Marco DeLuca
Founder & CEO
The visionary behind Pizza Luce, Marco has spent 30 years refining the art of Midwestern artisan pizza. When he's not in the kitchen, he's sourcing the next great local ingredient.
Our Story
Crafting Bold Flavors
Crafting Bold Flavors
Since 1993
From a small Minneapolis kitchen to a beloved neighborhood staple — our passion for handcrafted pizza with locally sourced ingredients has never wavered.
30+
Years of Flavor
Who We Are
A Neighborhood Pizzeria
A Neighborhood Pizzeria
Built on Passion
Pizza Luce was born in 1993 when founder Marco DeLuca set out to create pizzas unlike anything Minneapolis had ever tasted. Armed with family recipes passed down through three generations and a deep love for bold, creative flavor combinations, he opened our first location with just six tables and a wood-fired oven.
Thirty years later, we're still the same neighborhood pizzeria at heart — just a little bigger, and with a lot more toppings. Every pizza is still handcrafted from scratch, every sauce is made fresh daily, and every dough ball is proofed for a full 48 hours to develop that distinctive, chewy-yet-crispy crust our guests return for again and again.
Locally Sourced
Partnering with Minnesota farms for the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Wood-Fired Craft
Our original stone oven bakes every pizza at 700°F for the perfect char.
Community-Driven
Supporting local artists, musicians, and community events year-round.
Award-Winning
Named Minneapolis's Best Pizza six years running by local publications.
1993
Year Founded
50+
Menu Items
200K+
Pizzas Served
4.9★
Average Rating
Our Mission
Why We Do What We Do
"Our mission is to bring people together through food that's made with intention — using real ingredients, honest flavors, and the kind of care that can only come from a team that genuinely loves what they do."
— Marco DeLuca, Founder & CEO
Our Vision
To be the most beloved neighborhood pizzeria in the Midwest — a place where every guest feels like a regular, where creativity never stops, and where great pizza is always just around the corner.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These aren't just words on a wall — they're the principles that guide every decision we make, from how we source our ingredients to how we treat our team.
Integrity
We use only real, honest ingredients. No artificial preservatives, no shortcuts. What you see on the menu is exactly what lands on your plate.
Creativity
We believe pizza is a canvas. Our culinary team is always experimenting with bold new flavor pairings and seasonal specials that push boundaries.
Community
We're part of the neighborhood fabric. From sponsoring local events to hiring locally, we invest in the communities that have invested in us.
Sustainability
We compost, recycle, and source from farms that practice responsible agriculture. Doing right by the planet is non-negotiable for us.
Our Journey
Three Decades of Pizza
From a tiny kitchen with a big dream to a Minneapolis institution — here's how we got here.
Founding
The First Slice
Marco DeLuca opens Pizza Luce in a cozy 800 sq ft space in Uptown Minneapolis with just six tables and a dream. The wood-fired oven and fresh-made dough recipe is an instant hit with the neighborhood.
Expansion
Growing Roots
After five years of packed dining rooms and waiting lists, Pizza Luce triples its seating capacity and hires its first dedicated pastry chef to introduce house-made desserts to the menu.
Recognition
First Best Pizza Award
Minneapolis Magazine names Pizza Luce "Best Pizza in the Twin Cities" for the first time. The recognition brings a surge of new guests and cements our reputation as a must-visit dining destination.
Innovation
Local Farm Partnerships
We formalize partnerships with six Minnesota family farms, launching our fully seasonal menu concept. Now 80% of our produce is locally sourced within 150 miles of our kitchen.
Sustainability
Zero Waste Kitchen
Pizza Luce achieves its goal of becoming a zero-waste kitchen, diverting 95% of waste from landfills through composting, recycling, and supplier packaging initiatives. A landmark moment for our environmental commitment.
Milestone
30 Years & Counting
We celebrate our 30th anniversary with a month-long community celebration, limited-edition menu items, and the launch of our franchise program — bringing the Pizza Luce experience to new neighborhoods across the Midwest.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet Our Team
Great pizza starts with great people. Our team brings decades of culinary passion, local knowledge, and genuine hospitality to everything they do.
Sofia Reyes
Executive Chef
A James Beard nominee with 15 years of culinary excellence, Sofia leads our kitchen with creativity and precision. She's the genius behind our seasonal specials menu.
James Park
Head of Operations
James keeps every location running like a well-oiled machine. His systems-thinking approach ensures every guest gets the same exceptional experience, every visit.
Leila Hassan
Community Director
Leila is the heart of our community outreach. She manages our local partnerships, charity initiatives, and the artist spotlight program that gives our walls their soul.
Interested in joining our team?
Get in Touch