Jack Luce
Co-Founder & CEO
The original pizza visionary. Jack built Pizza luce from a 12-table dream into a Minneapolis institution, guided by his belief that food is love made edible.
How It All Started
The pizza luce Story — Flavor, Community & Heart
Pizza luce was born in 1992 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a simple but powerful idea: make extraordinary pizza that brings people together. Founders Jack and Maria Luce believed that a great slice of pizza lucs-style artisan pie could transform a neighborhood into a community.
From day one, we sourced the freshest local ingredients, hand-stretched our dough daily, and built a menu that celebrated creativity alongside classic Italian traditions. What started as a tiny corner shop on 4th Street quickly grew into a beloved Minneapolis institution.
"Pizza isn't just food — it's the reason strangers become friends and friends become family."
Today, pizzaluce continues to honor those roots while pushing the boundaries of flavor. We're proud to serve Minneapolis and beyond, carrying on a tradition of bold tastes, welcoming spaces, and pizza made with genuine passion.
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Who We Are
The pizzaluce Mission
At pizzaluce, our mission is simple: serve exceptional food that nourishes both body and spirit, while building a more connected, inclusive community one pizza at a time.
Fresh & Local
We partner with regional farmers and suppliers to bring the freshest seasonal ingredients to every pizza we make. Quality starts at the source.
Community First
We sponsor local events, support neighborhood initiatives, and create a space where everyone — regardless of background — feels genuinely welcome.
Creative Excellence
From classic Margheritas to our signature specialty pies, every item is crafted with artisanal pride and a relentless pursuit of the perfect bite.
What We Stand For
The pizza lucs Values That Guide Everything We Do
The pizza lucs approach to business is grounded in principles that go beyond the kitchen. These values shape how we treat our team, our guests, and our community every single day.
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01
Radical Hospitality
Every guest who walks through our door deserves to feel like the most important person in the room. We lead with warmth, always.
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02
Uncompromising Quality
We never cut corners on ingredients, preparation, or service. Our dough is hand-stretched fresh daily, our sauces made from scratch.
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03
Sustainability & Responsibility
We minimize waste, compost kitchen scraps, use eco-friendly packaging, and make choices that respect our planet and our neighbors.
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04
Inclusivity & Belonging
We celebrate diversity in our team and on our menu. Everyone has a seat at the pizza luce table — vegan, gluten-free, carnivore, and beyond.
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05
Continuous Creativity
We push culinary boundaries while honoring tradition. Seasonal specials, rotating toppings, and bold new flavors keep our menu alive.
Our Journey
luce pizza History — Three Decades of Dough & Dreams
The luce pizza legacy stretches back over 30 years, marked by milestones that reflect our growth, our community, and our unwavering passion for great food.
1992
The First Slice
Jack and Maria Luce open the original Pizza luce at 119 N 4th St, Minneapolis. A 12-table room, a wood-fired oven, and a dream to feed the neighborhood.
1998
First Expansion
Growing demand leads to a full restaurant renovation, doubling seating capacity and introducing the craft beer menu that pairs perfectly with our signature pies.
2004
Community Recognition
Pizza luce receives Minneapolis' "Best Independent Restaurant" award for the first time — kicking off a streak of recognition that continues to this day.
2010
Vegan & Gluten-Free Menu Launch
We introduce one of Minneapolis' first dedicated vegan pizza menus, cementing our commitment to inclusivity and earning a loyal new base of guests.
2016
Online Ordering Goes Live
The pizzaluce online platform launches, making it easier than ever to order your favorite pies for delivery or pickup across the greater Minneapolis area.
2022
30th Anniversary Celebration
Pizza luce marks three decades of serving Minneapolis with a week-long community festival, limited-edition anniversary menu, and a heartfelt thank-you to 120,000+ guests.
Today
Still Growing, Still Grateful
Now exploring franchise opportunities across the United States, Pizza luce carries its founding spirit into every new chapter — one perfect pizza at a time.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet the Pizza luce Team
Every great pizza starts with great people. Our passionate team is the heart and soul of Pizza luce — from kitchen to counter to community.
Maria Luce
Co-Founder & Head of Operations
Maria's operational genius keeps every location running like a well-oiled oven. She pioneered our vegan menu and remains our loudest champion for inclusivity.
Chef Dominic Reyes
Executive Chef
With 18 years of culinary experience across Chicago and New York, Dom joined Pizza luce in 2014 and has since elevated every dish on the menu to new heights.
Priya Sharma
Community & Events Manager
Priya connects Pizza luce with Minneapolis at every level — from block parties to charity fundraisers. If you've seen us at a local event, Priya made it happen.
Want to be part of the Pizza luce family?
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