Gina Maria’s Pizza, a beloved institution in the Twin Cities, has closed all its U.S. locations after 50 years of serving generations of customers. The chain, known for its signature pepperoni and green olive pizza, abruptly shut its doors in October 2025, leaving many loyal patrons in shock.
On March 26, 2026, the company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, revealing staggering debts of $2.9 million against assets of only $64,000. This filing indicates that the business will be liquidated rather than restructured, marking a definitive end to the iconic brand.
At the time of its closure, Gina Maria’s Pizza operated four locations in the Minneapolis area, including Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Plymouth. Customers expressed their heartbreak over the sudden loss, with one local resident stating, “I’m so bummed, I live a block away from the E.P. Store went there for 25 years, just love the pepperoni and green olive, best pizza by far now in Richfield.”
Another longtime customer lamented, “It’s the end of an era,” while a Reddit user commented, “Geez. This hits. Not THE BEST pizza in town, but consistently reliable.” The sentiment was echoed by many who cherished the establishment’s history.
Founded in 1975, Gina Maria’s Pizza had become a staple in the community, but its abrupt closures left many wondering about the future of local dining options. A former manager has since reopened one of the locations as ‘Pizzas Gina,’ using the same recipes that made Gina Maria’s a favorite.
As the community processes this loss, observers note that the impact of Gina Maria’s closure will be felt for years to come. “Fifty years is a good run, but it still hurts to say goodbye,” remarked a commenter reflecting on the chain’s legacy.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments from the bankruptcy proceedings or the future of the reopened location. The closure of Gina Maria’s Pizza serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by local businesses in an evolving market.