Gina Maria’s Pizza, a Minnesota-based pizza chain operating for over 50 years, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, marking the end of its operations. The company, Northern Brands Inc., closed all four of its Twin Cities locations in October 2025 without prior notice to customers or employees.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Gina Maria’s Pizza filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on March 26, 2026, according to court records. The filing revealed the company had approximately $2.9 million in liabilities and only $64,000 in assets, making liquidation inevitable. The chain’s abrupt closure in October 2025 left customers and employees surprised, with no formal explanation provided beyond a brief message on the company’s now-defunct website.
Deeper Dive & Context
Financial Struggles and Closure Details
The bankruptcy filing detailed the company’s significant financial strain, with liabilities vastly outweighing assets. The four locations—Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Plymouth—closed without warning, leaving long-time customers and employees in shock. Social media reactions highlighted the chain’s loyal following, with many expressing disappointment and nostalgia for the pizza.
Community Response and New Ventures
Following the closure, a former manager of two Gina Maria’s locations opened a new restaurant called Pizzas Gina in the former Eden Prairie location. The new venture uses the same recipes and supplies left behind by the previous owners, offering a continuation of the brand’s legacy. Local outlets reported that the new restaurant has been well-received by former Gina Maria’s customers.
Historical Context
Gina Maria’s Pizza was founded in 1975 in Minnetonka and expanded to multiple suburbs over the decades. The chain was known for its consistent quality and loyal customer base, making its sudden closure particularly impactful. The bankruptcy filing underscores the challenges faced by long-standing local businesses in the current economic climate.