Our Story

About Pizza luce

We're the pizza luce family — passionate pizza makers, community builders, and flavor seekers serving Minneapolis since 1992. Every pie tells a story rooted in creativity, craft, and community.

Pizza luce restaurant kitchen with fresh ingredients
30+ Years of Crafting
Incredible Pizza
1992
Founded
6
Locations
500K+
Pizzas Served
4.8★
Avg Rating
Who We Are

The pizza luce Story — Born from Passion

Pizza luce began in 1992 as a bold, creative vision: a pizza restaurant in Minneapolis that would challenge the ordinary. Founded by pizza enthusiasts who believed great food should also reflect great values, pizza luce quickly became a beloved neighborhood institution. From our first wood-fired pie on Franklin Avenue, we set out to do things differently.

Today, with six locations across the Twin Cities, we're still guided by those original principles — using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, supporting our community, and welcoming everyone to our table. The pizzaluce experience is about more than the food; it's about belonging.

  • Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in every recipe
  • Scratch-made dough fermented for 48 hours for perfect texture
  • Community-first philosophy — from hiring to giving back
  • Inclusive menu featuring vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly options
  • Award-winning craft beer selection and creative cocktails
Explore Our Menu
Our Purpose

Mission, Vision & the pizzaluce Promise

The pizzaluce promise is simple: exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and a commitment to making Minneapolis a better, tastier place — one slice at a time.

Our Mission

To craft the most creative, delicious pizza in Minneapolis using the finest local ingredients, while fostering community and inclusivity at every table.

Our Vision

To be the most beloved neighborhood pizza restaurant in the Twin Cities — a place where everyone feels welcome, fed, and inspired to return.

Sustainability

We partner with local farms and producers, reduce waste at every level of our operation, and work toward a fully sustainable supply chain.

Community

From supporting local nonprofits to hosting neighborhood events, giving back is baked into everything we do at pizza luce.

Our Journey

The luce pizza Timeline

From a single location on Franklin Avenue to a Twin Cities institution — explore the key milestones in the luce pizza story.

1992

The First Slice

Pizza luce opens its doors at 2200 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. Our founding team of four serves hand-tossed pies to a small but loyal neighborhood crowd, introducing bold toppings that Minneapolis had never seen.

1997

Late Night Legends

Pizza luce becomes the go-to late-night spot in Minneapolis, extending hours to 3am on weekends. Musicians, artists, and night owls make us their second home, cementing our place in the city's cultural fabric.

2003

Growing the Family

We open our second location in Uptown, then a third in Lowertown Saint Paul. The pizzaluce brand expands while keeping the same neighborhood spirit and handcrafted quality that defined us from day one.

2009

Going Green

Pizza luce launches its sustainability initiative — sourcing 80% of produce from Minnesota farms, switching to compostable packaging, and partnering with local craft breweries to support the regional food ecosystem.

2015

Award-Winning Recognition

Named "Best Pizza in Minneapolis" by City Pages for the fifth consecutive year. Our Chicken Tinga and Baked Potato pizzas become iconic menu items featured in national food publications.

2020

Community Through Crisis

During challenging times, pizza luce pivots to support the Minneapolis community — providing free meals to healthcare workers, partnering with local food banks, and adapting quickly to serve our neighbors safely.

Today

Still Slicing, Still Growing

With six Twin Cities locations, online ordering, catering, and a passionate team of 200+, pizza luce continues to evolve — always staying true to our roots while pushing the boundaries of what pizza can be.

The Faces Behind the Flavor

Meet the pizza lucs Team

The pizza lucs team is made up of passionate, creative people who pour their hearts into every detail — from sourcing the best ingredients to perfecting every slice.

Founder & Head Chef

Jordan Ellis

The visionary behind pizza luce, Jordan has been crafting bold, inventive pies since 1992. Trained in Naples and inspired by Minneapolis, his food tells a uniquely local story.

Executive Dough Chef

Mia Chen

Mia perfected the 48-hour fermented dough that gives every pizza luce crust its signature chew, char, and depth. Her passion for fermentation science changed everything.

Operations Director

Marcus Rivera

Marcus ensures every pizza luce location runs like a well-oiled machine. His commitment to team culture and operational excellence has been key to our growth across Minneapolis.

Community Manager

Priya Nair

Priya leads pizza luce's community engagement, organizing neighborhood events, local charity drives, and the partnerships that keep us connected to the heart of Minneapolis.

Want to join our passionate team?

Get in Touch
What Drives Us

The Values Behind Every Slice

At pizza luce, our values aren't just words on a wall — they're the reason we show up every day with energy, creativity, and a genuine love for what we do. They guide our decisions, our relationships, and ultimately the food on your plate.

Order Now

Craft & Creativity

We never stop experimenting. From seasonal specials to new flavor combinations, creativity is the engine that keeps pizza luce alive and exciting after three decades.

Radical Inclusivity

Our table has always had room for everyone. No matter who you are or where you're from, you'll find a welcoming space — and a pizza made just for you — at pizza luce.

Local Roots

We're deeply committed to Minneapolis and the communities we serve. From local farm partnerships to neighborhood sponsorships, we invest back in the city that made us.

Uncompromising Quality

Every ingredient is chosen with intention. Every pie is made with care. We hold ourselves to a standard of excellence that hasn't wavered since our first day in 1992.

Team First Culture

Great food starts with great people. We invest in our team through fair wages, genuine growth opportunities, and a workplace culture built on respect and belonging.

Inside Pizza luce
Pizza luce dining room atmosphere in Minneapolis
Fresh pizza coming out of the oven at luce pizza
Pizza luce kitchen team preparing food
Pizza luce ingredients and fresh toppings spread

Ready to Taste the Pizza luce Difference?

Join thousands of Minneapolis pizza lovers who have made pizza luce their favorite. Order online or visit one of our six locations today.

Call Us

+1 612-332-2535

Visit Us

2200 E Franklin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404