The End Of An Era: 5 Shocking Facts About Gina Maria’s Eden Prairie Closure And Its Employee-Owned Future

The legacy of Gina Maria’s Pizza in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn in late 2025. After decades of serving its signature New York-style and thin-crust favorites, the entire Twin Cities chain, including the beloved Eden Prairie location, abruptly closed its doors in October 2025, leaving a community of loyal customers stunned.

However, the story for the Eden Prairie outpost is far from over. In a twist of fate that has local food enthusiasts buzzing, the location at 7416 Mitchell Road is undergoing a rapid transition. It is set to reopen as an employee-owned establishment, promising to keep the "same great recipes" that made it a suburban icon, but under a brand-new name. This is the ultimate insider look at the sudden closure, the history of the legendary pizza, and the exciting, mysterious future of this Eden Prairie landmark.

The Legacy and Abrupt Closure of Gina Maria's Pizza Chain

Gina Maria’s Pizza was more than just a local pizzeria; it was a Twin Cities institution with roots stretching back half a century. The restaurant’s journey began in 1975, not in Eden Prairie, but in a small 450-square-foot dine-in family restaurant in the Minnetonka (Glen Lake area) neighborhood. It quickly built a reputation for its commitment to classic, high-quality pizza made to order, one at a time.

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A Timeline of the Pizza Icon

• 1975: Gina Maria's Pizza is founded in a small storefront in Minnetonka, MN (Glen Lake Area).
• Decades of Growth: The brand expands across the Twin Cities west metro, opening locations in Chanhassen, Edina, Plymouth, and the prominent Eden Prairie spot at 7416 Mitchell Rd.
• October 2025: The entire Gina Maria's Pizza chain abruptly announces its "permanent" closure, with all four locations shutting down without prior public warning.
• Post-Closure Update: Signage appears at the Eden Prairie location promising a swift reopening under a new, employee-owned structure with the original recipes intact.

The sudden closure of the chain in October 2025 sent shockwaves through the community, joining a list of other Minnesota restaurant closures facing changing economic times. The abruptness of the announcement, delivered via a notice on the company's website, only amplified the disappointment for long-time patrons.

The Mystery of the Reopening: Employee-Owned and a New Name

The most compelling and freshest news surrounding the Eden Prairie location is its immediate and positive pivot. While the original Gina Maria’s Pizza corporation permanently closed, the physical restaurant space at 7416 Mitchell Road appears to have been saved by an internal buyout. The sign on the door explicitly stated a plan for the restaurant to reopen as an "employee-owned" business.

This transition to an employee-owned model is a rare and encouraging sign in the modern restaurant industry, suggesting that the staff who truly know and love the product are stepping up to preserve its legacy. The key question for the community, however, remains: What is the new name?

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As of late 2025, the new name has not been officially announced or widely publicized. Patrons are eagerly awaiting the reveal of the new brand that will carry the torch for the cherished recipes. The promise is clear: the taste that defined a generation of Eden Prairie dining will return, even if the sign above the door is different.

The Iconic Menu: Recipes That Must Be Saved

The reason for the community's outcry and the new owners' commitment to keeping the "same great recipes" is the distinctive menu that Gina Maria's perfected over its 50-year run. The restaurant was famous for offering a variety of pizza styles, from the traditional thin crust to Deep Dish and authentic New York Style pizza.

The new establishment will undoubtedly rely on the popularity of these classic dishes to ensure its success. Here are some of the most famous and highly-anticipated menu items that are expected to return:

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Legendary Gina Maria's Menu Entities

• The Taco Pizza: Arguably the most famous specialty pizza, featuring a bean sauce base, seasoned beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and a fresh mound of lettuce, black olives, and onions.
• New York Style Pizza: Known for its perfect crust and traditional preparation, a staple of the menu.
• Thin Crust Pizza: The classic, crispy base that many long-time customers preferred.
• The Gina's Special: A loaded combination pie that was a fan favorite.
• Specialty Pizzas:
  • Cheeseburger Pizza
  • Hawaiian Pizza
  • Greek Pizza
  • Super Pie
  • Veggie Pizza
  • Chicken Ranch Pizza (featuring seasoned ranch)
• Subs and Sides: The menu also featured a range of Hot Hoagies, Cold Subs, and classic Italian-American sides like the Small House Salad and the Large Antipasto Salad.

The successful transition of the Eden Prairie location to an employee-owned model, retaining these specific and beloved recipes, represents a victory for local culinary tradition. It ensures that the unique flavor profile that defined Gina Maria's Pizza will not be lost, but rather preserved and served by the very people who helped create its reputation. The Eden Prairie community is holding its breath, waiting for the official announcement of the new name and the grand reopening of their beloved local pizza spot.