Long‑Standing Gina Maria’s Pizza Shutters All Locations, Files Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
By Aurax Desk | April 05, 2026 | 2 min read
Gina Maria’s Pizza — a Minneapolis area favorite for nearly half a century — has permanently closed all four of its locations and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, marking the end of an iconic restaurant brand and spotlighting broader struggles in the pizza and casual dining industry.
One of the Iconic Gina Maria’s Pizza locations Placentia, CA, United States
After 50 years in business, Gina Maria’s Pizza has officially closed all of its restaurants in the Twin Cities area and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, ending operations with no plan to restructure and reopen.
The company behind the chain, Northern Brands Inc., filed its Chapter 7 petition on March 26, 2026, listing approximately $2.9 million in liabilities and only about $64,000 in assets, according to court documents — a stark financial picture that signals liquidation rather than recovery.
The closure affects four Minnesota locations that had served communities in Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Plymouth. Customers and local residents expressed shock and disappointment at the loss of a longstanding slice of local culture. Many patrons had considered Gina Maria’s a nostalgic staple, some recalling memories of weekend dinners and family meals there.
Longtime customers and community members lament the sudden closures and bankruptcy of the beloved local pizza chain
Industry analysts say the demise of this regional pizza chain reflects broader pressures in the restaurant sector, including rising operating costs, shifting consumer behaviors, and competition from delivery services and frozen alternatives. Many pizza chains nationwide have reported declining sales, suggesting that even well‑loved brands are vulnerable in today’s economic environment.
One bright spot amid the closures has come from a former manager of the Eden Prairie location, who has reopened that space under a new brand called Pizzas Gina, using the same recipes that made Gina Maria’s a favorite.
The abrupt end of Gina Maria’s Pizza — without advance warning to many loyal customers — stands as a reminder of how challenging the restaurant landscape has become for legacy and independent brands alike.
Sources: Business Journal, NationalToday, AInvest