Leading Family-Style Pizza Chain and National Pizza Player Builds on Strong 2024 Momentum
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, continued its impressive growth trajectory in Q1 2025, building on the momentum the brand created in 2024. Notably, Mountain Mike’s celebrated the opening of its 300th restaurant in January, a significant milestone that underscores its rapid expansion. Mountain Mike’s also maintained the record pace it established in the final quarter of last year, opening another nine new locations in Q1 that introduced popular pizza chain to new markets in California, Wisconsin, Nevada, Washington and Texas.
In addition to new locations in new territories, Mountain Mike’s signed Q1 agreements to develop nine more restaurants, including expansion into two new states – Virginia and Tennessee. The brand also inked development deals in existing high-potential markets in Colorado, California and Oregon. As Mountain Mike’s Pizza continues to expand, the brand is cementing its reputation as a national player in the pizza category.
“Our sustained development reinforces our strength as a growing chain with a rising position nationally in the highly competitive pizza space,” said Jim Metevier, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “From opening our 300th restaurant to expanding into multiple new markets, Q1 was an exciting quarter that demonstrated the best of our brand, including our exceptional franchise system, which continues to be fueled by the growing demand for Mountain Mike’s Pizza in communities across the country.”
Complementing robust development activities and new restaurant openings, Mountain Mike’s Pizza implemented an array of impactful marketing initiatives in Q1 that drove brand engagement and significant sales growth. In January, the chain launched a value-driven $9.99 Lunch Buffet and added two fresh new salads, Antipasto and Chef’s, to diversify menu offerings. February promotions leaned into Valentine’s Day with the return of the Heart-Shaped Pizza and a new Sweetheart Cherry Pie Dessert Pizza, which drove a 35% YOY sales increase and a 30% spike in orders. In fact, Valentine’s Day 2025 became the third-highest sales day in Mountain Mike’s history and its highest single-day order volume to date.
March saw the return of the fan-favorite Spicy Himalayan Pizza, the celebration of National Pi Day and the continuation of a successful wings promotion, offering six pieces for $4.99 and 12 for $8.99. Also in March, as baseball’s opening day approached, the brand proudly renewed its multi-year partnership with Angels Baseball for another four seasons, reinforcing its commitment to community. Q1 brand marketing endeavors elevated visibility for Mountain Mike’s Pizza and supported a notable increase in loyalty performance with loyalty sales up 153% and loyalty transactions up 108% YOY. Digital engagement also saw a major uptick, with Q1 engagement rates climbing more than 105%.
“As we continue to strengthen our position as a national brand, our marketing initiatives are thoughtfully designed to highlight what makes Mountain Mike’s Pizza distinct – premium quality, community connection and family-friendly value,” said Carol DeNembo, Chief Marketing Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “Our Q1 performance proved that this brand resonates far beyond our legacy markets, and as we grow, we’re focused on sustaining brand momentum with strategic storytelling, relevant promotions, innovation that keeps guests returning, and building meaningful connections with the communities where our restaurants serve amazing pizza.”
Mountain Mike’s continued to demonstrate its commitment to community impact with its Pizza 4 a Purpose initiative, a cause-driven campaign launched in response to the devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area. Recognizing the urgent need for support, the brand partnered with local relief organizations to raise funds and awareness for impacted families and first responders. Throughout the campaign, Mountain Mike’s donated a portion of proceeds from select menu items at participating locations to wildfire recovery efforts. Pizza 4 a Purpose assisted those in need, strengthened local engagement and amplified a longstanding brand promise: Giving to the communities served and making a difference.
Following an extended period of significant success and numerous milestones, Mountain Mike’s kicked off 2025 with high-profile recognition across the franchise and restaurant industries. Most notably, the brand was named Brand of the Year by Pizza Marketplace as part of its prominent Top 100 Movers & Shakers feature, underscoring its momentum as a category leader. In January, Mountain Mike’s secured the #89 spot on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list – marking its third consecutive year in the Top 100 – and climbed to the #4 position in the Pizza category. The brand also earned a Franchise Times Zor Award for “Top Sit-Down Pizza,” further reinforcing its industry strength.
With more than 300 restaurants in operation across ten 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.
Media Contact:
Kristyna Otto
Powerhouse+Co.
Kristyna@powerhouseandco.com
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