The Minneapolis pizza community is mourning the loss of Jack Keegan, founder of Jakeeno’s Pizza & Pasta, who passed away in October at age 89. Jack and his wife, Carol, opened Jakeeno’s on December 26, 1975, and turned it into a South Minneapolis landmark.
The shop, which is now run by Jack and Carol’s daughters, Patty and Amy Keegan, remembered Jack for his warmth and friendliness. The second-generation shop owners said that spirit of care and community continues to define the restaurant. “By his example of generosity, family wasn’t limited by blood,” the family said in a statement. “It was built by care and kindness.”
“He adored this neighborhood, our customers, and sharing his love of good food!” his daughters wrote on Facebook. “He always said he was ‘just a pizza cook,’ but to everyone who knew him, he was so much more.”
A tribute to Jack aired on KARE11, highlighting his decades-long impact and the outpouring of memories shared by longtime customers. Many recalled how Jack’s genuine hospitality made Jakeeno’s a neighborhood cornerstone during both good times and hardship.
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“Your dad was such a kind, amazing, caring man,” one commenter wrote on Facebook. “So organized and talented, too. Our hearts are broken with yours.” Another commenter who identified as a former Jakeeno’s employee noted, “Jack provided a great place and some good, supportive guidance that helped me ‘grow up’ all while inspiring my love of cooking at the same time! I remember him very fondly!”
Another wrote, “He wasn’t just the guy that made our Jakeeno’s pizza and pasta or [who] would wave me in while I was younger…for a free soda and talk. He was much more. He was family to us and many more. He will be truly missed. But one thing is certain: The angels will have some great food.”
That resilience has carried into recent years. Located just two blocks from George Floyd Square, Jakeeno’s has faced steep challenges since 2020, when traffic to the area plummeted during the pandemic and after widespread protests. Despite business falling by half, Patty and Amy have remained steadfast in their commitment to the community their father helped build.
In recent years, the sisters have expanded Jakeeno’s with a full bar, late-night food and a growing wholesale division offering frozen pizzas and sauces sold in Kowalski’s Markets, co-ops, and local convenience stores. “We’ve been a part of this community for nearly 50 years, and we’re not going anywhere,” Amy said in a previous interview.
As Jakeeno’s nears its 50th anniversary, the restaurant continues to serve a third generation of customers—many of whom will return not just for a slice of pizza, but to honor the man who built a neighborhood institution.
