Marcus Holden
Executive Chef & Co-Founder
A James Beard-nominated chef with 25+ years in kitchens across Chicago and Minneapolis, Marcus built Pizza luce's culinary DNA from the ground up. His philosophy: never repeat yourself.
Our Story
About Pizza luce — Handcrafted, Bold & Unapologetically Delicious
We are pizza luce — a Minneapolis institution rooted in community, creativity, and an unwavering passion for bold flavors. Since 2000, we've been crafting pies that push boundaries and bring people together at 2200 E Franklin Ave.
24+
Years Open
80+
Menu Items
4
Locations
2000
Est. Year
Our Roots
The pizzaluce Story — Where Bold Flavors Were Born
Pizza luce started as a neighborhood joint on Franklin Avenue with a simple but powerful idea: pizza should be adventurous, inclusive, and made with the highest-quality ingredients available. From the very first slice, we were something different.
The pizzaluce menu was unlike anything Minneapolis had seen — inventive toppings, house-made sauces, dough fermented for 48 hours, and an unwavering commitment to local and seasonal produce. We embraced dietary diversity long before it was trendy, offering robust vegan and vegetarian options alongside our meat-forward creations.
"We didn't just want to make pizza. We wanted to make your pizza — the one you'd crave at 2am and remember years later."
What began as a single location grew into a beloved multi-spot institution, each outpost carrying the same spirit: a buzzing, welcoming space where everyone belongs, great craft beer flows freely, and the kitchen never, ever takes a shortcut.
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Our Purpose
Mission, Vision & What Drives Us
Every plate we send out is a reflection of our commitment to flavor, community, and sustainability. Here's what guides every decision we make at luce pizza.
Our Mission
To craft bold, creative food that surprises and delights — using real ingredients, prepared with skill and care — in spaces where every guest feels genuinely welcome and valued.
Our Vision
To be Minneapolis's most beloved dining destination — known not just for our food, but for the community we nurture, the culture we champion, and the standards we refuse to compromise.
Sustainability
We partner with local farmers and producers, minimize food waste through smart kitchen practices, and continuously work to reduce our environmental footprint without sacrificing quality.
Community First
Pizza luce is deeply rooted in Minneapolis culture. We support local artists, host community events, and actively give back to the neighborhoods that have made us who we are.
Inclusive Menu
Whether you're vegan, gluten-sensitive, a committed carnivore, or somewhere in between — there is a pizza luce pizza made for you. We believe great food should be accessible to all.
Quality Always
From 48-hour fermented dough to hand-crushed tomatoes and locally sourced produce — quality isn't a buzzword for us. It's the non-negotiable foundation of every single item we prepare.
Core Values
What pizza lucs Stands For
These aren't just words on a wall. These are the principles that shape how we cook, how we serve, and how we show up for our community every single day.
01
Radical Creativity
We push flavor boundaries every season, reimagining classic combinations and creating entirely new ones. Complacency is not part of our recipe.
02
Genuine Hospitality
Every guest deserves to feel seen and cared for. Our team is trained not just to serve food, but to create meaningful, memorable experiences.
03
Uncompromising Integrity
We source honestly, price fairly, and never cut corners — even when no one is watching. Our reputation is built on trust, and we protect it fiercely.
04
Celebration of Diversity
Our kitchen, our team, and our menu reflect the beautiful diversity of Minneapolis. We celebrate every background, diet, and perspective at our table.
05
Community Investment
We believe businesses have a responsibility to give back. From art partnerships to food drives, Pizza luce is an active, invested neighbor — not just a restaurant.
Our Journey
The Pizza luce Timeline
From a single storefront to a Minneapolis icon — here's how we got here.
2000
The First Slice
Pizza luce opens its doors at 2200 E Franklin Ave in Minneapolis. A small team with big ideas, a wood-fire oven, and a menu that immediately turns heads. The neighborhood falls in love on day one.
2003
Best Pizza in Minneapolis
City Pages names Pizza luce "Best Pizza in Minneapolis" — just three years after opening. The award validates our approach: daring flavors, premium ingredients, and genuine hospitality over gimmicks.
2007
Second Location Opens
Demand grows and we expand — opening our Seward neighborhood location. The second spot stays true to the original spirit: local art on the walls, craft beer on tap, and creativity on every plate.
2011
The Vegan Revolution
We launch our expanded vegan and plant-based menu — one of the most comprehensive in the region. Pizza luce becomes a go-to destination for diners of all dietary backgrounds, and a national conversation begins.
2016
Catering & Events Launch
We expand beyond restaurant walls with a full-service catering operation. Weddings, corporate events, block parties, and private gatherings — Pizza luce brings the boldness to you, wherever you are.
2020
20 Years & Going Strong
We celebrate two decades of bold pizza in Minneapolis. Despite global challenges, our community rallies around us. We adapt, innovate, and emerge stronger — a testament to the loyalty of our guests and the resilience of our team.
Today
Still Pushing Boundaries
Pizza luce continues to evolve — new menu creations each season, deeper community partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the values that have always defined us. The best is still ahead.
The People Behind the Pizza
Meet the Pizza luce Team
Every great pizza starts with a passionate person. Meet the culinary minds and community advocates who make Pizza luce what it is.
Priya Nair
Head of Operations
Priya ensures every location runs with precision and heart. With a background in hospitality management, she's the organizational force that keeps the Pizza luce experience consistently outstanding.
Jordan Lee
Menu Development Chef
Jordan is the creative engine behind Pizza luce's seasonal specials and vegan innovation. Trained in Paris and Portland, they bring a global palate to a deeply local menu with extraordinary results.
Rosa Alvarez
Community & Events Manager
Rosa is the connective tissue between Pizza luce and Minneapolis. She manages local partnerships, charitable programs, art installations, and the events that make our restaurants a cultural hub, not just a restaurant.
Passionate about food and community? We're always looking for talented people.
Join Our Team