John Castellano
Co-Founder & Head PizzaioloTrained in Naples, John's obsession with dough fermentation and wood-fired technique is the soul behind every Punch pizza creation.
Our Story
About Punch pizza
A passion for authentic pizza, a commitment to quality, and a community built one slice at a time — right here in Eden Prairie, MN.
12+
Years of Craftsmanship
Our Story
Where Punch Pizza
Was Born
Punch pizza started with a simple dream: bring the art of Neapolitan wood-fired pizza to the heart of Eden Prairie, MN. In 2012, founders John and Maria Castellano returned from a transformative trip to Naples, Italy — inspired by generations of pizzaioli who treated pizza not as fast food, but as a craft, a culture, a calling.
What began as a single wood-fired oven and a small dining room on Crystal View Rd has grown into one of the most beloved punch pizza destinations in the United States. We source our San Marzano tomatoes directly from Italy, use locally milled flour, and hand-stretch every dough ball to order — because there is simply no other way.
- Hand-crafted dough made fresh every morning
- Imported San Marzano tomatoes & buffalo mozzarella
- Wood-fired at 900°F for that authentic char
- Family-owned and community-rooted since 2012
12+
Years in Business
50K+
Pizzas Crafted
4.9
Average Rating
18+
Menu Signatures
What We Stand For
Our Mission & Core Values
Every pizza we make is guided by a set of values that have been with us since day one — quality, community, and an unwavering passion for authentic craft.
Craft & Passion
Every pizza is made with the same fire-fueled passion our founders brought back from Naples. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Fresh Ingredients
We source the finest ingredients — from Italian tomatoes to locally grown vegetables — so each bite tells a story of quality.
Community First
We're proud to be a cornerstone of Eden Prairie's dining scene, supporting local farmers and giving back to the community we love.
Genuine Hospitality
When you walk through our door, you're family. Warm service, welcoming atmosphere, and a meal made with genuine care.
How We Got Here
Our Journey Through the Years
From a single oven to a landmark restaurant, every chapter of the Punch pizza story has been baked with love.
2012
The First Fire
John & Maria Castellano light the first wood-fired oven at 8353 Crystal View Rd, Eden Prairie. Punch pizza serves its first 40 guests on opening night — and sells out within two hours.
2014
Best New Restaurant Award
Twin Cities Food Magazine names Punch pizza "Best New Restaurant" for two consecutive years, cementing our place on the MN dining map.
2016
Menu Expansion
We double our menu with seasonal specials, a dedicated vegan lineup, and our iconic Punch Calzone — a fan favourite that remains our #1 seller.
2018
Catering & Events
Launch of our full-service catering division, bringing the Punch pizza wood-fired experience to weddings, corporate events, and private parties across MN.
2020
Community Support
During challenging times, Punch pizza pivots to community meals — donating over 3,000 pizzas to local healthcare workers and food-insecure families in Eden Prairie.
2023
Online Ordering Launched
Punch pizza goes digital — our new online ordering platform lets customers across the United States browse the full menu and order ahead with ease.
2025
50,000 Pizzas Milestone
We celebrate crafting our 50,000th hand-stretched pizza — a testament to the loyalty of our incredible community and the dedication of our team.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Our passionate team brings decades of culinary expertise, warmth, and creativity to every single pizza we craft.
Maria Castellano
Co-Founder & Creative DirectorMaria designs the seasonal menu, sources artisanal ingredients worldwide, and ensures every guest experience at Punch pizza is unforgettable.
Marcus Rivera
Executive ChefWith 15 years across top kitchens, Marcus leads Punch pizza's kitchen with precision, creativity, and an uncompromising standard for freshness.
Sophie Chen
Guest Experience ManagerSophie ensures every visit to Punch pizza feels like coming home — warm, seamless, and full of the hospitality that keeps guests coming back.