Beloved pizza chain s closes all US locations and files for bankruptcy after 50 years

Gina Maria’s Pizza was, for many families, more than just a place to eat—it was part of everyday tradition. Across towns like Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, its pizzas marked milestones, gatherings, and weekly routines.

That’s why its sudden closure in October felt so jarring. There was no goodbye, no final chance to order—just an abrupt silence.

Soon after, a bankruptcy filing revealed the scale of the collapse. The business owed around $3 million, with little left to cover those debts.

Filing under Chapter 7 bankruptcy means the company will not return. Instead, everything—from kitchen equipment to physical assets—will be sold to repay creditors.

For loyal customers, what remains is only memory. The familiar boxes and shared experiences now exist as nostalgia rather than living tradition.

Still, a small revival has emerged. At the former Eden Prairie site, Pizzas Gina has opened under the leadership of Ulises Godinez.

Using original recipes and leftover equipment, this new effort hints at resilience. At a time when large chains like Albertsons and Safeway are closing locations, it suggests that local ownership may be key to preserving community food traditions.