — bringing Punch pizza's signature flavors to kitchens and venues across the region.

2018

Farm-to-Table Partnerships

We formalized sourcing partnerships with three local Minnesota farms, launching our seasonal menu program that highlights fresh, regionally grown produce in limited-time specialty pizzas throughout the year.

2020

Online Ordering Launched

In response to changing times, we launched our seamless online ordering platform, enabling our loyal guests to enjoy Punch pizza's authentic flavors from the comfort of their homes with fast, reliable delivery.

2024

50,000 Happy Guests Milestone

We celebrated welcoming our 50,000th guest — a milestone that fills our whole team with gratitude. Today Punch pizza continues to evolve its menu, grow its community, and pursue pizza perfection every single day.

Meet The Team

The People Behind Every Slice

Our talented, passionate team brings skill, creativity, and heart to every pizza we make

Marco Rossi

Co-Founder & Head Pizzaiolo

Born in Naples, Marco learned the art of pizza-making from his grandfather. He brings 25+ years of authentic Neapolitan technique to every dough he stretches at Punch pizza.

Elena Rossi

Co-Founder & Culinary Director

Elena curates the seasonal menu and leads ingredient sourcing partnerships. Her deep passion for local food systems and bold flavor combinations keeps Punch pizza's menu fresh and exciting.

James Park

Senior Pizza Chef

A culinary school graduate and long-time Punch pizza veteran, James mastered the art of wood-fire cooking and is celebrated for his innovative seasonal specials that regularly sell out within days.

Sofia Martinez

Guest Experience Manager

Sofia ensures every guest feels at home from the moment they arrive. Her warm hospitality philosophy has been central to building the loyal, loving community that surrounds Punch pizza today.

Ready to Taste?

Experience Punch Pizza Today

Our team is ready to craft your perfect pizza. Dine in, pick up, or order delivery — Punch pizza's stone-fired flavor is just a click away.