Punch Pizza Plans Maple Grove Location

Punch Pizza is planning a shop in Maple Grove's The Shoppes of Arbor Lakes this spring; they are aiming for May.

The pizzeria will take the place of the closed Qdoba Mexican Grill on the east end of the mall, across the street from P.F. Chang's China Bistro, according to Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal.

Beginning in 1996, this will be the chain's ninth store. Owners say they are looking for even more locations.

In December, Punch Pizza ownership gave raises to bring pay above $10 an hour for all of its 300 employees. The chain also gave raises to bring cooks to at least $13 an hour.