Founder & Head Chef
Marco Davanni
With over 40 years of culinary passion, Marco founded Davanni's on a simple belief: that great food and great people create something extraordinary.
Our Story
Crafted with Passion,
Served with Pride
Since our founding in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Davanni's has been bringing families and communities together over exceptional food made from the heart.
Our Beginning
A Legacy Born
A Legacy Born
from the Kitchen
Davanni's was founded with a simple but powerful belief: that great food has the power to bring people together. Starting as a small neighborhood pizza joint in Minnetonka, Minnesota, we quickly became a beloved fixture in the community, known for our hand-crafted recipes and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
From the very first day, we sourced only the finest local ingredients, built relationships with our neighbors, and poured our passion into every dish that left our kitchen. What began as a dream became a legacy — one built on trust, flavor, and genuine care for every guest who walks through our door.
"Food is more than sustenance — it is a story, a memory, a shared moment. That is what we strive to serve at Davanni's."
Today, we continue to honor those founding principles while embracing the fresh ideas that keep our menu exciting and our community growing. Every pizza, every hoagie, every dish carries the spirit of that original kitchen.
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What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These principles guide every decision we make — from the ingredients we choose to the way we welcome every guest.
Passion First
Everything we do starts with genuine passion. We love what we do, and that love is in every ingredient, every recipe, and every interaction with our guests.
Fresh Quality
We never compromise on quality. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients form the foundation of every dish — because you deserve nothing less than the best.
Community
We are more than a restaurant — we are a gathering place. We invest in our community, support local families, and celebrate the bonds that food creates.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standard in everything — from kitchen cleanliness to customer care. Excellence isn't an occasion; it's our everyday standard.
Sustainability
We care for the environment as much as we care for our guests. Responsible sourcing, reduced waste, and eco-conscious practices are central to how we operate.
Integrity
We are honest, transparent, and accountable — with our guests, our team, and our suppliers. Trust is earned every single day, and we work hard to keep it.
Innovation
Rooted in tradition but always looking forward, we embrace new ideas, seasonal flavors, and creative techniques to keep our menu fresh and exciting.
Hospitality
Every guest is welcomed like family. Warm smiles, attentive service, and a genuine desire to make your experience memorable — that is our hospitality promise.
Our Journey
A History of Flavor
Four decades of milestones, memories, and mouth-watering moments that have shaped who we are today.
1983
The First Oven Fires Up
Davanni's opens its doors in Minnetonka, MN. A small but passionate team begins serving hand-tossed pizzas to a neighborhood that quickly falls in love with every slice.
1989
Hoagies Join the Menu
By popular demand, our legendary hoagie sandwiches are introduced. The recipe — featuring fresh-baked bread and premium fillings — becomes an instant fan favourite.
1996
Community Roots Deepen
Davanni's launches its school fundraiser program, giving back to local schools and organisations. The program has since raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the community.
2004
Catering Takes Flight
Our full-service catering division launches, bringing Davanni's quality to weddings, corporate events, and celebrations across the Twin Cities metro area.
2012
Expanding the Family
Davanni's expands with additional locations, bringing the same neighbourhood warmth, quality ingredients, and beloved recipes to more communities across Minnesota.
2019
Sustainability Pledge
We formalise our commitment to sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly operations, partnering with local farms and transitioning to environmentally responsible packaging across all locations.
2024
A New Digital Chapter
Davanni's embraces the future with an enhanced online ordering experience, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy their favourite dishes wherever they are.
The People Behind the Flavour
Meet Our Team
Our passionate, dedicated team is the heart and soul of Davanni's — bringing skill, creativity, and warmth to everything they do.
Executive Chef
Sofia Reyes
A classically trained chef who brings innovation to tradition, Sofia leads our kitchen with a relentless pursuit of flavour and a deep respect for fresh ingredients.
General Manager
James Holloway
James ensures every visit to Davanni's is seamless and memorable. His hospitality-first philosophy and operational expertise keep our team and guests thriving.
Catering Director
Amara Johnson
Amara transforms every event into a culinary experience. With a meticulous eye for detail and a gift for guest relations, she makes every celebration extraordinary.
Want to be part of our passionate team?
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