Pizza Luce restaurant interior with warm ambiance
Our Story

Crafting Pizza with Passion
Since 1992

Born in the heart of Minneapolis, Pizza Luce has been a neighborhood staple for over three decades — where bold flavors, community spirit, and handcrafted artisan pizza come together.

Pizza Luce kitchen with handcrafted pizzas being prepared
30+ Years of Excellence

Where Every Pizza Tells a Story

Pizza Luce opened its doors in 1992 on East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis with a singular vision: create extraordinary pizza using locally sourced ingredients, bold flavor combinations, and a whole lot of love. What started as a small neighborhood spot quickly became a beloved institution.

Over three decades later, we've expanded our locations across the Twin Cities while staying true to what makes us special — artisan dough made fresh daily, house-crafted sauces, premium toppings, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

We partner with Minnesota farmers and local suppliers to bring the freshest produce and toppings to your table.

Stone-Fired Perfection

Our signature stone-fired ovens reach the perfect temperature to create that crispy-outside, chewy-inside crust every time.

Community First

We believe food is at its best when shared. Pizza Luce has always been a gathering place for neighbors, friends, and families.

1992
Founded
6
Twin Cities Locations
80+
Menu Items
500K+
Happy Customers

Our Mission & Vision

We exist to bring people together over extraordinary food — crafted with integrity, served with warmth, and rooted in community.

Our Mission

To craft exceptional artisan pizzas using fresh, local ingredients while building a welcoming community around great food and authentic flavors.

Our Vision

To be Minneapolis's most beloved pizza destination — a place where every visit feels like coming home and every bite tells our story of passion and craft.

Sustainability

We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint by sourcing locally, minimizing waste, and supporting sustainable farming practices in Minnesota.

Community

We actively support local artists, musicians, and community organizations — because we believe a thriving neighborhood makes for a thriving restaurant.

A History of Craft & Flavor

Three decades of milestones that shaped Pizza Luce into what it is today.

1992

The First Slice

Pizza Luce opens its first location at 2200 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. Founded by passionate pizza lovers with a dream of bringing artisan-quality pies to the neighborhood.

1997

Second Location Opens

Riding the wave of growing popularity, Pizza Luce expands to a second Minneapolis location, bringing the same handcrafted quality and community spirit to a new neighborhood.

2002

10-Year Anniversary & New Menu

Celebrating a decade of great pizza, we expanded our menu to include signature specialty pies and introduced our famous housemade desserts and craft cocktail pairings.

2008

St. Paul Expansion

Pizza Luce crosses the Mississippi, opening a location in St. Paul and extending our beloved artisan pizza tradition to a whole new community of fans.

2015

Going Green

Launched our farm-to-table sourcing initiative, partnering with over a dozen Minnesota farms to bring seasonal, organic, and locally grown ingredients to our kitchens.

2020

Community Resilience

During challenging times, we pivoted to community-focused delivery and curbside service, donating thousands of pizzas to healthcare workers and local food shelves across the Twin Cities.

2024

Online Ordering & Beyond

Launched our fully redesigned online ordering platform and catering program, making it easier than ever to bring the Pizza Luce experience to your door or your next big event.

Our Core Values

These principles guide every decision we make — from ingredient sourcing to customer service.

Passion for Craft

Every pizza we make is a labor of love. From hand-stretching our dough to carefully arranging every topping, we pour genuine passion into each order.

Uncompromising Quality

We never cut corners. Premium ingredients, daily-fresh dough, and high standards across every location — quality is non-negotiable at Pizza Luce.

Respect & Inclusion

Our doors are open to everyone. We celebrate diversity in our team, our menu, and our community — a place where all are welcome and valued.

Environmental Responsibility

We take our environmental stewardship seriously — composting, using recyclable packaging, and supporting regenerative agriculture in our supply chain.

Creativity & Innovation

We're always experimenting with new flavor combinations and seasonal specials, pushing the boundaries of what pizza can be while honoring classic traditions.

Neighborhood Roots

We are proud to call Minneapolis home. Supporting local artists, sponsoring community events, and giving back are central to who we are as a business.

Meet Our Team

Our dedicated team of pizza artists, culinary experts, and hospitality professionals are the heart and soul of Pizza Luce.

Marcus Rivera

Head Chef & Co-Founder

With over 30 years in the kitchen, Marcus pioneered the artisan pizza movement in Minneapolis. His signature dough recipe remains unchanged since 1992.

Sarah Chen

Culinary Director

Sarah brings her farm-to-table philosophy to everything we create. She leads our ingredient sourcing program and develops our seasonal specialty menu.

James Okafor

General Manager

James ensures every location delivers a consistently exceptional experience. His hospitality background and genuine love for people make every guest feel welcome.

Elena Vasquez

Community Outreach

Elena is the bridge between Pizza Luce and the Minneapolis community. She manages our partnerships with local artists, charities, and neighborhood organizations.

Join our passionate team and help us craft amazing experiences every day.

Get in Touch

Ready to Taste the Difference?

Experience the artisan pizzas that have made Minneapolis fall in love with us for over 30 years. Order online or visit us today.