About Punch pizza
We're a passionate team of pizza lovers crafting bold, authentic punch pizza right here in Eagan, MN — one perfectly baked pie at a time.
Our Story
Where Every Slice Tells a Story
Punch pizza was born in 2009 from a simple belief: great punch pizza deserves bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and the warmth of a place that feels like home.
Founded by Marco and Elena Ruiz in the heart of Eagan, Minnesota, our first location was a tiny 600-square-foot kitchen with a wood-fired oven and a dream. Marco had spent years working in Naples, mastering the art of Neapolitan pizza, while Elena brought her passion for Minnesota's local produce and community-driven dining.
Word spread fast. What started as weekend-only service quickly grew into a full-time restaurant beloved by neighbors, families, and foodies across the Twin Cities. Today, Punch pizza stands as a cornerstone of the Eagan dining scene — still family-operated, still wood-fired, still punch-packing in every bite.
View MenuOur Mission
What Drives Everything We Do
Our values aren't just words on a wall — they shape every pizza we craft, every interaction we have, and every decision we make as a team.
Fresh First
We source locally whenever possible, partnering with Minnesota farms to bring the freshest seasonal ingredients to your plate every single day.
Crafted with Passion
Every punch pizza is hand-stretched, wood-fired, and finished with care. No shortcuts, no compromises — just pure pizzeria passion in each slice.
Community Roots
Eagan is our home. We give back through local events, school fundraisers, and supporting neighborhood causes that make this community thrive.
Relentless Quality
From dough to delivery, we hold ourselves to the highest standard. Because your experience matters and mediocrity has no place at Punch pizza.
Our Journey
Milestones That Made Us
The First Oven Lights Up
Marco and Elena Ruiz open Punch pizza in a cozy 600 sq ft spot in Eagan. The wood-fired oven roars to life for the first time and the neighborhood takes notice.
Twin Cities' Best Pizza Award
Just three years in, Punch pizza earns the Twin Cities Food Magazine "Best Neighborhood Pizza" award — a milestone that put us on the map across Minnesota.
Full Dining Room Expansion
We knocked down a wall and tripled our seating capacity, adding a full bar, private dining room, and an open kitchen concept so guests could watch the magic happen.
Farm Partnership Program
We launched our local farm partnership initiative, securing direct-supply agreements with six Minnesota farms for tomatoes, herbs, and produce used daily.
Online Ordering & Delivery
We launched our full delivery network across the greater Eagan area, making it easy for punch pizza fans to enjoy their favorites from the comfort of home.
200,000 Pizzas Milestone
We celebrated serving our 200,000th punch pizza — a testament to every guest who chose us, every team member who showed up, and every slice made with love.
The People Behind the Dough
Meet Our Team
Every great pizza starts with great people. These are the dedicated individuals who pour their heart into every Punch pizza experience.
Marco Ruiz
Co-Founder & Head ChefTrained in Naples, Marco brings 20 years of pizza mastery to every pie. His wood-fired technique and flavor instincts are the soul of Punch pizza.
Elena Ruiz
Co-Founder & OperationsElena keeps the heart of Punch pizza beating — managing community partnerships, sourcing local ingredients, and creating an unforgettable guest experience.
Jordan Kim
Head PizzaioloWith a background in artisan baking and an obsession for perfect crust texture, Jordan leads our kitchen team and develops each new seasonal menu item.
Sofia Patel
Guest Experience ManagerSofia ensures every visit to Punch pizza is memorable — from first hello to final bite. Her warmth and hospitality set the standard for our entire front-of-house.
Recognition