Our Story

About Davanni's

Crafting handmade pizza and hoagies with love in Minnetonka since 1975 — davanni's is more than a restaurant, it's a community tradition.

Davanni's restaurant dining room with warm atmosphere
Est. 1975 — Minnetonka, MN
Our Story

How davanni's Became a Minnetonka Legend

Davanni's was born from a simple belief: that great food starts with great ingredients, honest recipes, and genuine care for the community. Since 1975, our family-owned kitchen in Minnetonka has been crafting the pizzas and hoagies that davannis regulars have grown up loving.

What started as a small neighborhood pizzeria grew into something much bigger — a gathering place where families celebrate milestones, friends reconnect, and everyone is welcomed by name. Our recipes have been handed down across generations, each one refined but never compromised.

"We never set out to build a brand. We set out to feed our neighbors well. Everything else followed naturally."

Today, Davanni's continues to honor that founding spirit. Every dough is hand-stretched, every sauce made in-house, and every hoagie loaded with fresh-cut ingredients. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a davanis regular since childhood, you'll taste the difference that genuine passion makes.

50+ Years Serving
200K+ Happy Guests
35+ Menu Items
4.8 Average Rating
What We Stand For

Our Mission & Core Values

At davannis, everything we do is guided by a deep commitment to quality, community, and the simple joy of sharing a great meal.

Fresh Ingredients

We source locally whenever possible, using fresh, high-quality ingredients in every dish — from our hand-stretched doughs to our house-made sauces.

Community First

Davanni's was built by this neighborhood and for this neighborhood. We give back to local schools, events, and organizations that make Minnetonka thrive.

Handcrafted with Care

No shortcuts. No frozen shortcuts. Every pizza, every hoagie, every salad is prepared to order by our dedicated kitchen team, every single day.

Welcoming Everyone

Our doors — and our table — are open to everyone. We believe great food should bring people together, regardless of background or occasion.

Our Journey

A Half-Century of davannis History

From a single storefront to a beloved community institution — here are the milestones that shaped Davanni's into what it is today.

1975

The First Slice

Davanni's opens its doors in Minnetonka with a simple menu of hand-tossed pizzas and cold-cut hoagies. The community responds with instant warmth and loyalty.

1982

Expanding the Kitchen

Growing demand leads to a full kitchen expansion and the introduction of our now-legendary hot hoagie line — a davannis staple ever since.

1991

Community Catering Begins

Davanni's officially launches its catering service, feeding school events, corporate gatherings, and local celebrations across the greater Minnetonka area.

2003

Online Ordering Launches

Davanni's becomes one of the first local restaurants in the area to offer online ordering — making it even easier for guests to enjoy their favorite meals.

2015

40th Anniversary Celebration

The community comes together to celebrate 40 years of Davanni's with special events, throwback menu items, and heartfelt memories shared by thousands of loyal guests.

2024

New Chapter, Same Heart

With a refreshed dining space and an expanded menu, Davanni's enters its next chapter — honoring the legacy while looking forward to the next 50 years of serving Minnetonka.

The People Behind the Pizza

Meet the Davanni's Team

Behind every great meal is a dedicated team who pours their skill and passion into everything that comes out of our kitchen.

Marco Davanni
Founder & Head Chef

Marco founded Davanni's in 1975 with a single recipe and a big dream. His passion for authentic Italian-style pizza continues to inspire every dish we make.

Sofia Davanni
General Manager

Marco's daughter and the heartbeat of daily operations. Sofia ensures every guest experience reflects the warmth and quality that davannis has always stood for.

James Kowalski
Sous Chef

With 15 years in professional kitchens, James brings precision and creativity to Davanni's menu development, constantly perfecting our beloved classics.

Linda Torres
Community Relations

Linda is the face of Davanni's in the community — coordinating catering, local partnerships, and school fundraisers that keep us connected to Minnetonka.

Interested in Joining Our Team?

We're always looking for passionate people who love great food and great service.

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Taste the Davanni's Difference Today

Now that you know our story, it's time to taste it. Order online or come see us in Minnetonka — we'd love to have you at our table.

15200 MN-7, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Mon–Fri: 9AM–6PM · Sat: 10AM–4PM