Family-owned and proudly serving handcrafted green lantern pizza in Brainerd, MN since 1995. Real ingredients, real passion, real community.
Green Lantern Pizza was born in the summer of 1995 when the Kowalski family decided to turn a lifelong passion for homemade pizza into something the entire Brainerd community could enjoy. What started as a modest carry-out spot on County Road 8 quickly became the go-to pizza destination for families, sports teams, and anyone craving a genuinely great pie.
From day one, our commitment has been simple: use the freshest local ingredients, hand-stretch every dough, and build every pizza with care. We source our tomatoes, herbs, and produce from regional suppliers whenever possible, and every sauce is made from scratch each morning. Nothing frozen, nothing pre-packaged — just real food made by real people.
Nearly three decades later, the green lantern pizza experience remains as authentic as ever. We've grown our menu, expanded our dining room, and welcomed thousands of regulars — but our kitchen still runs the same way it did on opening day.
Dough and sauces made every morning
Three generations, one kitchen
Sourcing from MN producers
Proud Brainerd neighbors since 1995
Every pizza we make reflects who we are — a family that believes great food, honest ingredients, and genuine hospitality can make a real difference.
"Our mission at Green Lantern Pizza is to bring families and friends together around a table with handcrafted pizzas made from ingredients we're proud of. We believe food should be honest, delicious, and made with heart — every single order, every single day."
— The Kowalski Family, Founders
We hand-select every topping, source local produce, and never compromise on what goes into your pizza. Real flavors from real places.
We treat every customer like a neighbor — because in Brainerd, you usually are. Friendly, straightforward, and always genuine.
From sponsoring little league games to hosting school fundraisers, we put Brainerd at the center of everything we do.
We're always learning — perfecting our recipes, training our team, and looking for ways to make the next pizza even better than the last.
Nearly three decades of dough, sauce, and community — here's how we got here.
Tom and Linda Kowalski opened Green Lantern Pizza on County Road 8 in Brainerd with just four tables, a single oven, and a dream to serve the best pizza in the county.
After overwhelmingly positive feedback, we expanded our offerings beyond classic pizza to include calzones, pasta dishes, and our now-legendary garlic breadsticks.
Demand outgrew our space. We renovated and doubled our dining room capacity, added a full bar, and introduced weekend live music — transforming into a true local destination.
We formalized our commitment to sourcing ingredients from Minnesota farms and producers, partnering with over a dozen regional suppliers to keep quality and freshness at the forefront.
Tom and Linda's son, Marcus, joined the business full-time, bringing fresh ideas for the menu and operations while honoring the recipes and values that built Green Lantern's reputation.
We launched our full online ordering platform, making it easier than ever for Brainerd locals and visitors to enjoy green lantern pizza from wherever they are — hot, fresh, and ready.
Every great pizza starts with great people. Get to know the passionate crew who make Green Lantern Pizza what it is.
Tom has been stretching dough since before most of us could walk. His classic recipes and obsessive attention to the crust are the soul of every Green Lantern pie.
Linda's scratch-made tomato sauce has been the secret weapon since day one. She oversees all things kitchen — sourcing, flavors, and the warmth guests feel when they walk in.
The next generation of Green Lantern. Marcus manages daily operations, launched our online ordering platform, and keeps the spirit of the family business alive with fresh energy.
Sara turns group orders and events into seamless, delicious experiences. From corporate lunches to wedding receptions, she makes sure every gathering is a success.
Want to be part of the Green Lantern family? We're always looking for passionate people to join our team.
View Open PositionsVisit us in Brainerd, order online, or reach out to plan your next catered event. We'd love to make your day a little more delicious.