John Soranno
Founder & Head Pizzaiolo
After his life-changing trip to Naples in 1995, John dedicated himself to mastering Neapolitan pizza craft. He trained under master pizzaiolos in Italy and brought their secrets home to Minneapolis.
Our Beginning
A Pizza Born
from Wanderlust
It all started with a journey to Naples, Italy — and a pizza that changed everything.
In 1995, founder John Soranno traveled to Naples and experienced authentic Neapolitan pizza for the first time. The simplicity of quality ingredients — 00 flour, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and a 900-degree wood-fired oven — produced something transcendent. He was determined to bring that experience home.
One year later, Punch Pizza opened its first location at 3226 W Lake St in Minneapolis. The name? A nod to the bold, assertive flavors that punch you right in the taste buds. From day one, the mission was clear: no shortcuts, no compromises, no imitations.
Today, Punch Pizza is recognized as one of the finest Neapolitan pizzerias in the United States, certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana — a distinction awarded to fewer than 100 pizzerias in North America.
"We don't make American pizza with Italian toppings. We make true Neapolitan pizza — and we refuse to compromise on that."
28+
Years of Tradition
