Gina Maria's Pizza Closes All US Locations After Half a Century
Gina Maria's Pizza, a cherished Minneapolis institution that had been serving the community since 1975, has permanently closed all its locations and filed for bankruptcy. The abrupt shutdown occurred in October, when the chain's four Minneapolis-area restaurants closed without prior warning to customers, leaving many loyal patrons disappointed and seeking answers.
Financial Troubles Lead to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing
A bankruptcy filing dated March 26 revealed the dire financial situation behind the closures. Northern Brands Inc., the company operating Gina Maria's Pizza, reported debts totaling $2.9 million while listing only $64,000 in assets. The company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which typically indicates that the business will be liquidated rather than restructured, marking a definitive end to the pizza chain's operations.
Gina Maria's Pizza began its journey in 1975 with an inaugural location in Minnetonka that has since closed. Over the decades, the Twin Cities chain expanded its footprint, establishing restaurants in Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Plymouth, becoming a familiar and beloved presence in these communities.
Community Reaction and Social Media Outpouring
The closure sparked an emotional response from locals on social media platforms, where many expressed their sadness and shared fond memories of the chain. On Facebook, one longtime customer lamented, "I'm so bummed. I live a block away from the E.P. store and went there for 25 years. Just love the pepperoni and green olive pizza—best pizza by far. Now in Richfield, and they opened the Edina store. I wonder why they closed. Very bummed."
Another supporter added, "Closed. Sad. Easily the BEST pizza anywhere. Nothing in Naples, FL comes close!" Meanwhile, a Reddit user commented on a discussion thread about the closure, stating, "Geez. This hits. Not THE BEST pizza in town, but consistently reliable. The slice deal for lunch will go down as some of the best quick lunches of my day."
New Restaurant Emerges from the Ashes
In a twist of fate, the former manager of two Gina Maria's locations has stepped up to launch a new restaurant in the same spot where the Eden Prairie store once operated. According to local news outlets, Ulises Godinez has opened Pizzas Gina, a revamped eatery that utilizes the same recipes as the shuttered brand.
Godinez told Eden Prairie Local News that the previous owners left supplies in the kitchen for him to use in his new venture. Pizzas Gina currently operates from just one location, offering a glimmer of hope for fans of the original pizza chain's flavors.
Broader Trend of Restaurant Closures Across the US
Gina Maria's Pizza is not alone in facing challenges in the current economic climate. Several other restaurant chains are also grappling with closures and restructuring efforts. Applebee's, for instance, is permanently closing at least four locations across the United States as part of a corporate plan to shutter underperforming restaurants.
Popeye's has closed multiple U.S. locations after a franchisee filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Colorado-based Noodles & Company announced it expects to close up to 35 restaurants this year, following the closure of 33 locations in 2025. Additionally, burger chain Jack in the Box closed dozens of underperforming restaurants across the U.S. last year, highlighting a wider trend of consolidation and financial strain in the restaurant industry.
