Our Story

About Pizza luce

The original pizza luce experience — crafted with passion, bold flavors, and a deep commitment to community since our founding in Minneapolis, United States.

30+ Years of
Flavor
pizza luce restaurant interior with warm lighting and inviting atmosphere Fresh luce pizza ingredients prepared by hand
How It Began

Where pizza luce Was Born

Pizza luce was born in the heart of Minneapolis with a simple but powerful idea: pizza should be adventurous, inclusive, and delicious for everyone. Our founders believed that a great pizza luce experience wasn't just about the food — it was about the people, the community, and the culture around the table.

From our first location on Lyndale Avenue to our current home in Roseville, MN, we have grown into a beloved local institution. Every pie is made fresh, every topping chosen with care — because at pizzaluce, we never settle for ordinary.

Fresh, Local Ingredients

We partner with local suppliers to bring the freshest produce and premium toppings to every pizza we make.

Community-First Philosophy

Pizza luce has always been more than a restaurant — we host events, support local artists, and give back to the Minneapolis community.

Vegan & Inclusive Menu

We were among the first Twin Cities pizzerias to offer a robust vegan menu — because great food should be for everyone.

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Pizza luce by the Numbers

30+ Years Serving
6 Locations
50+ Menu Items
1M+ Happy Customers
Our Mission

Why We Do What We Do

"At Pizza luce, our mission is to create a welcoming space where bold flavors meet bold ideas — where every guest feels at home, every slice tells a story, and every visit leaves you wanting more."

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Everything we do at pizzaluce is guided by a set of values that shape our food, our culture, and our community.

Passion for Craft

Every pizza we make reflects our deep love of the craft — from dough to toppings to the final bake.

Community First

We invest in our neighborhoods, support local art, and celebrate the diverse cultures that make Minneapolis great.

Sustainable Sourcing

We choose ingredients responsibly — sourcing locally, reducing waste, and caring for the environment we share.

Radical Inclusion

Our doors are open to everyone. Our menu is for everyone. Our table is big enough for every story.

Our Journey

The luce pizza Story Through the Years

From a small neighborhood pizzeria to a beloved Twin Cities institution — here's how luce pizza grew into what it is today.

1993

The First Slice

Pizza luce opens its first location on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis. The menu is small but the ambition is enormous — creative toppings, handmade dough, and a commitment to welcoming every guest.

1998

Going Vegan-Friendly

Responding to Minneapolis's evolving community, pizzaluce launches a full vegan menu — a bold move that earns national recognition and loyal new fans.

2003

Second Location Opens

Success on Lyndale fuels expansion. A second Pizza luce opens in Northeast Minneapolis, quickly becoming a hub for the arts community and late-night diners.

2010

Craft Beer Collab

Pizza luce partners with local Minnesota breweries to offer curated craft beer pairings — elevating the dining experience and deepening community ties.

2016

Catering & Events Launch

Pizza luce rolls out full-service catering, bringing the beloved pizza luce experience to weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations across the Twin Cities.

2024

Roseville & Online Ordering

We open our newest location in Roseville, MN, and launch online ordering — making it easier than ever to enjoy pizza lucs wherever you are in the United States.

Meet the Team

The People Behind Pizza luce

Our team is our greatest ingredient. Passionate, creative, and dedicated — these are the people who make every pizza luce moment special.

Marcus Johansson, Co-Founder and Head of Culinary at Pizza luce
Marcus Johansson
Co-Founder & Head of Culinary

With 30+ years in the pizza world, Marcus is the creative force behind Pizza luce's iconic recipes and ever-evolving menu.

Priya Nair, Director of Operations at Pizza luce
Priya Nair
Director of Operations

Priya keeps every location running like a well-oiled pizza oven. Her leadership ensures every guest has the perfect pizzaluce experience.

Leo Martinez, Executive Chef at Pizza luce
Leo Martinez
Executive Chef

Leo brings international flair to the pizza luce kitchen — fusing classic Italian technique with bold, unexpected ingredient combinations.

Simone Okafor, Community and Events Manager at Pizza luce
Simone Okafor
Community & Events Manager

Simone is the heartbeat of Pizza luce's community programs — from live music nights to charity drives and local art showcases.

Want to join our team? We're always looking for passionate people.

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Taste the pizza lucs Difference Today

Great food, great people, great community. Come experience why pizza lucs fans keep coming back — order online or visit us in Roseville.