Founder & CEO
Mike Kroll
The visionary who started it all in 1992. Mike's philosophy of bold flavors, radical inclusivity, and community-first thinking still guides Pizza luce today.
Our Story
About Pizza luce — Minneapolis's Beloved Pizzeria
Since 1992, pizza luce has been the heart of Minneapolis's food scene — crafting bold, creative pies with the finest ingredients, serving a community that feels like family. We're more than a pizzeria; we're a gathering place.
Our Story
The pizzaluce Story — Crafted With Heart
It all began in 1992 when founder Mike Kroll opened the doors of what would become Minneapolis's most beloved independent pizzeria. With nothing but a wood-fired oven, a bold vision, and a passion for real ingredients, Pizza luce quickly became a neighborhood staple on Franklin Avenue.
From the very beginning, pizzaluce stood apart — offering creative, unconventional toppings long before they were mainstream, welcoming every walk of life, and building a community around the simple joy of sharing a great pizza. Today, that spirit lives on in every pie that leaves our kitchen.
We source locally, bake daily, and treat every customer like a regular. Because at Pizza luce, you're not just ordering food — you're becoming part of a story that's been told one slice at a time for over three decades.
Local Sourcing
Fresh ingredients from Minnesota farms
Hand-Crafted Daily
Dough made fresh every morning
Community First
Welcoming everyone since 1992
Vegan Friendly
Robust plant-based options always
Our Mission
What Drives Us Every Day
Our mission at Pizza luce is simple: create extraordinary food that brings people together, support our community with intention, and never compromise on the quality or creativity that makes every visit worth remembering.
Exceptional Quality
Every ingredient is chosen with care. We never cut corners because we believe you taste the difference between passion and convenience.
Community Love
Pizza luce is woven into the fabric of Minneapolis. We give back through local partnerships, events, and being a true neighborhood anchor.
Bold Creativity
We push boundaries on every menu. From eclectic toppings to inspired specials, luce pizza is where culinary imagination comes alive.
Sustainability
We're committed to eco-conscious practices — from compostable packaging to partnering with farms that share our values for a healthier planet.
Our Values
The Principles Behind Every Slice
These aren't words on a wall — they're the real-deal commitments that shape how we cook, serve, and grow as a business every single day.
Uncompromising Quality
We use only the finest, freshest ingredients — locally sourced where possible, and always chosen for flavor over cost. Quality is non-negotiable at Pizza luce.
Radical Inclusivity
Everyone is welcome here. Whether you're vegan, gluten-sensitive, or a diehard meat lover, our menu embraces every palate without judgment or compromise.
Creative Innovation
We treat the kitchen as a creative studio. Our chefs continuously experiment and evolve, ensuring every visit to luce pizza brings something fresh and exciting.
Environmental Responsibility
From sourcing to packaging, we make choices with our planet in mind — reducing waste, supporting sustainable agriculture, and minimizing our carbon footprint.
Honest Communication
We believe in transparency — with our guests about ingredients, with our team about expectations, and with ourselves about how we can always do better.
Joyful Experience
Pizza is meant to make you happy. Every detail — from ambiance to service to that first perfect bite — is designed to bring a genuine smile to your face.
Our History
Three Decades of pizza lucs — A Minneapolis Journey
From a single storefront to a city institution — here's how pizza lucs grew from a bold idea into a Minneapolis landmark one year at a time.
1992
The First Slice
Mike Kroll opens Pizza luce on Franklin Avenue with a wood-fired oven, a hand-written menu, and an audacious dream to make Minneapolis's most creative pizza.
1997
Growing Community Roots
Five years in, pizza luce becomes a cornerstone of the Seward neighborhood. Late-night hours begin, and the restaurant earns its reputation as Minneapolis's gathering spot for all.
2002
Vegan Menu Expansion
Ahead of its time, Pizza luce launches a dedicated vegan menu — one of the first pizzerias in the Midwest to do so. The move defines our commitment to inclusivity forever.
2008
Multiple Locations Open
Demand leads to new locations across Minneapolis — Uptown, St. Paul, and beyond. Each brings the same luce pizza soul to new neighborhoods hungry for bold flavors.
2015
Farm-to-Table Commitment
We formalize our local-sourcing program, partnering with over a dozen Minnesota farms. Fresh, seasonal ingredients become the backbone of our ever-evolving menu.
2020
Resilience & Community Support
During a challenging year for hospitality, Pizza luce pivots to contactless delivery and curbside service while launching a community meal fund to feed Minneapolis families in need.
2024
Over 30 Years & Going Strong
Celebrating more than three decades of pizza luce excellence. New menu innovations, refreshed locations, and the same unwavering devotion to quality, community, and the perfect pie.
Our Team
The People Behind Your Favorite Pizza
Meet the passionate individuals who pour their heart into every crust, sauce, and topping — the soul of Pizza luce.
Executive Chef
Sarah Chen
With 15 years of culinary artistry, Sarah leads our kitchen team with a focus on seasonal creativity, plant-based innovation, and flavor-forward menu design.
Head of Operations
James Rivera
James keeps the engine running smoothly across all locations. His background in hospitality management ensures every guest gets the pizza luce experience they deserve.
Community Director
Amara Williams
Amara champions our outreach programs, local partnerships, and events. She's the reason Pizza luce feels less like a restaurant and more like home for so many Minneapolis residents.
Want to join our talented team?
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