Gina Maria's Pizza, a beloved establishment in the Twin Cities since 1975, has officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, signaling a complete liquidation rather than a chance for recovery. The company, operating under Northern Brands Inc., submitted its bankruptcy petition on March 26, revealing a troubling financial situation with liabilities nearing $2.9 million and assets totaling only $64,000. Phil Godinez serves as the CEO, while Porfioro Godinez is designated as the authorized representative.
In October 2025, all four of Gina Maria's locations in the western Twin Cities closed unexpectedly, leaving customers and employees in the dark. The chain confirmed its closure on its website, stating it had "officially closed its doors." Those attempting to reach their local branches were met with an automated message indicating permanent closure. The affected restaurants were situated in:
Local reports highlighted that these abrupt closures were indicative of broader challenges facing the restaurant industry in the Twin Cities during late 2025.
Bankruptcy filings vary significantly. A Chapter 11 filing allows a business to reorganize and attempt a comeback, whereas Chapter 7 signifies the end of the road. In this case, Gina Maria's will liquidate its assets to settle debts, marking a definitive closure without prospects for revival.
Gina Maria's situation is not unique; the pizza industry has been facing significant challenges for several years. Data from Technomic's Top 500 Restaurants indicates that 61% of pizza chains experienced declining sales in 2024, a concerning trend for a sector that typically performs well during economic downturns. The only exception noted was Mr. Gatti's Pizza, a buffet chain from Fort Worth, which achieved double-digit growth amidst the overall decline.
In contrast, the coffee sector saw 88% of chains report positive sales growth during the same timeframe. Additionally, consumer delivery preferences have shifted, with the 2025 Technomic Pizza Consumer Trend Report revealing a drop in delivery orders from 61% in 2022 to 55% in 2025. Notably, one in four consumers now opts for frozen pizza over restaurant orders, a direct response to rising costs. Major chains like Pizza Hut and Papa John's have also been closing numerous locations as the market contracts, with Gina Maria's being the latest casualty in this ongoing struggle.
