For decades, Gina Maria’s Pizza was more than a restaurant for families across Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. Its famous red-and-white boxes became part of birthdays, family dinners, and everyday routines, creating a feeling of comfort that many people associated with home. Customers didn’t just visit for pizza — they returned for the familiarity and consistency that had become part of community life.

That long-standing tradition came to an unexpected end when the restaurant suddenly closed without a final goodbye or public farewell. Soon after, reports confirmed the company had filed for bankruptcy, owing nearly $3 million with little remaining to recover. Filing under Chapter 7 means the business will not reopen, and its remaining assets will instead be sold to help repay debts. For loyal customers, the closure marked the end of an era filled with memories shared around its tables and takeout boxes.

Even after the closure, part of the restaurant’s legacy continues. In Eden Prairie, a new business called Pizzas Gina has opened in the former location. Led by owner Ulises Godinez, the restaurant continues using the original recipes, helping preserve some of the flavors and traditions longtime customers remember.

The story of Gina Maria’s Pizza also reflects a larger reality faced by many communities. As older businesses close or struggle financially, smaller local owners often step in to keep familiar traditions alive. While the original restaurant chain may be gone, its influence remains through the people who grew up with it and the new businesses working to honor what came before.

As many customers would likely agree, Gina Maria’s Pizza was “more than just a restaurant”—it was part of everyday life for generations of local families.