Marco Ricci
Co-founder & CEO
Born in Naples, Marco brought his grandmother's recipes and a wood-fired oven to Minnesota. He oversees quality and vision at Punch Pizza.
Our Story
Crafting Authentic
Crafting Authentic
Pizza Since 2010
Punch Pizza was born from a deep love of Neapolitan tradition and a conviction that great pizza starts with great ingredients. We set up our wood-fired ovens in Woodbury, MN, and have been perfecting our craft every single day since.
From hand-stretched dough made with imported Caputo flour, to vine-ripened San Marzano tomatoes and fresh fior di latte mozzarella — every ingredient tells a story of quality and care. We don't rush pizza. We let it breathe, prove, and bake in a 900°F stone oven the way it was always meant to be.
14+
Years of Crafting
50K+
Happy Guests
28
Menu Items
4.9
Average Rating
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Promise
We exist to bring the soul of Neapolitan pizza culture to Minnesota — one perfectly charred pie at a time.
Authenticity First
We follow the principles of Vera Pizza Napoletana — traditional methods, imported Italian ingredients, and a wood-fired stone oven. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Community First
Punch Pizza is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We partner with local suppliers, support neighborhood events, and give back to the Woodbury community every year.
Sustainability First
From compostable packaging to locally sourced seasonal produce and energy-efficient kitchen practices, we're committed to operating responsibly for future generations.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Every decision we make — from ingredient sourcing to how we treat our team — is guided by these principles.
Quality Without Compromise
We never cut corners on ingredients. If something isn't right, it doesn't leave the kitchen.
People Over Profit
Our team, guests, and community always come first. We invest in people because people make pizza extraordinary.
Continuous Improvement
We taste, refine, and evolve. Our menu reflects seasons, feedback, and the relentless pursuit of better.
Honest Hospitality
Every guest deserves a warm welcome, attentive service, and a meal they'll remember — every single time.
Our Journey
The Punch Pizza Story
From a single oven to a beloved Woodbury institution — here's how we got here.
2010
The First Punch
Founders Marco and Elena Ricci opened the first Punch Pizza location in Woodbury with a single Ferrara wood-fired oven, a 12-item menu, and a dream to share authentic Neapolitan pizza with Minnesota.
2010
2013
2013
Certified Neapolitan
Punch Pizza received official Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN) certification — one of only a handful of certified restaurants in the Midwest. A milestone that validated three years of meticulous craftsmanship.
2016
Growing the Team
After expanding to a second oven and doubling the dining room, we brought on Head Chef Sofia Marín from Naples and grew our team to 20 passionate pizza makers. Community catering launched this year.
2016
2019
2019
City Centre Move
We relocated to our current home at 8300 City Centre Dr, Woodbury — a larger, purpose-built space designed around our kitchen, featuring an open oven view and expanded dining for 80 guests.
2022
Online Ordering Launch
Punch Pizza went digital with a full online ordering system, enabling contactless pickup and local delivery across Woodbury. Over 10,000 online orders placed in the first year alone.
2022
2024
2024
50,000 Happy Guests
We celebrated serving our 50,000th guest — a milestone that reflects the trust and love of our Woodbury community. We held a community pizza festival and donated 500 pies to local families.
The People
Meet Our Team
Behind every perfect pizza is a passionate person who cares deeply about the craft.
Elena Ricci
Co-founder & Operations
Elena built Punch Pizza's operations from the ground up. Her focus on hospitality and team culture is what makes every visit feel like home.
Sofia Marín
Head Chef
A trained pizzaiola from Naples, Sofia oversees all dough, sauces, and seasonal specials. Her rigorous standards ensure every pie leaves the oven perfect.
James Porter
Catering Manager
James leads our catering division, bringing wood-fired pizza to events across the Twin Cities. He's coordinated over 300 events since joining in 2018.
Love pizza as much as we do? We're always looking for passionate people to join our team.
Join Our Team