Est. 1992 — Minneapolis, MN

About Pizza luce

Discover the pizza luce story — three decades of handcrafted passion, community love, and the finest ingredients Minneapolis has to offer. We are more than a pizzeria; we are a neighborhood tradition.

pizza luce kitchen — chefs crafting handmade pizzas
30+ Years of luce pizza

How pizza luce Began

In 1992, founders Jack and Maria Carlson opened a tiny pizza lucs shop on Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis with a single oven, a handwritten menu, and an unwavering belief that great pizza starts with great ingredients. What began as a neighborhood secret quickly became a local institution.

The name Pizza luce — Italian for "light" — was chosen to reflect the bright, bold flavors we strive to put in every pie. From our signature sourdough crust to our house-made sauces and locally sourced toppings, every element of the pizzaluce experience is crafted with intention and care.

Today, we serve thousands of guests each week across multiple locations, yet our kitchen still runs on the same principles Jack scribbled on a napkin thirty years ago: respect the ingredients, respect the craft, and never stop experimenting.

1992
Founded
4
Locations
85+
Menu Items

Our Mission & Commitments

The pizza lucs philosophy is simple: exceptional food made with integrity, served in a space where everyone feels welcome.

Fresh & Local

We partner with regional farms to bring you the freshest, most seasonal toppings available. Quality begins long before it reaches our ovens.

Crafted with Passion

Every pizza is hand-stretched and baked to order. Our pizzaioli train for years to master the art of the perfect crust and balanced flavor.

Community First

We give back to Minneapolis through charity events, local sponsorships, and hiring within the neighborhoods we call home. This city raised us.

Sustainable Practices

From compostable packaging to reducing food waste, we are committed to running a responsible operation that protects our environment.

The pizzaluce Timeline

From a single storefront to a beloved Minneapolis institution — here are the milestones that shaped who we are today.

1992

The First Slice

Jack and Maria Carlson open the original pizza luce on E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis — a 12-seat shop with one wood-fired oven and a dream.

1998

Expanding the Menu

After six years of perfecting our craft, we expanded beyond pizza to include handmade pasta, fresh salads, and our iconic garlic rolls that guests still rave about.

2004

Second Location Opens

Demand grew beyond what one location could handle. We opened our Uptown Minneapolis location, bringing luce pizza to a whole new neighborhood.

2010

Best Pizza in Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Star Tribune names Pizza luce the city's best pizzeria for the third consecutive year. Our team is humbled and energized.

2016

Going Digital & Local

We launched online ordering and partnered with local delivery services, making it easier than ever to bring pizzaluce straight to your door.

2024

Four Locations & Growing

Today, Pizza luce operates four thriving Minneapolis locations with a team of over 150 passionate food lovers, and our best chapters are still ahead.

luce pizza being prepared with fresh local ingredients

Our luce pizza Values

Genuine Hospitality

Every guest who walks through our doors — or orders online — deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and well-fed. Warmth is an ingredient too.

Uncompromising Quality

We never cut corners. From the flour in our dough to the final drizzle of olive oil, every detail matters. Good enough is never good enough.

Creative Courage

We honor tradition while daring to innovate. Our seasonal specials and chef-driven experiments keep the menu — and our kitchen team — inspired.

Inclusive Community

Pizza luce is a place for everyone. We celebrate diversity in our team, our menu, and our guest community — all are welcome at our table.

Meet Our Team

The heart of Pizza luce is its people. Our dedicated team brings years of culinary expertise, creativity, and genuine passion to every single shift.

Co-Founder & Head Chef

Jack Carlson

The visionary behind pizza luce. Jack trained in Naples and brought Old World techniques to Minneapolis, blending Italian tradition with Midwestern soul.

Co-Founder & Operations

Maria Carlson

Maria keeps every pizzaluce location running seamlessly. Her passion for hospitality and eye for detail set the standard our entire team strives to meet.

Executive Pizzaiolo

Dominic Reyes

Dominic joined luce pizza in 2006 and has been pushing creative boundaries ever since. His seasonal specials have become some of our most beloved offerings.

Head of Sourcing & Menu Dev.

Priya Nair

Priya forges relationships with local farms and suppliers to ensure our pizza lucs ingredients are always the finest and freshest available each season.

Experience Pizza luce Today

Our story is still being written — and we'd love for you to be part of the next chapter. Order your favorite pizza luce now.