Co-Founder & Head Chef
Marco Rossi
With over 20 years in the kitchen, Marco trained in Naples before bringing his passion for authentic pizza to Duluth. He oversees every recipe and quality standard.
Our Story
About Pizza luce
From a small kitchen in Duluth to a beloved pizzaluce destination — we're driven by bold flavors, real ingredients, and a deep love for community.
25+
Years of Flavor
Who We Are
The pizza luce Story
Pizza luce was born from a simple belief: great pizza should bring people together. Since our founding in Duluth, MN, we've been crafting handmade pizzas that celebrate bold flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
What started as a neighborhood pizzeria on Superior Street has grown into something far more meaningful — a gathering place where locals come not just for the food, but for the feeling. Every pie we make is a reflection of our commitment to quality, creativity, and community.
The name pizza luce means "light" in Italian — and we take that to heart. We strive to be a light in our community: welcoming, warm, and always consistent. Whether you're discovering us for the first time or you've been a loyal fan for years, we're grateful you're here.
View Menu
What Drives Us
Our Mission & pizzaluce Promise
At pizzaluce, everything we do revolves around three core commitments — quality, community, and craft. These aren't just words on a wall; they shape every decision we make.
Fresh Ingredients Always
We source the freshest produce, artisan cheeses, and locally milled flour to ensure every pizza meets our uncompromising quality standard. No shortcuts, ever.
Community at the Core
Pizza luce is more than a restaurant — it's a neighborhood institution. We actively support local farmers, artists, and organizations because Duluth is our home.
Passionate Craft
From hand-stretching dough to hand-picking every topping combination, our team brings passion and artistry to every single pizza that leaves our kitchen.
Sustainable Practices
We minimize waste, compost our kitchen scraps, use eco-friendly packaging, and partner with suppliers who share our commitment to a healthier planet.
Inclusive & Welcoming
Everyone deserves a seat at our table. We offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-conscious options so that no one has to miss out on the luce pizza experience.
Consistency You Can Trust
Whether it's your first visit or your hundredth, the pizza luce you love never changes. We hold ourselves to the same high standard every single day.
Core Principles
The pizza lucs Values
These principles aren't aspirational slogans — they are the living standards that every pizza lucs team member upholds daily, from the kitchen to the counter.
01
Integrity First
We are honest with our customers, our team, and ourselves. Transparency is built into everything we do.
02
Bold Creativity
We embrace experimentation — seasonal specials, unique flavor pairings, and menu innovation keep our craft alive.
03
Genuine Care
We care deeply about our guests, our staff, and our neighborhood. Kindness is never an afterthought here.
04
Relentless Quality
Good enough is never enough. We constantly refine our recipes, sourcing, and service to be better every day.
Meet the People
The Faces Behind luce pizza
Behind every great pizza is a passionate team. Our crew brings diverse backgrounds, culinary talent, and genuine heart to everything they create.
General Manager
Sarah Kim
Sarah leads front-of-house operations with warmth and precision. Her background in hospitality management ensures every guest leaves with a smile.
Sous Chef & Dough Artisan
Diego Fuentes
Diego's obsession with fermentation and dough science has elevated our crust to legendary status. He develops our seasonal specials and signature blends.
Community & Events Director
Priya Nair
Priya connects Pizza luce with the Duluth community through events, partnerships, and catering. Her energy and vision help us give back every day.
Our Journey
A History of Craft & Community
Every great restaurant has a story told through years of growth, change, and dedication. Here's how pizza luce became what it is today.
1999 — The Beginning
Doors Open on Superior Street
Marco Rossi and a small team of passionate food lovers open pizza luce at 11 E Superior St, Duluth. The menu is simple: wood-fired pies, local beer, and community spirit.
2004 — Growing Roots
First Major Menu Expansion
Following overwhelming community demand, we introduced our celebrated vegan and vegetarian lineup, cementing our reputation as Duluth's most inclusive pizza destination.
2009 — Recognition
Named Best Pizza in Minnesota
Pizza luce received its first statewide recognition, winning "Best Pizza in Minnesota" from Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine — a milestone that put us on the map beyond Duluth.
2014 — Innovation
Craft Dough Lab Launched
We invested in a dedicated dough research and development kitchen, where Diego Fuentes began pioneering the long-fermentation sourdough crusts that define our pizzas today.
2018 — Community
Luce Community Kitchen Program
We launched our community outreach initiative, providing free meals to local shelters and partnering with Duluth schools to run after-school cooking programs for youth.
2022 — Expansion
Catering & Franchise Program
After years of catering local weddings and events, we officially launched our scalable catering division and franchise program — bringing luce pizza to more communities.
2025 — Today
25 Years & Still Rising
Pizza luce celebrates 25 years of crafting unforgettable pies. We're more committed than ever to our roots, our team, and our community in Duluth and beyond.