Our Story

Handcrafted with Heart
Since 1975

From a single kitchen in the Twin Cities to a beloved neighborhood institution — Davanni's is built on fresh ingredients, real recipes, and genuine community.

Interior of Davanni's restaurant with warm lighting and welcoming atmosphere
50+ Years of Flavor
Who We Are

A Family Recipe That Became a Community Staple

Davanni's was born in 1975 when Dave and Ann Romano opened a small pizza counter in the heart of the Twin Cities. Armed with a hand-written recipe book, a brick oven, and an uncompromising belief in fresh ingredients, they served their first hoagie and never looked back.

What started as a family operation quickly grew into a neighborhood anchor. Regulars became friends, friends brought families, and families brought their kids who now bring their own. That cycle of community and trust has been the backbone of everything we do.

Today, Davanni's continues the same traditions — dough made fresh every morning, sauces simmered from whole tomatoes, and every dish prepared with the same care as that very first day. We're proud to call Woodbury, MN home, and even prouder of the people we feed.

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1975 Founded
50+ Menu Items
10K+ Happy Customers
1 Community
What Drives Us

Our Mission & Commitments

Every decision we make — from sourcing ingredients to training our team — flows from a single, simple mission: to feed people food worth talking about.

Fresh First

We source local produce whenever possible and prep everything in-house daily. No frozen shortcuts, no artificial preservatives.

Community Rooted

We're not a chain. We're your neighbors. Every dollar spent here stays in Woodbury and supports the people who make it great.

Craft & Quality

Our recipes have been refined over five decades. We don't cut corners and we don't settle — every plate leaves the kitchen with pride.

Genuine Hospitality

We remember your name. We remember your order. Making you feel at home is not a policy — it's who we are.

Chefs working in the Davanni's kitchen preparing fresh food
Our Core Values

The Principles Behind Every Plate

Honest Ingredients

We read every label. Our kitchen uses real butter, whole tomatoes, and hand-stretched dough — nothing hiding behind a brand name.

Respect for Every Guest

Whether you're picking up a single hoagie or ordering for 50, you receive the same attention, the same care, the same smile.

Sustainable Practices

We compost kitchen waste, use eco-friendly packaging, and partner with regional farms to keep our footprint as light as our crust.

Investing in Our Team

We offer competitive wages, flexible schedules, and real growth paths. Great food starts with a team that's happy and well-supported.

The People Behind the Food

Meet Our Team

Every great dish starts with great people. Our team brings decades of combined experience, deep passion for food, and genuine love for this community.

Marcus Romano, Head Chef and Co-Founder of Davanni's

Marcus Romano

Head Chef & Co-Founder

Son of the original founders, Marcus grew up behind the counter. He trained in Naples and brought authentic Italian techniques back to Woodbury.

Sofia Patel, Operations Manager at Davanni's

Sofia Patel

Operations Manager

Sofia has spent 12 years ensuring every shift runs like clockwork. Her systems thinking and people-first approach keep the team humming.

James Kowalski, Pastry and Desserts Lead at Davanni's

James Kowalski

Pastry & Desserts Lead

A trained pastry chef who joined Davanni's in 2008. James is responsible for our dessert menu and the legendary house-made cannoli.

Priya Nguyen, Guest Experience Director at Davanni's

Priya Nguyen

Guest Experience Director

Priya leads front-of-house operations and catering events. She believes every guest interaction is a chance to create a lasting memory.

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Our Journey

Five Decades of Flavor

From a single counter to a full-service community restaurant — here are the milestones that shaped who we are.

1975

The First Slice

Dave and Ann Romano open a 400 sq ft pizza counter in Minneapolis. The menu: three pizzas, two hoagies, and a whole lot of heart.

1983

The Brick Oven Arrives

Dave imports a traditional wood-fired oven from Italy, transforming the crust and cementing Davanni's reputation for authentic pizza in the Twin Cities.

1991

The Hoagie Goes Famous

A local magazine names our Italian hoagie "Best Sandwich in the Twin Cities." Lines wrap around the block. The recipe hasn't changed since.

2001

Moving to Woodbury

The Romano family moves the flagship location to 1905 Donegal Dr, Woodbury — a bigger space, a full dining room, and the same beloved menu.

2010

Catering & Events Launch

We begin catering corporate events, weddings, and school fundraisers across the metro — bringing Davanni's quality directly to the community.

2018

Second Generation Takes Over

Marcus Romano officially steps into the head chef role, carrying forward family traditions while introducing seasonal specials and new flavors.

2024

Online Ordering Launches

Davanni's launches its online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for the community to enjoy fresh, handcrafted food at home.

Today

Still Going Strong

50+ years later, we're still making dough fresh every morning. The Romano family, our incredible team, and this wonderful community — that's Davanni's.

Hungry Yet?

Come Taste the Story

Over five decades of flavor, all in one order. Browse our full menu and get fresh, handcrafted food delivered to your door.

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