Small Business Spotlight: Arturo’s Pizza - A Discussion with Co-owner, Jill Murray

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Arturo's Pickle Pastrami Pizza

Craving delicious pizza, with not only tried and true standards but also innovative pie choices? We talked to Jill Murray, co-owner of Arturo’s Pizza in Old Town Minneapolis about the history of their restaurant, family dining legacies and some not-to-miss choices. Come by their shop at 18 University Avenue NE for a slice or a whole pie!

Q:  Facebook tells us that Arturo’s Pizza was founded in 2021. How did you decide to open a pizza restaurant? Who is the restaurant named for?

A:  Our family has looked for opportunities to diversify throughout our years in the restaurant industry. We chose pizza because of its mass appeal - everyone loves pizza! We like to work with approachable and familiar food items and high-quality ingredients. It has been a great experience creating with new flavors and products. Arturo’s is named in homage to our grandfather, one of the founders of Murray’s.

From the left, James, Jill and Tim Murray

Q:  I did hear that you’re a member of a Minneapolis dining dynasty. Please tell us more.

A:  We (James, Tim and Jill Murray) are part of the Murray family. Our grandparents were the founders of Murray’s Steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis, now in its 78th year of operation. Our late father, Patrick, was their only child and carried the restaurant through the second generation. He was at Murray’s over 50 years working and teaching his children the business. The three of us manage Murray’s, and along with our sisters, are the current owners. 

Q:  What are the most popular items on the menu? What should we try if we're first timers at Arturo's Pizza?

A:  The most popular items on the menu are our specialty pizzas - you really can’t go wrong with choosing any of them. The Arturo’s Special highlights our house-made sausage, pepperoni, olives, onion, red pepper and fresh herbs. On the simpler side our Original is a lovely blend of mozzarella, Fontina, Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses, topped with freshly chopped herbs. Our cheese bread and spinach & artichoke dip with grilled bread appetizers are also guest favorites.

Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza

If you are coming for the first time, I would recommend one of the previously mentioned pizzas, or something on the specialty pizza menu with flavors you like. One of my favorites is the Mushroom Goat Cheese pizza that has an Alfredo base, roasted garlic and an Italian burnt honey drizzle.

Arturo's Original PizzaQ:  Ok, those pizzas sound amazing! I noticed another pizza on the menu - please tell us more about the Pickle Pastrami pizza.

A:  Our Pickle Pastrami pizza is a must try that celebrates the winning flavor combination of pickles, cream cheese, and pastrami. We do it on an Alfredo base with mozzarella cheese in addition to the cream cheese, pickles and pastrami. I think many people our age grew up enjoying this in appetizer form where the pickle was slathered in cream cheese, wrapped in ham and sliced. Pickles on pizza are very hot right now, and for good reason, they fit right in.

Q:  Do you serve pizza slices?

A:  We serve plain cheese, sausage and pepperoni slices Tuesday-Sunday. We have a great 2 slices for $10 special that includes a soda.

Q:  How may we stay up to date with your news?

A:  You can stay up to date with our news by joining our mailing list. Sign up is at the bottom of our website.