Leading Pizza Chain’s 45th Anniversary Marked by Impressive Sales and Franchise Growth
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading California-based family-style pizza chain for more than 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, dough made fresh daily, and toppings to the edge, proudly ended its 45th anniversary year with extraordinary sales and significant franchise growth. 2023 marked 13 consecutive years of positive Same Store Sales (SSS) for Mountain Mike’s Pizza, while Total System Sales grew nearly 7% and approached $300 million. Mountain Mike’s systemwide average unit volume has grown nearly 40% in the last five years, now reaching over $1.1 million, with the top 25% of locations averaging $1.62 million in sales. According to FRANdata, a franchise research and advisory firm, Mountain Mike’s achieved a 2023 FUND Score of 915, which was among the top 1% of all evaluated franchise systems. Impressively, Mountain Mike’s received the fourth-highest FUND score across all industry categories, as well as ranked second in the QSR industry and number one in the pizza category.
“Seeing Mountain Mike’s record another extraordinary year, especially as we celebrated our 45th anniversary, was deeply rewarding for everyone associated with the organization and a testament to the hard work of so many people who continue to grow this tremendous legacy brand and preserve its rich history that goes back nearly half a century,” said Chris Britt, co-Owner and co-Chairman of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “2023 reinforced our position as a pizza brand on the rise, and as we continue to climb the industry rankings, report impressive sales results and grow in new markets, we remain committed to continuing to make a lasting impact on the customers and communities that fuel our ascent.”
In 2023, Mountain Mike’s Pizza opened 15 locations across the U.S., including highly anticipated debuts in Texas, Colorado and Los Angeles County, and added more than 60 units to its pipeline through franchise recruitment and development. The fast-growing chain also inked multi-unit deals in Washington and Wisconsin, bringing development to 10 total states across the U.S. With plans to over 30 restaurants in 2024, the brand is on pace to surpass the 300-unit milestone by mid-2024 and expects to reach the 400-unit milestone by the end of 2026, which would mark a 120% increase in restaurants since 2017. In the year ahead, Mountain Mike’s will remain focused on strengthening its presence in states primed for significant growth, including Texas, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.
“As we continue to expand our footprint nationally in 2024, and begin our ascent toward 400 restaurants in operation, we recognize that our growth in new and existing markets is being fueled by America’s love for pizza and our ability to meet consumer appetites with ‘Pizza the Way It Oughta Be’ wherever we go,” added Ed St. Geme, co-owner and co-Chairman of Mountain Mike’s Pizza.
A thoughtfully strategic and remarkably effective combination of menu innovation and creative marketing helped make 2023 a banner year for Mountain Mike’s Pizza. The brand saw a 62% increase in loyalty app members, which exceeded its goal of 400,000 users. Also last year, Mountain Mike’s executed a record number of successful LTOs, including Heart Shaped Pizzas, Garlic Not-Knots, the BBQ at the Ranch Pizza and Cinnamon Not-Knots. In February, Mountain Mike’s promoted its iconic Heart-Shaped Pizzas, resulting in a 33% increase in sales during the monthlong promo compared to the prior year, plus a 23.1% increase in SSS on Valentine’s Day. The brand’s craveable and sharable Garlic Not-Knots were another delicious success, improving check averages by nearly $1 and generating a 35% sales increase in the sides category. Due to the highly successful LTO campaign, the Garlic Not-Knots were added as a permanent menu item and inspired Mountain Mike’s Q4 LTO, the Cinnamon Not-Knots. In addition to adding new guest-favorite menu items, Mountain Mike’s focused key messaging around its midweek Lunch Buffet, driving sales over 130%, along with a campaign around its fan favorite Wings, skyrocketing sales over 500%.
Mountain Mike’s also built upon its existing sports partnerships in 2023, adding another major player to the roster of high-profile teams it proudly sponsors when the brand became the Official Pizza Partner of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings basketball team. With existing partnerships with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and MLB’s Los Angeles Angels, Mountain Mike’s effectively activated all three major sports sponsorships with numerous awareness opportunities, including in-stadium, in-market and in-community activations with each team to reach new guests and elevate brand affinity among sports fans.
“I am immensely proud of the many milestones Mountain Mike’s reached in 2023, which wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless work of our impressive franchisees and our talented franchise support team, who constantly elevate our brand to the next level,” said Jim Metevier, CEO of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “As our guest-first approach to serving amazing pizza keeps our restaurants buzzing, and our high-profile sports integrations and digital activations continue to resonate with our passionate fans, Mountain Mike’s is as strong as it’s ever been, and we’re excited to create even more momentum in 2024 as we anticipate another year of major franchise growth, needle-moving marketing initiatives and dedication to the communities we serve.”
2023 also was marked by well-earned industry recognition for Mountain Mike’s, as the brand continued to climb the industry’s most prestigious rankings and lists, while receiving numerous accolades. Mountain Mike’s was named one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains by Newsweek and once again secured a respected spot inside the top 100 companies on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 List. With the release of the 2024 ranking, Mountain Mike’s has now been listed at #92 for the last two years. Entrepreneur also awarded Mountain Mike’s a top-30 position in its Top 150 Franchises for Veterans ranking, along with a top-40 position in its Top 150 Brands for Multi-Unit Owners. Mountain Mike’s appeared in five important categories in the 2023 Pizza Marketplace Movers and Shakers, including recognition as a top-5 Growth Brand. Moreover, Mountain Mike’s CEO Jim Metevier was recognized prominently as a top-3 executive by Pizza Marketplace. Other notable rankings included a debut in QSR Magazine’s Top Franchise Deals Report and a 25-spot jump on the Franchise Times Top 400 list. PMQ also featured Mountain Mike’s as a Top 5 Contender for the 10 Pizza Brands Ranking in its annual Pizza Power Report.
With nearly 300 units in operation across eight 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.
Since 1978, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading California-based 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!” up and down the West Coast. 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 nearly 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 bread, salads, mozzarella sticks, 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 as one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains by Newsweek, as well as one of the Top Beloved Brands by Nation’s Restaurant News. For a complete list of locations and the full menu, visit www.MountainMikesPizza.com or follow Mountain Mike’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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