Mountain Mike’s Pizza Named Brand of the Year by Pizza Marketplace
Leading Family-Style Pizza Chain Recognized with Top Segment Honor and Prestigious Industry Accolade
Irvine, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for over 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, has been named Brand of the Year in Pizza Marketplace’s prestigious Top 100 Movers & Shakers, which highlights the most innovative and high-performing brands in the ultra-competitive pizza industry. Brands are evaluated on growth, technological advancement, menu innovation and operational excellence. With its legendary pizza and dedication to delivering exceptional dining experiences, Mountain Mike’s continues to reinforce its position as a pizza segment leader. The brand has grown exponentially since 2017 while staying true to its roots. Along the way, Mountain Mike’s has added numerous honors and accolades to an endless surge of industry acclaim.
“Being named Brand of the Year in Pizza Marketplace’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers reflects the significant momentum Mountain Mike’s has created, and it’s an honor that’s underpinned by the dedication of our franchisees, team members and loyal guests who continue to make Mountain Mike’s a pizza industry standout,” said Jim Metevier, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza, who also was recognized by Pizza Marketplace as one of the top-three executives for his outstanding brand leadership. “Our commitment to quality, innovation and community has fueled our growth and will always be a top brand priority, so even as we continue to expand, we will remain focused on delivering the exceptional experience our guests know and love.”
In addition to the top award from Pizza Marketplace, Mountain Mike’s has received other important industry recognition, including prestigious rankings and multiple accolades that highlight the brand’s continued growth and excellence. With an industry-leading 915 points and the highest score in the Food Category, Mountain Mike’s claimed FRANdata’s 2024 TopScore FUND Award, recognizing the brand’s outstanding support for franchisee financing and growth. Other notable rankings from the past year include a top-150 spot on the Restaurant Business’ Top 500, a 23-spot jump on the Franchise Times’ Top 400 list to debut at #182 and a debut as the #2 fastest-growing pizza chain by Eat This, Not That. Mountain Mike’s kicked off 2025 by securing the #89 position on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® List, reaching the prestigious top 100 for the third consecutive year.
“When Ed St. Geme and I acquired Mountain Mike’s Pizza in 2017, we identified reaching the top of the pizza segment as one of our main objectives, and we knew the goal was ambitious but realistic,” said Chris Britt, co-owner and co-chairman of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “The industry recognition we continue to receive is immensely rewarding, especially as it validates our vision for what we believed this brand could achieve.”
With a strong presence nationwide, proven franchise model and continued investments in quality and innovation, Mountain Mike’s is well-positioned for ongoing growth and segment dominance. The brand began the year with remarkable momentum, fueled by a record-breaking year in 2024 of expansion, strategic market entries and the opening of its 300th restaurant. Last year, Mountain Mike’s recorded its highest annual total of new restaurants, opening 21 locations nationwide, including debut entries in Colorado and Washington. The brand’s development pipeline surged with more than 40 additional units, highlighted by a 10-unit development deal in Florida, firmly establishing Mountain Mike’s as a rising national powerhouse in the ultra-competitive pizza industry. Today, nearly 140 future Mountain Mike’s Pizza restaurants are in development.
With more than 300 restaurants in operation across nine states and counting, Mountain Mike’s is primed to continue expansion throughout the U.S. by extending opportunities to new franchise partners looking to diversify their portfolios with a popular family pizza concept. To learn more about new franchise opportunities in your market of interest, visit MountainMikesFranchise.com.
About Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Since 1978, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, and dough made fresh daily has been a popular choice for families, serving “Pizza the Way it Oughta Be!®” In addition to offering carryout, its own in-house delivery, and four third-party delivery options, Mountain Mike’s provides a family-friendly dine-in environment making it easy for guests to enjoy the brand’s signature experience wherever they are. Most of its 300+ locations feature a kids’ activity area with arcade games, dedicated party rooms and big screen TVs throughout, making Mountain Mike’s an ideal place for sports teams, family gatherings, group fundraising events and private parties alike. With a menu of signature pizzas, chicken wings, garlic knots, fresh salads, sharable desserts, and a selection of beer and wine, there’s something for everyone at Mountain Mike’s. Guests may also take advantage of streamlined ordering via the Mountain Rewards® app to earn exclusive offers and personalized rewards towards free food. This year, Mountain Mike’s was named one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains by Newsweek, as well as one of the Top Beloved Brands by Nation’s Restaurant News. The brand also received FRANdata’s prestigious 2024 TopScore FUND Award. For a complete list of locations and the full menu, visit MountainMikesPizza.com or follow Mountain Mike’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Mountain Mike’s Media Contact:
Kristyna Otto
Powerhouse+Co.
Kristyna@powerhouseandco.com
- More from Mountain Mike’s Pizza
The post Mountain Mike’s Pizza Named Brand of the Year by Pizza Marketplace first appeared on RestaurantNews.com.
