Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm's decade celebration

Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm (PGPF) marked its 10th anniversary with a heartfelt celebration on the farm, welcoming nearly 200 guests including family, close friends, former employees, vendors, collaborators, and longtime supporters. Owners Emily Knudsen and Bill Bartz hosted the evening with endless wood-fired pizza, live music from Pete Klug and Crista Bohlman, and a special toast of homemade limoncello in the garden.

 

The program featured remarks from community leaders and partners who have been part of PGPF’s journey. Ann Staloch of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) praised PGPF as both a client and a success story, stating: “The Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm is not only a testament to their vision, but also to the power of community and collaboration. They have leaned on and learned from organizations like the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, and SMIF. This is what can happen when a community rallies together to support a dream.”

 

Allison Gettings, CEO of Red Wing Shoes and a childhood friend of Emily, shared both admiration and lighthearted stories from their early years. Bill Cronin from Mineral Springs Brewery highlighted the unique partnership between MSB and PGPF, noting the excitement around selling PGPF’s new line of frozen pizzas.

 

The evening culminated with an emotional address from Emily and Bill themselves. With tears in his eyes, Bill shared: “It’s been a cool ride so far, and a lot of work. It is completely worth it.” Emily added: “It’s not about us, it’s about all of you, family, friends, customers, our veterinarian, and our staff. I can never put into words what our staff means to us.”

 

From its earliest days, Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm has been more than just a place to enjoy pizza, it has been a gathering place where people come to make memories. The farm grounds invite guests to linger with walking trails, an active garden, and an array of friendly animals that may greet you as you indulge in Pizza Fries. Kenny the Goat, a crowd favorite, has become more of a ham than any swine could ever be.

 

Since its founding, PGPF has seen steady growth, from a single pizza oven to a bustling farm with multiple ovens, a mobile unit, and a bar. What started as a hopeful venture down a gravel driveway has grown into a celebrated Minnesota destination, featured in the New York Times, the Magnolia Network, and travel guides across the Midwest.

 

The 10th anniversary was not only a celebration of pizza, but of the community that has supported PGPF every step of the way. As Emily and Bill look to the future, one thing is clear: Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm is as much about people as it is about pizza.