Mountain Mike’s Pizza: A Community-Centric Franchise Redefining Fast-Casual Dining

Founded in 1978 by Thomas Van Buskirk in Palo Alto, California, Mountain Mike’s Pizza has become a well-known brand throughout the West Coast and beyond. The pizzeria has expanded to more than 300 locations across the United States, and it is renowned for its freshly produced dough and crispy, curly pepperoni. Mountain Mike’s Pizza has revolutionized the concept of a fast-casual dining establishment by emphasizing community engagement, innovative menu offerings, and high-quality ingredients.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza has evolved into a substantial participant in the fast-casual dining industry, despite its modest origins. The company’s voyage commenced with a straightforward objective: to establish a family-friendly environment in which individuals could savor exceptional pizza. This vision has resulted in the establishment of nearly 300 locations in states such as California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Texas, Colorado, Washington, and Wisconsin over the past 45 years.

The company was acquired by Chris Britt and Ed St. Geme in 2017, who had a multitude of experience in franchising and private investment. Mountain Mike’s Pizza has continued to expand under their leadership, tripling new-unit growth in 2018 and entering new markets. The brand’s ongoing prosperity has been guaranteed by its dedication to innovation and quality.

In February 2024, Mountain Mike’s Pizza embarked on a new chapter with the appointment of Jim Metevier as CEO. Metevier, who assumed the role of President & Chief Operating Officer in 2018, has played a critical role in the brand’s expansion beyond California. A 32% increase in same-store sales over the course of five years has been achieved as a result of his emphasis on digital integration. The significance of technology in contemporary fast-casual dining is underscored by the fact that digital sales currently account for 44% of the brand’s overall sales blend.

Metevier’s leadership has also prioritized the development of community-oriented initiatives and franchisee support. His experience in leadership positions at Biscuitville and Yum Brands has equipped him with the necessary skills to guide Mountain Mike’s Pizza toward innovation and sustainable development.

A menu that is diverse and caters to a wide variety of preferences is available at Mountain Mike’s Pizza. The pizza is unquestionably the centerpiece of the menu, as it is prepared daily with fresh dough and adorned with premium ingredients. Specialty pizzas, including The Everest, Pike’s Peak, and Mt. Veggiemore, are offered in addition to traditional options like cheese and pepperoni. 

The menu features a diverse selection of desserts, chicken wings, garlic knots, and mozzarella sticks, in addition to pizza. The all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar lunch buffet is a particularly popular choice for families and groups, as it offers a fantastic value. The dining experience is further enhanced by the restaurants’ selection of beverages, including beer and wine.

The franchise model of Mountain Mike’s Pizza has been instrumental in the company’s economic impact and expansion. Each location provides employment opportunities ranging from kitchen staff to managerial positions. The chain further stimulates local economies by sourcing ingredients locally whenever feasible, thereby supporting regional producers and suppliers. The average net worth per location was $1.1 million in 2023, and the system sales exceeded $297 million.

The franchise model also fosters entrepreneurship by enabling individuals to own and administer their businesses under the reputable Mountain Mike’s brand. This method has cultivated a network of franchisees who are devoted to upholding the company’s rigorous standards.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza is profoundly dedicated to the communities it serves. The company provides a wide range of fundraising initiatives that benefit local schools, academic clubs, juvenile sports teams, church groups, charities, and other non-profit organizations. These initiatives not only bolster the relationship between the chain and its consumers but also provide much-needed funds to community groups. Mountain Mike’s considerable dedication to community support is evident in the donation levels that typically range from 20% to 40% per restaurant.

The chain’s status as a community institution is further solidified by its active involvement in local events and support for community initiatives. Mountain Mike’s Pizza demonstrates its commitment to making a positive impact beyond the provision of exceptional cuisine by participating in local organizations and contributing to a variety of charitable causes.

Mountain Mike’s Pizza has received numerous accolades as a result of its dedication to community engagement and quality. Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® List rated it #92, and Newsweek named it one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains in 2023. The brand was also acknowledged as a top-10 brand in Fast Casual’s 2022 Top 100 Movers and Shakers list and was ranked among the top 150 restaurants in Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN) 2022 Top 500 Report. Furthermore, the chain was awarded the annual TopScore FUND Award by FRANdata in March 2024 for its industry-leading support of licensees’ access to financing and lending opportunities.