John Puckett
Co-Founder & CEOInspired by a trip to Naples in 1999, John co-founded Punch pizza to bring authentic Neapolitan pizza to Minnesota. His vision and passion continue to guide every decision we make.
Est. 2001 · St Paul, MN
The Punch Pizza Story
Punch pizza has been serving authentic Neapolitan pizza in the heart of St Paul, Minnesota since 2001. Born from a deep love of Italian culinary tradition, we craft every pie with passion, premium ingredients, and a wood-fired commitment to quality.
Our Story
Where Tradition Meets Passion
Punch pizza was founded in 2001 by John Puckett and Shelly Puckett with a singular dream: to bring the true spirit of Neapolitan pizza to the people of St Paul, Minnesota. Inspired by a life-changing pizza experience in Naples, Italy, they returned home determined to recreate that magic — and Punch pizza was born.
From day one, Punch pizza committed to using only the finest imported ingredients — San Marzano tomatoes from the volcanic soils of Mt. Vesuvius, fresh mozzarella di bufala, and 00 Caputo flour — all cooked in a custom-built wood-fired oven that reaches over 900°F. The result is a pizza that is blistered, chewy, and utterly unforgettable.
"We didn't just want to make pizza. We wanted to create a moment — a place where every bite transports you to a sun-drenched piazza in Naples."
— John Puckett, Co-FounderOver two decades later, Punch pizza has grown from a single Grand Avenue location into a beloved Twin Cities institution, earning national recognition and the hearts of thousands of loyal pizza lovers. Yet our soul remains the same — hand-stretched dough, honest ingredients, and a genuine love for the craft.
Est. 2001
St Paul, MN
50,000+ Guests Served
Certified Vera Pizza
Mission & Values
What Drives Us Every Day
At Punch pizza, everything we do is guided by a core set of values that have shaped our identity since the very first pie came out of our oven.
Our Mission
To craft the most authentic Neapolitan pizza experience outside of Naples, using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients sourced from Italy and local farms alike.
Our Vision
To be the most trusted name in artisan pizza in the Midwest — a community gathering place where food, family, and culture come together over every perfectly charred crust.
Our Promise
Every pizza that leaves our kitchen meets the same uncompromising standard. If it isn't something we'd proudly serve to our own families, it doesn't leave our oven.
Our Core Values
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Quality Without Compromise
We source only the finest ingredients — from certified Italian San Marzano tomatoes to locally grown produce — because great pizza starts with great ingredients.
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Community First
Punch pizza is rooted in St Paul. We partner with local farms, support neighborhood initiatives, and give back to the community that has given us so much.
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Sustainability
From compostable packaging to locally sourced produce, we strive to operate as an environmentally responsible business in everything we do.
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Genuine Hospitality
Every guest who walks through our door deserves to feel welcome, valued, and satisfied. Warmth and care are baked into everything we serve.
Our History
Two Decades of Pizza Perfection
From a single restaurant on Grand Avenue to a beloved Twin Cities landmark — here's how Punch pizza grew into what it is today.
2001
The First Oven Lights Up
John and Shelly Puckett open the original Punch pizza on Grand Avenue, St Paul. A custom wood-fired oven imported from Naples becomes the heart of the kitchen. The community falls in love from day one.
2004
National Recognition
Food & Wine Magazine names Punch pizza one of the best pizzerias in the United States. The accolade sparks a wave of new guests and cements our reputation as a premier Neapolitan pizza destination.
2007
Second Location Opens
Due to overwhelming demand, we open our Northeast Minneapolis location, bringing the authentic Punch pizza experience to a whole new neighborhood and expanding our family of passionate pizza makers.
2012
Vera Pizza Napoletana Certified
Punch pizza earns official certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) in Naples — one of only a handful of U.S. pizzerias to receive this prestigious distinction.
2016
Farm-to-Table Partnership
We launch our Local Harvest initiative, partnering with six Minnesota farms to source seasonal vegetables, honey, and herbs. Our menu evolves to celebrate the best of what the Midwest has to offer each season.
2020
Adapting & Thriving
Through unprecedented challenges, Punch pizza pivots to curbside pickup and contactless delivery, keeping our community fed and our team employed. Our guests' loyalty during this period reminds us why we do what we do.
2023
25th Anniversary Celebrations
Punch pizza celebrates over two decades of serving authentic Neapolitan pizza to the Twin Cities. New seasonal menu items, community events, and a refreshed dining experience mark the beginning of our next chapter.
Meet the Team
The People Behind the Pizza
Our team is made up of passionate food lovers, skilled craftspeople, and dedicated hospitality professionals who pour their hearts into every pizza we make.
Shelly Puckett
Co-Founder & Head of OperationsShelly's background in hospitality management and her meticulous attention to detail ensure that every guest experience at Punch pizza is seamless, warm, and memorable.
Marco DeLuca
Executive Head ChefBorn in Salerno, Italy, Marco trained under a master pizzaiolo in Naples before joining Punch pizza in 2005. His expertise in traditional Neapolitan dough and wood-fire technique is unmatched.
Sofia Ramirez
Community & Events ManagerSofia bridges the gap between Punch pizza and the St Paul community, curating unforgettable catering events, private dinners, and local partnerships that keep us deeply connected to our neighbors.
Love pizza as much as we do? We're always looking for passionate people to join our team.
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