Marcus Davanni
Owner & General Manager
Marcus grew up in his family's restaurant and took over operations in 2001. He's dedicated to preserving the original recipes while evolving the Davanni's experience for a new generation.
50+
Years Serving
Minneapolis
Minneapolis
Our Story
From a Family Kitchen
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From a Family Kitchen
to a Minneapolis Icon
Davanni's was founded in 1974 with one simple promise: bring families together over food made with love, quality ingredients, and an unwavering passion for craft.
What started as a small neighborhood pizzeria near the University of Minnesota has grown into one of Minneapolis's most beloved restaurant families — with loyal customers who've been coming back for generations. Our recipes haven't changed because they don't need to. We still hand-stretch every pizza dough, pile our hoagies high, and source fresh vegetables daily.
Through every decade, Davanni's has remained independently owned and deeply community-focused. We sponsor local schools, partner with neighborhood organizations, and treat every guest like family — because that's exactly what you are to us.
1974
Year Founded
50K+
Loyal Guests
12+
Metro Locations
What We Stand For
Our Mission & Commitments
Every meal we serve reflects our core commitments — to quality, community, and the simple joy of great food.
Made with Passion
Every item on our menu is crafted with the same care and pride we had on day one — no shortcuts, no compromises.
Fresh Ingredients
We source fresh, quality ingredients daily and prepare everything in-house, from dough to sauce to toppings.
Community First
We invest in the neighborhoods we serve — through sponsorships, events, and treating every guest like a neighbor.
Trusted Quality
Fifty years of trust has been earned one meal at a time. We never rest on our legacy — we keep earning it.
Core Values
The Principles That
The Principles That
Guide Everything We Do
Our values aren't words on a wall — they're lived daily by every team member at Davanni's.
Uncompromising Quality
We use only the finest ingredients and never take shortcuts with our recipes. Quality is non-negotiable, every single day.
Genuine Hospitality
We greet every guest with warmth and ensure every visit — dine-in, takeout, or delivery — feels personal and welcoming.
Sustainability & Responsibility
We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint through responsible sourcing, packaging choices, and local partnerships.
Continuous Improvement
We listen to our guests, learn from feedback, and constantly refine our menu, service, and experience to exceed expectations.
History
Our Journey Through the Years
From a single Minneapolis location to a beloved metro institution — here's how Davanni's grew.
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1974
The Beginning
Davanni's opens its first location near Riverside Ave in Minneapolis, MN. Founder Joe Davanni sets out to serve hand-crafted pizza inspired by family recipes from Italy.
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1981
Expanding the Menu
Hoagies and pasta dishes join the menu, quickly becoming customer favorites. The full-service menu positions Davanni's as a go-to family dining destination in Minneapolis.
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1990
Growing Across the Metro
Davanni's opens its fifth Twin Cities location, expanding its reach across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area while maintaining the same family-owned quality at every site.
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2002
Community Recognition
Davanni's is voted "Best Pizza in Minneapolis" by local readers for the third consecutive year. The award cements the brand's place in the hearts and stomachs of Twin Cities residents.
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2010
Online Ordering Launch
Davanni's launches its first online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for loyal customers to enjoy their favorites from the comfort of home. Delivery and pickup options expand.
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2018
Fresh Ingredients Pledge
Davanni's formalizes its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible — partnering with Minnesota farms and suppliers to improve quality and sustainability.
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2024
50 Years & Still Growing
Davanni's celebrates its 50th anniversary with 12+ Twin Cities locations, thousands of loyal families, and a commitment to the same handcrafted quality that started it all in 1974.
The People
Meet the Team Behind Davanni's
Our dedicated team brings decades of experience, passion, and heart to every meal we serve.
Sofia Reyes
Head Chef
With 18 years in culinary arts, Sofia leads recipe development and kitchen quality across all Davanni's locations. Her passion for fresh, bold flavors shines in every dish.
David Chen
Operations Director
David ensures seamless operations across every Davanni's location. His systems-first mindset keeps our kitchens efficient, our staff happy, and our guests satisfied.
Amara Williams
Community & Marketing Manager
Amara champions Davanni's community relationships, local sponsorships, and digital presence. She bridges the gap between our brand story and the guests who love it.
Interested in joining our team?
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