Dave Goetz
Founder & CEO
The visionary behind pizza luce, Dave opened the doors in 1993 with a mission to serve bold, inclusive food to Minneapolis and beyond.
Pizza luce started with a simple idea: serve extraordinary pizza in a space where everyone feels welcome. Since opening our doors in 1993 at 119 N 4th St, Minneapolis, we've been crafting pizzaluce-style pies that blend classic technique with fearless creativity.
What began as a single neighborhood pizzeria quickly grew into a Minneapolis institution. Our commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and house-made sauces has defined our identity for over three decades. Every pizza that leaves our kitchen carries the same passion that inspired our founders.
Today, pizza luce is proud to serve thousands of guests every week — from solo diners and families to late-night crowds who know there's no better slice in the city.
The pillars that guide every pizza we make and every guest we serve at pizzaluce
To craft bold, creative pizza that brings people together — made with integrity, served with warmth, and enjoyed by everyone regardless of diet or background.
To be the most beloved pizza destination in the United States — a place that defines neighborhood dining, fosters community, and champions inclusive, sustainable food.
Every luce pizza that reaches your table is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. We never compromise on quality, freshness, or the passion we put into our craft.
Three decades of pizza lucs craftsmanship, community, and growth in Minneapolis
Pizza luce opens its first location at 119 N 4th St in Minneapolis. Founder Dave Goetz unveils a bold menu that welcomes meat-lovers, vegetarians, and vegans alike — a rare vision for its time.
Just five years in, Pizza luce earns its first "Best Pizza in Minneapolis" recognition. Late-night hours and a welcoming atmosphere turn the spot into a beloved community anchor.
Demand drives the opening of additional Twin Cities locations. Each new pizzaluce restaurant maintains the same hand-crafted quality and community-first spirit as the original.
Pizza luce launches its sustainability initiative, partnering with local Minnesota farms, adopting eco-friendly packaging, and reducing food waste across all kitchen operations.
A new online ordering platform makes it easier than ever to enjoy luce pizza at home. Delivery zones expand across Minneapolis, bringing our fresh pies directly to your door.
Pizza luce celebrates its 30th anniversary with a special menu, community events, and a reaffirmed commitment to the values that started it all — bold flavor, fresh ingredients, and radical inclusion.
The passionate people behind every pizza luce experience
Founder & CEO
The visionary behind pizza luce, Dave opened the doors in 1993 with a mission to serve bold, inclusive food to Minneapolis and beyond.
Head Chef
With 18 years at the pizzaluce kitchen, Maria crafts every seasonal menu with precision and creativity, turning fresh Minnesota ingredients into extraordinary pies.
Operations Manager
James keeps every pizza luce location running at peak performance, ensuring consistent quality, seamless service, and an amazing guest experience every visit.
Community Director
Priya leads luce pizza's community partnerships, local events, and outreach programs — building the deep neighborhood bonds that make our brand more than just a restaurant.
Interested in joining our team? We're always looking for passionate people.
View Open Positions
At pizza luce, our values aren't just words on a wall. They're the living principles that guide every decision — from the ingredients we source to the community spaces we support.
We partner with Minnesota farmers and suppliers to source the freshest seasonal ingredients, reducing our carbon footprint and supporting the local economy with every pizza we bake.
Since day one, pizza luce has been a welcoming space for everyone — vegans, vegetarians, meat-lovers, families, and night owls. Our menu and our doors are always open to all.
Every dough is hand-stretched, every sauce is made from scratch, and every topping is carefully chosen. We never cut corners — because the perfect luce pizza deserves nothing less.
Minneapolis isn't just where we operate — it's who we are. We sponsor local events, donate to neighborhood causes, and invest in the community that has supported pizza luce for over 30 years.